Quick question - What would/should a shop charge or how much time would it take to tune up the carburetors on a 1983 GS550E?
The girlfriend just started riding and we are looking at a bike for her. We have our eye on a 1983 GS550E that is in good condition except for one thing, the bike consistently stalls when stopping (unless it is a very slow gentle stop). In my test drive at every stop sign or light I had to restart the engine. Thankfully there were no issues with the restart. When I asked the owner if this happened to him, he said no as he was always blipping the throttle (if he stopped at all I assume, he is a young man).
I searched around the forum here and it seems that this issue is common enough, there are a handful of threads, but no conclusive single solution except for checking the carbs out thoroughly. In order of likely culprits, floats seem to be the first thing to check, airjet and idle adjustments, leaks around the intake, ensure that the carbs are synced, and finally petcock issues. I have my doubts about the petcock due to the immediacy and consistency of the stalls. If all that yeilds nothing, rebuild the carbs, but I hope to avoid the latter.
The owner is going to try and fix the issue himself, but as he is anxious to get on his new Yamaha 1000 rocket (his dad will not let him register/ride it until the GS is sold), I am thinking he may be motivated to move the bike for less money and time and potentially save money ourselves.
So what kind of investment may be required either at a shop or in my own time? I am mecanically inclined, understand the carburetor in theory, but have never taken one apart. If I can shave $400-500 of the selling price ($1700) should we be able to fix the issue for less than that?
Thanks in advance for any information.
Tim
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Inspired by Long Way Round - Powered by a 2002 KLR650 - Driven by ME
2007 V-Strom 650 new to the stable!
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