GS450 Newb

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

Just bought my first streetbike. Wanted something manageable to save some gas money for the commute, and have some fun cruising country roads. Got a deal on a 1981 GS450 (not sure about the suffix letters). So far I love it. It's light, comfortable, handles well (for what I know) and has enough juice to keep up in traffic. The questions: (first of several I'm sure)

1. My key has an off/lock, off, on, and a fourth position to the right that can't identify. What is it?

2. The bike idles really low (500-600rpm) and dies on startup unless I keep the throttle on a bit. This also happens when I clutch-in to downshift for a stop sign. The rpms fall through the floor and it dies on me! Not only is this embarrasing, but also not that safe. Otherwise the bike runs very smoothly. Anyone have ideas? Should I raise the idle? and how? Do my carbs need cleaning? How?

Any ideas would be great thanks.

[Desolation Angel]

Re: GS450 Newb

Hello all,

Just bought my first streetbike. Wanted something manageable to save some gas money for the commute, and have some fun cruising country roads. Got a deal on a 1981 GS450 (not sure about the suffix letters). So far I love it. It's light, comfortable, handles well (for what I know) and has enough juice to keep up in traffic. The questions: (first of several I'm sure)

1. My key has an off/lock, off, on, and a fourth position to the right that can't identify. What is it?

2. The bike idles really low (500-600rpm) and dies on startup unless I keep the throttle on a bit. This also happens when I clutch-in to downshift for a stop sign. The rpms fall through the floor and it dies on me! Not only is this embarrasing, but also not that safe. Otherwise the bike runs very smoothly. Anyone have ideas? Should I raise the idle? and how? Do my carbs need cleaning? How?

Any ideas would be great thanks.

You should have about an inch wide knurled screw kinda under and to the rear of the carbs near the airbox that you turn clockwise to increase the idle. Item #62 on the schematic. I reach it with needlenose. My manual says to set the idle speed to between 1,100rpm & 1,300rpm. That is, after you've got that cold-blooded beast WELL warmed up!

[Desolation Angel]

Oh, that last position for your key to the right, if it's like my '82, should be labeled "P". I never use it, but as I recall it allows you to both lock your forks and leave "Parking" lights on simultaneously.

I think. Haven't used it in months. I could be wrong.

[Anonymous]

Answers

Wow, thanks for the quick reply, D.A.! I'll give that a shot. Idle would be much better at that range. I'll let you know how it works.

I've found a few spots, but wondering if you had any suggesions on the best place to get a manual?

Thanks.

[Desolation Angel]

I don't know that it's the best place, but I got my Clymer's off eBay. They're always for sale there.

Here's one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...551048344&rd=1

[Anonymous]

Idle set

Took her for a little ride to get all warmed up, twisted the knob, purrs like a kitten. Thanks again.

[Desolation Angel]

I live to serve. 8)

[Anonymous]

I've got a new, unopened Clymer manual for the 450s.

Send me an email if you are interested.

espumoso #AT# zukes. *DOT* com

[snark]

Don't forget to check your electical stuff too. I had the same problem with mine and it turned out to be a bad coil. Playing with my carbs helped a little, but replacing the coil and fixing the weak spark was what really helped. These bikes are great, but I've learned to check every possible cause before I consider something fixed. After 24 years on the road, I expect to find other little problems that contribute to the big head ache.

[xxwaldoxx]

I have a factory service manual like the one below

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10961&item=6533729239&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

May or may not want to look into one of those. Ive been really happy with mine so far. It gets pretty technical wich is good and bad (for me anyway, im not much of a mechanic)

[Anonymous]

1 more quick ?

This is a pic of someone else's bike I found on this site:
Looks identical to mine. Same paintjob and everything. Can anyone tell me the suffix letters? 1981 GS450- S? XS?

[Anonymous]

Looks like a GS450E to me.

[Desolation Angel]

Hmmm...it looks like this GSX400E to me...not sure...



If it is a 450 then I vote for it being an "E".

[Anonymous]

If L means cruiser and S stands for Sport, does the E mean anything?

(btw, put new plugs in, tweaked the idle, took 'er for a ride and it runs killer)

[Desolation Angel]

If L means cruiser and S stands for Sport, does the E mean anything?

(btw, put new plugs in, tweaked the idle, took 'er for a ride and it runs killer)

Standard w/mags ("E"conomy?).