Bike Not starting Advice welcomed

[mattford11]

Good afternoon folks,

Bike: 04 GS500F
Where: Sacramento, CA
Whats wrong: Bike wouldn't start this morning. Headlights barely lit up. I attempted to charge the battery, but no love. Fluid inside battery was ok. I went out and bought a new battery, just so I could ride on such a nice day, but that did'nt help either. All my panel lights work now, headlights bright as day, but still no cranking. Ive made sure the kill switch was off, put bike in 1st,2nd,etc,Neutral; made sure clutch was working, fuel was on, kickstand switch depressed, nothing works. The bike doesnt even attempt to start.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Matt

[annguyen1981]

if the headlight barely lit up, then I'd say faulty battery.  try jumping your bike from a car with cables.

[mattford11]

" I went out and bought a new battery, just so I could ride on such a nice day, but that did'nt help either. All my panel lights work now, headlights bright as day, but still no cranking "

[Phaedrus]

Is the clutch cable connection tight? If it isn't plugged in secure enough, the bike won't start. Even if you think it is tight, check it and push it in a little tighter just to be sure.

[mattford11]

I almost thought it was too tight for a little while. I can move thru gears pretty well, but I'll double check that.... brb.

[mattford11]

Clutch = AOK
Bike = still not attempting to start

[GeeP]

I believe the starter circuit is the same year-to-year.  (96 to 04 specifically)  If it is, this applies:

Kickstand down, clutch pulled in, in neutral, kill switch in "run".

Do you hear a "click" when you depress the starter button?

If you do, the safety interlock interlock circuit is operational, and it's either the engine ground or starter line.

If don't hear a click, check for loose connections on the starter relay.  Then check for interlock circuit continuity.

Go buy a manual!

[mattford11]

I believe the starter circuit is the same year-to-year.  (96 to 04 specifically)  If it is, this applies:

Kickstand down, clutch pulled in, in neutral, kill switch in "run".

Do you hear a "click" when you depress the starter button?

If you do, the safety interlock interlock circuit is operational, and it's either the engine ground or starter line.

If don't hear a click, check for loose connections on the starter relay.  Then check for interlock circuit continuity.

Go buy a manual!

No Clicks present when attempting to start the bike

[Toledo Jim]

Is the clutch cable connection tight? If it isn't plugged in secure enough, the bike won't start. Even if you think it is tight, check it and push it in a little tighter just to be sure.

"I almost thought it was too tight for a little while. I can move thru gears pretty well, but I'll double check that.... brb.  "

Clutch = AOK
Bike = still not attempting to start

I believe Phaedrus meant you should check the electrical connection under the clutch perch.

[Phaedrus]

I don't know the fancy word like "clutch perch"  but I am talking about the electrical connection on the handlebars by the clutch lever. I had a problem very similar to what you describe and it turned out that the electrical contact had vibrated itself just loose enough so the bike wouldn't start, but not loose enough so it was visibly noticable. 

[Toledo Jim]

O.K. how about clutch switch then.

Check this thread, (look at what Kerry had to say)

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=8615.0

[mattford11]

:OOOOOOOOoooooooooo


It didnt even look like it was it out at all, but I pushed it in a hair, and


IT LIVES!!!!!

OMGBBQSAUCE

I <3 GSTwins.com

Thanks again guys!

[Phaedrus]

Thanks nsp for clarifying that  I pretty much knew what the problem was, just had a hard time getting it out. 

Glad the bike is going 

[rtcpenguin]

:OOOOOOOOoooooooooo


It didnt even look like it was it out at all, but I pushed it in a hair, and


IT LIVES!!!!!

OMGBBQSAUCE

I <3 GSTwins.com

Thanks again guys!

Okay what the f%$k does that that mean

[Toledo Jim]

Thanks nsp for clarifying that  I pretty much knew what the problem was, just had a hard time getting it out. 

Glad the bike is going 

+1 on fixing the problem!

Your welcome, and get the credit for the solve!

I knew what you meant because it also happened to me one of the times I dropped my '92. and searching this site and finding one of  Kerry's posts is what got it fixed for me.

[Toledo Jim]

:OOOOOOOOoooooooooo


It didnt even look like it was it out at all, but I pushed it in a hair, and


IT LIVES!!!!!

OMGBBQSAUCE

I <3 GSTwins.com

Thanks again guys!

Okay what the f%$k does that that mean

I think the <3 should be an emoticon for a heart maybe?