General maintenance for bike with unknown history

[Jamesripp]

Hi all,

Just bought a 2001 GZ with 24k miles and I love it. The previous owner admitted to not knowing much about its' service history but the price was right so I bought it anyways (I know it was a stupid newbie mistake but so far its running fine). Lurking around this forum has been great for most questions I've had - I downloaded the manuals but don't have the resources to do many of the things they suggest, so what is the absolute most important maintenance that should be done on a bike of this age/mileage (other than oil and filters - I've already changed the oil and oil filter and installed a new air filter)? Is there any really important maintenance I should do since I just got the bike?

Also I have one general question I can't seem to find a succinct answer to. The engine tends to stumble when idling (firing sounds irregular and sluggish, like its not firing in proper rhythm). I saw one post saying that this is normal, and another saying that this might mean the idle speed is too low, another site said it might mean I need a tune up. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[alanmcorcoran]

There is another thread on here almost identical to this. Short version: check the tires.

[Jamesripp]

Great thanks... could you point me to that thread or tell me what the title of it is? BTW, the tires seem to have good tread and are free of leaks so I think I'm covered!

[JWR]

It is a good idea to look over the whole site.

You will find some good information.

When you click on FORUM, on the top left, there is a VIEW ACTIVE TOPIC.

This puts you on the page of whats happening now.

Jerry

ps Do a good general safety check, lube and check chain, ride it like you stole it.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Jamesripp

Lurking around this forum has been great for most questions I've had -

I saw one post saying that this is normal, and another saying that this might mean the idle speed is too low, another site said it might mean I need a tune up. Any suggestions?

As for the similar thread, it is hard to miss. When I do "view new posts", it is the second one below yours. It was just started 2 days ago. If you have been "lurking", you must have missed a few days lately. It is here:
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2327&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

For the second part, always try the easiest and cheapest thing first. In this case, turn up the idle speed a bit and see what happens. It is a white knob below the carb. on the right side.
If that doesn't do the trick, then new plug; about $3. After that, carb cleaner. Then valves.

And tires: Tires get hard and slick after about 5 years or so. Assuming they are "good" just because there are no obvious physical defects might be a big mistake. Any tire store should be able to read the date code and tell you how old they are......might even be posted here somewhere.

Welcome!

[alanmcorcoran]

Originally Posted by Jamesripp

Great thanks... could you point me to that thread or tell me what the title of it is? BTW, the tires seem to have good tread and are free of leaks so I think I'm covered!

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2327

[alanmcorcoran]

Re running rough: There doesn't seem to be a foolproof way of determining what causes this, but, here's a few:

1) Carb needs cleaning. Easy: run carb cleaner (berrymans or Seafoam) through Better: Actually clean the carb.
2) Valves need adjusting. Not recommended for non-mechanics - take to a shop.
3) Emissions (if in CA) needs cleaning.
4) Gas is old/bad.
5) Plug is fouled.
6) Gas Filter is clogged.
7) Air Filter is clogged. (Easy: remove, inspect, clean or replace.
8) Hoses are loose or not connected.
9) Cap on drain to aire filter box is missing.

Enjoy!

[Jamesripp]

Awesome, thanks! I'll let you all know how it goes.

[GZ250]

alan has given the whole list. battery is one most important thing, its a small battery and if you crank too much the battery power goes down so also have the battery checked at auto zone or elsewhere and get it charged also so that it does not die on you in the middle of no where.

Rule of thumb: Always change the things that are not part of the engine like plug, filters, oil, (tires are important for safety) for peace of mind and you have a fresh start.