New used bike problems. help me out

[Jherman]

I'm Josh I just got my first bike today. It's a 1996 Suzuki gs500. I put over 60 mi on it today but It needs some work done. looking for someone to help me with basic maintenance stuff and I'm also looking for people to ride with. Also where's a good moto parts and supply shop in santa cruz?If anyone could help or refer me to places that would be awesome.

anyway,
I need mirrors, choke cable, tach cable, sparkplugs, oil change, carb clean and adjust(I also have a second carb). clutch adjustment

also my bike wont shift to neutral unless it is off or sometimes it will slip in when im coming to a stop. I think its because the clutch isnt disengaging all the way? anyone able to assist me with anything- help would be much appreciated!

 

[scratch]

Congrats on getting a GS! Welcome to the club!

Bike not shifting is often a symptom of low oil (not out, just low), but is most likely the clutch being out of adjustment as you have figured out. Also, this is your first bike so shifting is going to get some getting used to. You can compensate by rolling the bike forward or backwards to 'align' the gears so you can shift it into or out of neutral, at a stop.

Search GStwins.com for more info.

 

[Flying Pig]

Donati Motorsports is your local Suzuki dealer.
http://www.donatimotorsports.net/
http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61162

Sounds like your bike needs quite a bit done to it.
If you don't want to pay dealer labor rates, give Dave a call, he does excellent work at an affordable price :thumbup
http://dj-cycles.com/
http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317176

 

[Jherman]

i changed the spark plugs. they were nasty. i added a quart of oil, it still isnt full, and its nasty as hell, and needs to be changed asap. i fixed the idle. when its cold started, it needs to be bumped while the starter is cranking, otherwise it backfires. when opening the throttle, sometimes backfires, or will hesitate, then start to rev up. i need some help working on this bike and i have some things i can offer to trade maybe.. im in santa cruz.

 

[ghebinkim]

As far as looking for people to ride with... if you look under the Group Rides section, the "Mellow Sunday Group Rides" are a great place to start. Probably a bit far for you, but always a good group.

 

[ST Guy]

'Hope you got some rider training.

Welcome to the world of motorcycling!

 

[Jherman]

yeah i took msf. been having no problem riding around, but i cant be riding the bike around in this state.