Help with an old GS?

Question

I searched the answers and found nothing but links for this question. Don't need a link to a corp. tryin' to sell something so I'll ask actual users. My bike is old, 86', still runs great but gets really hot (maybe that's normal). Oil pressure is fine, at least that's what the dealer that did the work on her told me. She's air cooled and a gs model, I've heard about Rotella diesel oil being used and I'd like your opinion.

Also, my bike has no temp. gauge just an oil light. How or where can I get a temp. gauge to let me know when it gets to hot. Will the oil light let me know when it's too hot or is it just for low oil levels. I don't want to damage my ride because of hot, humid weather. She'll run for hours. I've had the carbs, timing ect. done for her, I just want to keep her in the best shape possible. She's my only ride right now and I want to take care of her.

Answer 1

Don't use diesel oil in it. You can switch to a synthetic or synthetic blend. Make sure you use the correct viscosity. Don't switch weights because you "feel" you ought to. You sound like the type that is better off without a temp gauge if you ask me. You might drive yourself nuts staring at it. No offense. That's an incredibly engineered engine and you should have no trouble with it at all.

Answer 2

A friend of mine had the same problem with his Harley 1200 Custom and he found an easy fix to the hot oil problem. He did a simple switch to synthetic oil and his oil temp gauge dropped just over 20 degrees and she has been running cool ever since even on those hot and muggy summer days in Iowa. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Will the oil light let me know when it's too hot or is it just for low oil levels.

Neither it is for low or loss of pressure and has nothing to do with heat or level.

Also be real careful about oils. Many older bikes (seals) are not totally compatable with synthetics. Also avoid GL-5 in bevel drive (rear end) use GL-4 (GL-4 is compatable with yellow metals) Bench Mark Werks has this info on their site.

Enjoy as the GS is one of the best all round bikes built.