Another Nubie in the house

[Pepatone]

Hello everyone!!
I just recently purchased a GS650G it has 14,500 miles on it and it runs but smokes like a bat out of hell. Being that I just puchased this bike what are my main concerns? The gentleman I bought it off of just did an oil change and he changed the spark plugs ealier this year. She doesn't idle well it does alot of stalling. Also, I'm a novice mechanic with limited tools. I'm not afraid to do some work but I just need some guidance.

[prxbadger]

hi, what colour is the smoke and is it from all exhaust pipes?

[Pepatone]

The color of the smoke is grey and black and it comes out of both pipes. I also forgot to mention that this my first bike ever. I'm a beginner rider and a beginner bike owner.

[Dave8338]

The color of the smoke is grey and black and it comes out of both pipes. I also forgot to mention that this my first bike ever. I'm a beginner rider and a beginner bike owner.

Usually smoke of this color denotes an excess fuel condition. Have you pulled the spark plugs and checked them for color? Is the bike stock or has it been modded? When you mention that the bike stalls alot, does the exhaust smell like it's running rich (like an old boat motor)?

[Pepatone]

It does smell a bit like an old boat motor. If I don't give it a little gas it will cut off, ocasionally it would stay on and idle at about 900 to 1200 rpm. But for the most part it cuts off. When I pull the plugs what colors am I looking for? Is it the same thing as a car spark plug? I have the original owners manual and it says that the engine and speedometor was changed at 8000 miles is that common. How would I know if it's a new engine or the original one?

[MissFabulous]

It does smell a bit like an old boat motor. If I don't give it a little gas it will cut off, ocasionally it would stay on and idle at about 900 to 1200 rpm. But for the most part it cuts off. When I pull the plugs what colors am I looking for? Is it the same thing as a car spark plug? I have the original owners manual and it says that the engine and speedometor was changed at 8000 miles is that common. How would I know if it's a new engine or the original one?

Here is some decent info on spark plugs and this, at the same site, is more detailed, but still some speculation is still in order there, but generally, at least as this newbie understands it, black & wet = rich, white & dry = lean, amber = just right... relatively...

As far as changing the engine, I wouldn't say that's common... from what little I know, these engines last a long, LONG time, but the VIN on the engine should tell you at least what engine is in there. I can't find the link to the engine ID stuff, but no doubt some more knowledgeable folks will be able to and likely show up in no time :-D.

[Pepatone]

Thanks for the info. I'm on my way out to run it and check them plugs. Here's another question I have though the person I bought the bike off of gave me some new air filters but the ones he gave me would eliminate the air box and get attached to the carb directly (they look like some sporty ones. In any event he told me that I would have to get some bigger jets for the carb. Is this recommended I don't want to do anything to put too much strain on the bike it's pretty old being that it's a 81 thats like almost 26 years old. Should I just get the carbs and the air filter cleaned or get those carbs cleaned and bigger jets to put the straight shot air filters in? Sorry for the rookie questions I can't help it I'm new at this stuff!! Thanks for the help!!

[MissFabulous]

Thanks for the info. I'm on my way out to run it and check them plugs. Here's another question I have though the person I bought the bike off of gave me some new air filters but the ones he gave me would eliminate the air box and get attached to the carb directly (they look like some sporty ones. In any event he told me that I would have to get some bigger jets for the carb. Is this recommended I don't want to do anything to put too much strain on the bike it's pretty old being that it's a 81 thats like almost 26 years old. Should I just get the carbs and the air filter cleaned or get those carbs cleaned and bigger jets to put the straight shot air filters in? Sorry for the rookie questions I can't help it I'm new at this stuff!! Thanks for the help!!

I'm guessing they're "pods" - search the tech forum as well as the Performance Mods forum and you will find overwhelming information on them... and probably as much disagreement on them as the age-old chain vs. shaft debate. Using them does require re-jetting though. My guess would be if it still has the normal airbox and filter, keep them on it for now and research info on pods, then you can make decisions about putting them on later.

[tkent02]

Don't worry about the strain...

I don't want to do anything to put too much strain on the bike it's pretty old being that it's a 81 thats like almost 26 years old.

These bikes are tough. This old engine with 14,000 miles has the ability to run for many many years. But getting it to run correctly is important, too much fuel will wear the engine out very quickly by washing oil away from the cylinder walls.
Perhaps the choke is stuck on? Float level way too high? Find out what the previous owner did or didn't do to it. Perhaps he changed jets in a misguided attempt to make more power without knowing what he was doing?

[Pepatone]

They are pods. Well I guess to get my bike in tip top. I will start with a tune up (Changing spark plugs, wires, oil, oil filter) I know I have to get that carb cleaned and do you have any other suggestions. By the way I just came in from riding and that bike has some kick to it. I think it's going to be a fun summer!!!

[marvinsc]

Being as You said You're New to all this, Rule #1 on changing the Oil is Do NOT Over tighten the Acorn Nuts on the Oil Filter Cover! The Threads are Fragile and Strip out Very Easily as Many here can Testify. Tight is Good, Overtight is Bad!:-D

[Pepatone]

Thanks for the tips! This site is great!! I checked the plugs and they looked good. I also spoke to the last owner and he mentioned that the rings on one of the cylinders are bad. I'm not sure I could do that but I would give it a shot. Like I said before with a little guidence anything is possible.

[themess]

Start out by buying a Clymer's manual for the bike, about $25 on Ebay or Amazon. Even better, buy the factory manual if the price doesn't scare you.

http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

The rings on a GS650G should be in excellent condition at 14K miles, unless the bike has been badly abused.

Few shops or mechanics know how to tune or repair quarter-century old motorcycles. Plan on buying some tools and learning how to do it yourself. The people on this site will become your best friends in motorcycling. They will guide you at each step.

[SqDancerLynn1]

The fact that the changed the motor & speedo means that you have NO idea how many miles are on the engine or the bike, Not a big problem. If the bike has sat for a long time you could try adding some marvel mys oil to the cylinders and letting it soak- it could have gummed up rings

[Cruzr]

Welcome to the group! Have fun!