Problem starting the bike up

[inexplicable718]

Thanks for your responses in advance !!!!!!!!!!

[trumpetguy]

We'll need more information to help you.

"today it wasnt starting up"  Does this mean it cranks, but won't start?  Doesn't crank at all?  Clicks, but doesn't crank?

Does it have a full tank of gas ?  Have you tried it with the petcock on PRI?  Does the sparkplug smell like gas when you pull it after cranking?  Does the sparkplug spark when you ground it to the engine?

It could be dirty carbs.  Could be a boatload of other things as well.

[inexplicable718]

We'll need more information to help you.

"today it wasnt starting up"  Does this mean it cranks, but won't start?  Doesn't crank at all?  Clicks, but doesn't crank?

Does it have a full tank of gas ?  Have you tried it with the petcock on PRI?  Does the sparkplug smell like gas when you pull it after cranking?  Does the sparkplug spark when you ground it to the engine?

It could be dirty carbs.  Could be a boatload of other things as well.

hey, it clicks but doesn't crank..

Yes ofcourse it has a full tank of gas. Yeah i tried it with the petcock on PRI. I dont know what sparkplug is or where it is located.

I started it up and then i had to constantly give more gas or else it dies down again. So i start it up ...leave it for a second... then it dies down... do you understand or did i lose you in the translation?


Thanks !

[NF11624]

If it clicks and doesn't crank it may be the battery is low on charge, but if you've had gas sitting in the carbs for an extended period of time (over one month) the gas has likely turned into varnish which clogs the carbs.  There are many threads about carb cleaning on this site, I don't think you should pay 250 for it, when most people can do it (and likely at less than $50).

If your GS isn't rejetted or you live where its always 100 degrees (F) or hotter, you're going to have to use the choke when you start up.

Hope that helps. 

[trumpetguy]

"Clicks but doesn't crank" would have to be a battery issue of some kind :
- Check battery connections for tightness and be sure they are clean
- Check electrolyte levels
- Charge the battery with a trickle charger
- Jump start if necessary from a car battery
- If the battery is too far gone it will have to be replaced

Are you using the choke when starting?  Black lever on the left handlebar.  Pull it towards you to choke (start position).  After a few minutes (less in warm outdoor temperatures), put it back to run position.  This should eliminate the problme of having to hold the gas on when starting.

Get a manual pronto!!!  You will need to learn a few basic things and have a few tools BUT you'll save yourself TONS of money in the long run.  To me that comes with the territory of owning an older bike.  You may even learn to enjoy it!

I'd have to say the carb issue is not your immediate problem.  It may still need carb cleaning, but that's not causing it not to start if it's clicking not starting.

[Bluesmudge]

Sounds like you need to get back to basics...sparkplug and whatnot

http://www.howstuffworks.com/engine1.htm

[Big Shot]

Maybe a member in your local area can help you.  Where do you live?


- Bob!

[inexplicable718]

Sounds like you need to get back to basics...sparkplug and whatnot

http://www.howstuffworks.com/engine1.htm

Thanks

[inexplicable718]

"Clicks but doesn't crank" would have to be a battery issue of some kind :
- Check battery connections for tightness and be sure they are clean
- Check electrolyte levels
- Charge the battery with a trickle charger
- Jump start if necessary from a car battery
- If the battery is too far gone it will have to be replaced

Are you using the choke when starting?  Black lever on the left handlebar.  Pull it towards you to choke (start position).  After a few minutes (less in warm outdoor temperatures), put it back to run position.  This should eliminate the problme of having to hold the gas on when starting.

Get a manual pronto!!!  You will need to learn a few basic things and have a few tools BUT you'll save yourself TONS of money in the long run.  To me that comes with the territory of owning an older bike.  You may even learn to enjoy it!

I'd have to say the carb issue is not your immediate problem.  It may still need carb cleaning, but that's not causing it not to start if it's clicking not starting.

Yeah i am using choke... today the bike started up just fine.. i dont know.. this is wierd.. some days it starts normal and often it needs a lot of work to get started...

[inexplicable718]

Maybe a member in your local area can help you.  Where do you live?


- Bob!

hey, thankx bob. I live in brooklyn NYC

[Archangel1183]

I had the same problem a couple days ago. It happened the day after I washed my bike, but I haven't had it since.

If it's not cranking at all, make sure that your battery is fully charged. If your carbs needed cleaning your bike would at least crank.

If it's just clicking, it might be one of your switches. BrianKD posted a link to his youtube video on how to check the switches, here.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=50101.0

[inexplicable718]

I had the same problem a couple days ago. It happened the day after I washed my bike, but I haven't had it since.

If it's not cranking at all, make sure that your battery is fully charged. If your carbs needed cleaning your bike would at least crank.

If it's just clicking, it might be one of your switches. BrianKD posted a link to his youtube video on how to check the switches, here.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=50101.0

Thanks. i am going to check out the link NOW