81 GS550 feels slow / wont rev past 6K

[hampshirehog]

I only asked about the red frame as a guy over your way was member on here with the same problem recently. His bike had a red frame. He wouldn't believe he should clean the carbs properly and after a dozen attempts at not doing the job right gave up and sold the bike.

A 550 will romp way over a ton easily though as a bobber I wouldn't want to go over 50.

[chrsjcb]

That's comforting to know that it will actually move a bit.

A "proper" carb clean is in order then... I'll print that guide off and follow it.

Will service the petcock first.

[hampshirehog]

The power on a 550 only starts to kick in above 6k rpm so you haven't felt what she should run like yet.

[chrsjcb]

Brilliant, it's frustrating how you have to be so meticulous with the carbs.

It runs really badly and they appeared fine, frustrating!

Hopefully it will fix it!

[keman]

Have you tested for air leaks? the boots from the air box to the carbs need to seal well. The BIG one is the seal between the carbs and the head. There are O-rings on the head mating surface of the intake tubes there that are almost always bad. An easy test is to have the bike running and carefully spray the areas around the boots and such with starting fluid. If the engine changes rev at all, you have a leak.

Are the air box and exhaust pipes stock on this bike??

[chrsjcb]

i printed off the guide and followed it, put everyting back together and it runs slightly better, revs a little higher and feels more responsive but it isn't quite there yet.

I noticed I am missing a jubilee clip on one of the boots to the engine and another to the carbs which could be affecting it. The rubber on all parts of the system is in good condition, no cracks or warping.

I've been told to check my timing, so i will be doing that along with the new clips.

[cowboyup3371]

Did you check the valve clearances and then synch it with a carbtune or other manometer yet? You'll still need to do those along with tuning via the highest RPM method to get it right.

[Missile99]

Chrsjcb, how is the bike running now?