GS250T performance question

[Anonymous]

I picked up a 1980 GS250T with 4000 miles. It's in pretty good shape, but I have two concerns. Any help or info would be appreciated:

1) The engine generates a LOT of mechanical noise. Sounds like maybe the cam chain plus a ticking noise (very noticable just above idle) that I hope is not rod knock. Is this normal for this engine? The oil has no visible metal particles, which I would expect if it were a rod bearing. Anything else I should be looking at?

2) It's a dog until it gets above 6500 RPM. I cleaned the carbs but it didn't seem to make a difference. The bike starts easily, idles well, but has no power unless it's wound right out. Again, is this normal for this bike? If not, what should I be looking at?

Thanks!

MC

[HiSPL]

check the cam chain tensioner. It can get stuck on sometimes causing alot of noise in the cam/valve train. Take it off and clean it good and lube it up. Check your manual for the proper sequence on the removal/replacement of the tensioner. It is possible to shoot things waaaay across the yard if you don't have the set screw tightened.

Its also possible that your bike will run better below 6500 rpm after you do this.

Good luck....

[Anonymous]

Well, I just checked out the cam chain tensioner. It's working OK, so that's not the problem. Still a lot of noise, mostly from the right side of the engine.

How much power should I expect? It can barely pull me (175 lbs) at 55 MPH, and top gear is only good for a flat road with a tailwind. I seem to remember my first road bike (a 175 Honda) had about as much power. Maybe my GS850 has me spoiled!

[focus frenzy]

Well, I just checked out the cam chain tensioner. It's working OK, so that's not the problem. Still a lot of noise, mostly from the right side of the engine.

How much power should I expect? It can barely pull me (175 lbs) at 55 MPH, and top gear is only good for a flat road with a tailwind. I seem to remember my first road bike (a 175 Honda) had about as much power. Maybe my GS850 has me spoiled!

it should pull you way better than 55mph!
I had a GS250t and it could peg the spedo without to much trouble, and was good for a bit over 90mph.
the numbers for the 80 GS250 are:

29hp @ 10,000rpm
16ft/lb @ 8000rpm
the power band is normal, even for the bigger GS's, my 1000G comes alive at 6000rpm
check the valves and compresion, the 250 is a four valve per cylinder engine and uses screw and lock nut adjusters for the valves.
something is not right with your bike.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! That's the kind of information I needed. Turns out there's another GS250 for sale nearby, missing the mufflers and I don't know what else. If it runs, maybe I can patch a working bike together between the two machines.

[HiSPL]

Sounds like a good plan

Good luck...