Help!! My bike won't start! :(

[rock_rebel]

Hey all,

Last week I bought a 2004 GS500F and have been riding it without any problems. I made an adjustment of the clutch handle because it was a bit loose. I parked the bike, and the next day it wouldn't start. Here are some things I checked so far:

- The headlight and dash lights are coming on, horn is working, and the back brake light is working, so I assume the battery is in good working order.
- Checked the fuses, none seem burned out
- Kill switch looks in really good shape
- Choke is working fine

At present I don't have a multimeter to check the battery, but I have a feeling that the clutch cable got disconnected somehow after I adjusted it, and with the vibration of the bike. Any ideas?

The bike is completely dead right now and all I can hear is a small clicking noise when i press the start button.

Greatly appreciate any help you can give!!!

[Rickyz80]

Chances are the battery was dead when you got it from the previous owner, that's how it was for me.  I had to go buy a new battery the second time I went to start it.  I knew I needed a new battery because I remembered seeing a car charger by the bike when I went to go pick it up. 
P.S. Car chargers fry motorcycle batteries.-go buy a battery tender (~1.5 Amps). Good luck

[fred]

Can you push start it? Not the most fun way to get it started, but it might hold you over until you figure out what's wrong with your battery...

[Roadstergal]

The bike is completely dead right now and all I can hear is a small clicking noise when i press the start button.

Battery.

Get or borrow a multimeter, bump-start it or put it on a trickle charger (another good investment), and follow the charging system test in the FAQ.

BTW, "a bit loose" sounds like it might refer to the normal amount of clutch free play.

[rock_rebel]

Thanks so much for all the input! I removed the battery from the bike earlier and took it to a hardware store to get it tested. Turns out there was only 9 volts left. I was told that was quite low. No wonder it was only powering the headlight!

I have the battery hooked up to a trickle charger now . Hopefully it will work and I can finally go for a ride!!!

Again, thanks guys!!!!

[Roadstergal]

Make sure you test the charging system.  Either the battery is bad, or your bike isn't charging it.

[Rickyz80]

Trickle chargers work great once you get a small initial charge in them with 15amps or so.  I'd put the battery on 15 for about 10 minutes then switch over to the trickle, that is if the trickle charger doesn't already work. Then nvm. I had a problem with mine charging the battery right after putting the b-acid in.