The GS Deadly Sins

[ty998]

This probably doesn't qualify as a "deadly sin", just something to avoid:
Don't head out for a test ride to gauge tuning changes and forget to completely tighten the four bolts holding the handle bars in place (last night). That was eventful.

[Seana23]

I have an 850 with pods...

me too!!
:-D

[oldbikefixer]

Okay, my turn... never try to start your bike if it looks as if one or more of the carb floats might be sticking. If you insist on starting it anyway, then at least push it out of the garage and away from anything that cost more that $10 before hitting the starter button.

[SVSooke]

Never oil the chain with the bike running in gear.I got lucky,still have my fingers.Other haven't been so lucky.

[850GT_Rider]

I have an 850 with pods...

Same here....fortunately, jets are all sorted out. Runs great.

But the warning is still valid - don't change to pods unless you want to spend a LOT of time getting it to run right.....

[gearhead13]

I have done an entire carb sync without a fan But I am quick, and shut it off while I am hooking it up and getting ready. Nowhere to plug in a fan

[tkent02]

I don't use fans to synch either, but the total running time is maybe four minutes, spread out over about twenty minutes or so. If it gets to a few minutes running and I'm not done yet, shut it down and wait a little while.
The engine gets hotter waiting at a long light.

[Syd]

I wish to add...

Never use Armour All to clean your GS seat.

[marvinsc]

I wish to add...

Never use Armour All to clean your GS seat.

I did that once on my first bike, the next time I hit the brakes I almost went over the bars.

[oldbikefixer]

Never oil the chain with the bike running in gear.I got lucky,still have my fingers.Other haven't been so lucky.

Actually, if you're using a spray can of chain lube, the only real danger here is that the bike might accidentally roll off of the center stand. Be sure to block the front wheel...

[tkent02]

The wheel will usually turn nice and slow just running the engine in neutral.

[RobG1970]

I wish to add...

Never use Armour All to clean your GS seat.

or your tires...........

[mvalenti]

No matter how careful you are, disconnect your battery and bike is in neutral when working connecting your starter solenoid... Unexpectedly completing a circuit and.. GS, exit stage left.... Don't ask...

[7981GS]

No matter how careful you are, disconnect your battery and bike is in neutral when working connecting your starter solenoid... Unexpectedly completing a circuit and.. GS, exit stage left.... Don't ask...

What did it damage besides your pride?

Eric

[SVSooke]

Actually, if you're using a spray can of chain lube, the only real danger here is that the bike might accidentally roll off of the center stand. Be sure to block the front wheel...

Just don't do it.Was mostly done had a rag in my hand and turned to look at something.Next thing I knew my hand was in the sprocket with my right hand ring finger on the adjuster stopping the engine.Clutch leaver was just out of reach.I was luck because the teeth mostly straddled my fingers but the nail on my index finger is very funky now.Less than 1/2 an inch different placemet on the sprocket? Well I don't want to think about that(shutters).Believe me it's not worth the risk.