GS650G - broader powerband possible?

[ajf]

I like my GS650G (I've had it since new, so I must like it). It's got enough power for my touring application, but I'd like a broader powerband that maintains acceleration right up to the redline. My bike seems to run out of air starting at least 1000 rpm below the redline. I've done a search which yielded ideas to increase horsepower, but nothing on this particular issue. If a simple air filter change and/or some minor rejetting would help I'd like to try it. Suggestions?

If anyone has a stock GS650G that doesn't do this, I'd also like to hear about that. Maybe I just need a lot less oil on the air filter. (Has anyone tried removing the air filter as a brief experiment? Does it help?)

[spchips]

Redline is not usually peak torque, that's a little lower. So it may seem like you're dropping off, since torque stops increasing at say 8,000. Although mine seems to pull up to redline without as much as a drop as you describe.

Your best bet is to take off the mirrors and replace the lower bike with a 1000cc unit.

[ajf]

Well, yeah, the torque peak is normally well below the redline. However, on most of the bikes I've had the torque at the rear wheel (ie., acceleration) was maximized by spinning it right up to the redline. Typically the % drop in engine torque between 1000 rpm below the redline and at the redline is less than the % drop in rear wheel torque after upshifting early (because of the change in torque multiplication in the gearbox), so it's better to spin it higher. However, I feel I get better acceleration on the GS650G by shifting well below the redline. It feels like the engine is strangling when it spins near the redline. Since this is not normal - maybe it is normal for this particular model - I'm hoping there might be some easy fix.

As I said in my first post, overall I'm very happy with the bike. More power would overtax a chassis and suspension that is just adequate for touring. For the twisties the old GS is pathetic compared to even a beginner level sportbike like my SV650S. So, no, I'm not interested in adding 80 pounds to get an extra 30 hp.