Modern GS500 carbs on GS450

[Guest]

Anyone using GS500E carbs on their bikes?

They seem like they might be a good option to replace
on a bike with DOA carbs since they can be found in amazaing condition.

[Mekanix]

Yes, Direct fit and same jets/types.

[Big Rich]

Agreed - that's what I have on my 450.

The air filter mouth is a different size, and you need a GS500 throttle cable. Other than that, bolt on and go.

[83_450E]

Any improvements over the 450 design carbs?

[Big Rich]

Well, they are flat slides like most modern bikes for starters. The air filter side of the carb is larger to allow more air in thru a similar (or identical?) throat diameter. The GS500 carbs are ridiculously light weight compared to stock GS450 carbs (roughly 3 pounds lighter). The drain is set up differently, so you can hook up a small hose to the float bowl - which can also be used to check float height with clear tubing. When messing with the jetting, there are only 2 screws holding the GS500 float bowls on, compared to the Gs450's 4 screws.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

[GS(X)400]

Would these fit onto a 82 GS400 or are these a different diameter.

[ontario.chris]

I'm also interested the GS500 carbs could swap into a GS400... For future reference.

[Mekanix]

Would these fit onto a 82 GS400 or are these a different diameter.

YES. I put my 500's on the frankintwin and it fits the same as the stock ones do. And yes its really easy to change the jets and set the float level or drain the bowls.

Inside the main jets and pilot jets are the same types. I'd even say the needles are pretty close!

There's lots of good reasons to use these as upgrades.

K&N makes a one piece filter for them.