What RMP do you guys have your bikes idling at?

[crc1214]

Pete,

What year is that spec for (2-3000 rpm) for the 550? Are you sure that idle speed isn't for when you're doing something special to the bike?

Just sounds really high to me, as my 78 gs550e calls for 1100.

[Hoomgar]

I agree, 2000 and up seems way high for any motorcycle.

[Pete's GS]

Hi, guys. Mine's a 1980 but I believe this is true for all 550s from '77 to '85. Bike seems fine with it.

[Hoomgar]

Well I believe you Pete if you say so but I know my 650 and my 550 both idle just like any large bore. If I idled any of my bikes at 2k plus it would give one hell of a clunk when dropping it into 1st gear.

[Anonymous]

Now that I have my carbs all sorted out and the new intake boots and o-rings my 81 550T idles perfectly at 850 rpm.... Once its warmed up that is

[Pete's GS]

Uh, guys, I'm a little brain-dead today (yawn, yawn). That recommended idle speed for a 550 GS should be 1-2k rpm.

[80gs1000e]

Excellent, thanks for the info. If the 80gs1000e goes under 1000 RPM while cold the clutch basket rattles something fierce. But after she warms up, it totally goes away. I may invest in an Ape nut as suggested by others here eventually but for now I can live with it. Just glad to know that my settings are pretty normal among the GS crew. I may raise the 550 back to 1000 RPM since it sometimes hesitates off low idle when I goose it. It really does prefer to idle at 1K too. 8)

[Hoomgar]

Uh, guys, I'm a little brain-dead today (yawn, yawn). That recommended idle speed for a 550 GS should be 1-2k rpm.

he he he, I figured It's all good man

[Hoomgar]

Excellent, thanks for the info. If the 80gs1000e goes under 1000 RPM while cold the clutch basket rattles something fierce. But after she warms up, it totally goes away. I may invest in an Ape nut as suggested by others here eventually but for now I can live with it. Just glad to know that my settings are pretty normal among the GS crew. I may raise the 550 back to 1000 RPM since it sometimes hesitates off low idle when I goose it. It really does prefer to idle at 1K too. 8)

The GS1000 has a very noisy cam chain at low idle. However just so you know, my clutch basket made noise at low idle like yours too. Joe said the cam chain should and you just ignore it but the clutch basket should not and that it was most likely because it was worn out. When we rebuilt the bottom end we found out he was right. The basket was worn out right at the splines where it goes onto the end of the shaft. The play was very minimal but was noticeable when you would wiggle it. We replaced it of course. Sounds like your may be worn a bit too. But I can tell you that mine did that for almost 8 years and other than the sound wasn't an issue. Joe assures me it will not do it anymore when we bring her back up now with the new basket.

[80gs1000e]

The GS1000 has a very noisy cam chain at low idle. However just so you know, my clutch basket made noise at low idle like yours too. Joe said the cam chain should and you just ignore it but the clutch basket should not and that it was most likely because it was worn out. When we rebuilt the bottom end we found out he was right. The basket was worn out right at the splines where it goes onto the end of the shaft. The play was very minimal but was noticeable when you would wiggle it. We replaced it of course. Sounds like your may be worn a bit too. But I can tell you that mine did that for almost 8 years and other than the sound wasn't an issue. Joe assures me it will not do it anymore when we bring her back up now with the new basket.

If you don't mind me asking, roughly how much did you pay for the new basket?

Is it a welded basket/modified basket/or an OEM stock basket?

Did you also invest in a new clutch, Ape nut? Stock or aftermarket?

[Hoomgar]

The GS1000 has a very noisy cam chain at low idle. However just so you know, my clutch basket made noise at low idle like yours too. Joe said the cam chain should and you just ignore it but the clutch basket should not and that it was most likely because it was worn out. When we rebuilt the bottom end we found out he was right. The basket was worn out right at the splines where it goes onto the end of the shaft. The play was very minimal but was noticeable when you would wiggle it. We replaced it of course. Sounds like your may be worn a bit too. But I can tell you that mine did that for almost 8 years and other than the sound wasn't an issue. Joe assures me it will not do it anymore when we bring her back up now with the new basket.

If you don't mind me asking, roughly how much did you pay for the new basket?

Is it a welded basket/modified basket/or an OEM stock basket?

Did you also invest in a new clutch, Ape nut? Stock or aftermarket?

All stock and or aftermarket stock replacement. Nothing modified and I am sorry to say I actually do not know how much it all cost yet. But yes, all new clutch parts as well. I am spending a couple g's on the whole job so I do not have the price break down yet. Sorry bro

[Anonymous]

I set it as low as I can. But, I can't stand listening to my 400 juggle back and forth between each cylinder so it's usually around 1200. Waiting on carb boot o-rings as we speak.

Steve

[crag antler]

My 83 1100E idles right around 1200 and loves it.
Gives her a nice rich purr :twisted: :twisted:

[10yeareer]

Tally another one up for 1200 rpm. I just got done with valve adjustments and carb rebuild,sync etc.

[Pete's GS]

Okay, guys, one more time with feeling. Idle speeds for GS550s

8-valves: 1000-1200 rpm
16-valves: 900-1100 rpm.

That's more like it.