The Suzukimatic! 1983 GS450A

[Lex143ms]

Well folks I have a GS back when it was... automatic.  Talk about the perfect beginner bike!  We kept it when i got the 2001 GS and my dad hops on it when he feels like going for a ride and doesnt feel like spending 2 dollars a gallon for gas on a car.  here is the scenario, we are thinking its just the battery, but the bikes horn doesn't like to work even if we rev up the engine, it will rev down and stall when it is in gear (L or D)  and especially so if the turn signal is on and it is a little hesistant to start.  Talk about special.  What do you think, should we look into the alternator?  The battery is probably 2-3 years old trickle charged over the winter, but is a cheaper brand.

[Blueknyt]

a battery is cheaper then Alt/generator, start with that

[zoltan]

i'd also try putting a new battery in first. 9 times out of 10 it's the battery. however, before you shell out bucks for a new one, take the old one in to your local car parts store (advnace auto parts, pep boys, etc.) and they'll be able to load test it and tell you if it's bad or not.

[The Buddha]

You can load test it yourself...
Here is how...Test voltage when its off. Then Turn it on, hit the brakes...so now all the lights are on and using power, test its voltage...If that is ok...then pull the plug caps off and hit the start button and have a friend check the voltage...all 3 should be over 12 volts for atleast 5-10 tries of the starter. The typical readings for a fully charged battery are ~13 under no load, 12.75 under lights, and 12.0 for starter.
Cool.
Srinath.

[scratch]

Just my .02 on the horn, there's a little screw on the back of the horn, mess with that until horn sounds (press the horn button after each turn, either in or out), after that your bike should run fine...    :lol:

[Lars]

The horn probably doesn't work because the battery is empty and the rectifier/regulator unit isn't powerful enough to give the required amps for the horn. (Horn uses lots of amps). Normally  these amps are provided by the battery but when the battery's dead......