1983 GS450E build. My first bike.

[pete]

Sounds like you're going to need to do 1/2 and 3/4 throttle plug chops to see if it's lean or rich at that point.

If it's lean, a bigger main might be a compromise without having to make the 1/4 to 1/2 range too rich again.

If it's rich, a smaller main might be a compromise the other way without leaning out the 1/4 to 1/2 range too much.

However it sounds like my situation where the true and proper solution is a different needle, but that's where it gets tricky as there's no easy way to get the next size up needle like there is for the jets.

Back firing through the carbs at idle... I only seem to get that now if I run 98 octane fuel, running 95 doesn't do it that I've noticed lately. That's with my mixture screws at 3 1/2 turns out too!

I believe if the pilot circuit is too lean that it can also have an occassional pop through the carbs...

[83_450E]

I did some deep thinking...mikuni doesn't size a 136 jet. My jet is 136 stamped...dynojrt makes a 136 for their gs450 kit.
Did my carbs get dynojet kit fitted?! Either way still runs like ****.
Dynojet 136 to mikuni is 127.5
I'll order some fatter mains...

[83_450E]

I put the rest of my cluster back on.
I had to click into reserve last night on a ride...not having a fuel gauge is a pain in the ass.
The gear indicator on this thing is pretty rad! Haven't seen it on another bike. I'm not sure what the point of knowing what gear you're in is though.
The neutral light works too at that should save my wrist at stop lights. 10% over clutch springs went in and boy does it feel like it.
The turn indicator lamp is constantly, lowly, illuminated with power on - turn signal off. It flashes normally now with the lamps. My turn signal switch may be finding a ground through that lamp then. There may be some conductive pudding in there.

[pete]

Once you get used to your range you won't worry about the fuel gauge, I don't miss one at all.

I like my gear position indicator so much that I made a custom dash to hold it alongside my Acewell gauge

[eil]

The gear indicator on this thing is pretty rad! Haven't seen it on another bike. I'm not sure what the point of knowing what gear you're in is though.

As a newer rider, I really like the gear indicator on my GS. There have been a few times already coming up to a stop where I thought I was in first, but was actually in second or third. Would have stalled for sure on takeoff had I not had that information.

Although I guess without it, most people probably just keep tapping down until the lever stops in this situation.

[83_450E]

One thing did happen today, sat at idle for 5 or so minutes waiting for road work to clear a lane...my things were toasty. The motor got hothothot. I've got experience with old air cooled vw's and know it's better to shut it all down than idle for more than a couple of minutes. Shutting off a motorcycle in traffic seems like a safety issue to me.
I wouldn't be opposed to slapping an oil cooler on with temp. actuated fans. I will be cruising this thing in the summer shortly and the traffic in my area is terrible,
Is there a port people plumb for feed and return on these things or is it not a big deal

[pete]

I've never seen an oil cooler on a 450 before and I don't believe there's any simple/easy way either...

You definitely don't want to idle in traffic too long! I have the same issue here on the odd occasion in summer but I tend to start early and leave early to avoid most of the horrid traffic.

[83_450E]

yamaha's 03-12 r6 04-12 r1 grips and throttle tube fit right into my gs450 and oh my that throttle response! Much more pleasant to ride, not wrapping my hand around the bars any longer.
I picked up the grips and tube used on ebay for about $20 shipped. They were in pretty good condition but pete if you're looking for a stellar upgrade with race bike parts I strongly recommend it.
Pictures soon.

[pete]

Thanks for the tip! I've often wondered about a quicker action throttle because you really do have your wrist moving quite a lot to get to WOT.

I've contemplated the cheap option of inserting some PVC in the throttle channel but haven't gone there yet.

I will definitely keep that upgrade in mind!

[83_450E]

my right side carb that had the home fix for base mix screw finally took a dump. I am on the hunt for a set of carbs.
Crap.

[pete]

Bugger!

If you want a bit of an upgrade, go for the early 2000's GS500 carbs. Apparently they are quite a bit lighter than the 450 ones.

[83_450E]

I may have lucked out on an eBay blank carb body. If I did...I'll make an 83+ assembly pictorial. If I didn't t I'll make a swap and tune post.

Hoping for the best here. It is my only transportation at this point.

[Charlie G]

I have an extra set of 450 carbs I'd part with if your in need.

cg

[GSXR7ED]

Sorry I'm Late to Rebuild

I put the rest of my cluster back on.
I had to click into reserve last night on a ride...not having a fuel gauge is a pain in the ass.
The gear indicator on this thing is pretty rad! Haven't seen it on another bike. I'm not sure what the point of knowing what gear you're in is though.
The neutral light works too at that should save my wrist at stop lights. 10% over clutch springs went in and boy does it feel like it.
The turn indicator lamp is constantly, lowly, illuminated with power on - turn signal off. It flashes normally now with the lamps. My turn signal switch may be finding a ground through that lamp then. There may be some conductive pudding in there.

Couldn't help but notice this instrument cluster is exactly the same as on my "T".

I love the indicator too...the only number that doesn't come on is 1st gear. The indicator has grown on me...I had one on my first bike and it was an aftermarket add-on.

My fuel gauge bounces around so I just make sure the tank is always full.

Nice bike, btw.

Ed

[83_450E]

The right side carb was repaired and idle mix is setting in just fine now.
I'm 3.5 turns out now and idle is stable, popping on decel and idle has ceased completely and is overall happier.
The mid-range is .still. too rich after a 60*F ride there is slight bogging and slight delay to response. I expect a slight response since my throttle tube is so much faster than factory and it being a CV carb without an accelerator pump.
Rolling into wide open at about 5k power starts to drop past 3/4 so I'll drop the needle another notch, that'll put me at 2nd from the top. The needle must be different from factory or the '83 carbs are really that different from '82. I've been going through pete's 82 carb tuning thread about every time a screw gets turned on my carbs. Lots of good information going on there.