A silly question from a newbee

[jteller1]

My silly question is does the GS 550E have a noisy transmission? The bike sat for 15 years I changed to a roller chain and new sprockets. I am not sure it there is a problem or not. I use valvoline 20-50 motorcycle oil, the clutch is adjusted right and the bike shifts with no problems. Is it a characteristic of the bike?

[renobruce]

Have you had a look behind the clutch cover? Is that where the noise is? Is it more pronounced at idle? If so, you might just need to tighten up the clutch hub nut. They can come loose and make the clutch rattle.

[Nessism]

I had two different 550's and neither had a noisy transmission.

[chef1366]

If you replaced the counter sprocket with the dampening it will make more noise.

[kparkfan]

Isnt the best oil to in the bikes usually 10w40?

[jteller1]

How difficult is it to tighten up that nut? Should I replace the springs and clutches while I am inthere? Its got 15K on the bike.

What is the counter sprocket?

[jteller1]

OIL that I am using. Could this cause noise????

The biker at a garage said the 20w50 valvoline motorcycle oil is what I should use. He said it would protect the clutches Do you suggest going back to 10W40?

[ryonker]

No, don't worry about the oil. Lots of folks on this forum use (and swear by) 20w 50 oils (amsoil) and 15w 40 Rotella. I use 20w 50 Amsoil and it has been great for me! I am also using the Rotella in my other bike. These oils work good for these bikes since they are air cooled.

Rick

[kparkfan]

Thats just what i use in both of my bikes. Didnt know you could actually use 20w50. I'm new to all this myself. hopefully some else will chime in on whether its better to to use the 20w50 or the 10w40.

[67fire]

I have been using 15W-50 for the past 10+ years.
As for the noise, check out what Bruce was telling you and then
determine which clutches and springs that you may need.

Eric

[Nessism]

20W-50 is fine for summer but I wouldn't run it if the temps are below 50F. More importantly, oil is not the problem here.

[TheCafeKid]

How difficult is it to tighten up that nut? Should I replace the springs and clutches while I am inthere? Its got 15K on the bike.

What is the counter sprocket?

Have you tried adjusting the clutch at all? If its a bit out to the point where its not completely disengaging it could make some chatter...


the nut is not difficult to tighten, tho you will need the necessary tools and to prepare yourself for the job. I dunno what size it is on the 550? But on MOST of the larger GSs, its a 32mm bolt on both the clutch hub nut and the countershaft sprocket nut. Ive not heard of 550s having the clutch basket issues that the larger GSs seem to have, but its worth a look at that hub nut. You will need a new clutch cover gasket. And, while you're in there, if you feel its necessary (clutch slipping at all?) you can replace the springs, and have a look at the fibers and steels (clutches as you call them) MOST times you dont need to replace anything but the springs. All easy stuff if you've any idea of which end of the wrench to turn. You want to make sure you get that gasket cleaned off well too.

Oh, and the "countershaft sprocket" is also known as the front sprocket. The countershaft is what the sprocket rides on.

I would suggest, if no one here has already, that you pick up a manual for that fine machine of yours. If you get the required things taken care of, that baby will last you a GOOOD long time... They are bulletproof.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Just for fun, let's learn a little about oil...

http://www.thegsresources.com/garage/gs_oil.htm

http://www.mediafire.com/?5pjzmyyijji

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Consumables.html

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Oils1.html

What can I say? I bored.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[rustybronco]

Thats just what i use in both of my bikes. Didnt know you could actually use 20w50. I'm new to all this myself. hopefully some else will chime in on whether its better to to use the 20w50 or the 10w40.

Based on MY personal experiences you can use 20w50 oil, as long as its NOT advanced auto parts 20w50. I've had Advanced 20w50 in the my bike for going on near "maybe" 90 miles? I'm having a very hard time finding neutral!!!!!!!!!
I had Amsoil 20w50 in it for over 5,000 miles and it was never close to this junk!

I think a good use for the Advanced auto 20w50, might be for filling my oil can. I will be draining it and refilling with 15w40 Rotella tonight.

p.s. the engine is noisier with it also! [end] rant