Black sooty plugs

[gsrick]

[QUOTE=tkent02;2207116]I can't imagine riding a 550 like that, it's just incredibly slow below 6,000 or so. How do you keep ahead of traffic? How do you go up hills? How do you stay awake?[/QUOTE]

[uk gs nut]

Have you tried the highest idle method to adjust idle mixtures,4 seems ok so leave it. I myself stopped using Morrisons and other supermarket fuel, I found BP or JET gave better mileage and smoother running. Looks like its a problem with carbs, maybe time for O rings from Robert Barr and a good clean, followed by vacuum sync.

[ukjules]

I like to cruise about - I have almost been and done the speed thing and cruising to Lyme Regis on an eve is the best thing in the world.
BUT I will wind it up and see what the machine is made of purely to see if this is the technical reason for the plugs.

At 6000 revs however I can get up to 70mph easily. acceleration just fine even if I change at 5k.
Since the total head rebuild it goes like a dream and overtaking is easy even at my limited revs.
Just back from a burn and pushed up to 7000revs .... and the powerband is RD350LC like.
These bikes do go when tuned right.

Will report and will try better petrol ..

P.S in all the years I have owned my GS (5 years now) I have never seen another either on the road or parked up ?
Im possibly going too fast for others to catch up...

[gustovh]

My suggestion wold be to adjust your pilot screws. Turn 1-3 in about 1/4 turn and take a ride then check the plug. Keep turning in each carb until the plug is a nice tan. JMO

V

[Chris G]

Have you tried the highest idle method to adjust idle mixtures,4 seems ok so leave it. I myself stopped using Morrisons and other supermarket fuel, I found BP or JET gave better mileage and smoother running. Looks like its a problem with carbs, maybe time for O rings from Robert Barr and a good clean, followed by vacuum sync.

I'm with you on the supermarket fuel, never put it in any of my bikes.

[tkent02]

The GS does not care about fuel.
The GS enjoys cheap fuel.
The GS only wants to be wound out.

[uk gs nut]

ukjules, to keep you going with your carbs here is a picture of my son James`s 550 with my 750, as you say you don't see any about.

[uk gs nut]

And another

[ukjules]

They are well nice.
I think they are simply the best gs's as proportion is spot on.
I need an original seat like yours , just to swap over on occasions.
Nice bikes ! But still not seen one on road