Intoducing Epona (+ issue?)

[leprakong]

----------------INTRODUCTION-------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello.  New guy here. I'm Johnny Mac from Factoryville Pennsylvania.

I just bought my black and silver 2007 GS500F from North American Warhorse two weeks ago with a little over 1,000 miles on it.  It's a beautiful bike, and a blast to ride.  This is my first bike, so I'm not too motorcycle savy.  I'm here to learn.

Since I bought her from North American Warhorse, and because I'm a huge Legend of Zelda Fan, I decided to name her Epona. lol.

This is a pic of a completely identical bike to mine.  I don't have a pic of mine 'cause I haven't taken any yet. lol.  I'll take a pic next time I'm out.




I currently have my permit, and am scheduled to take my license classes in may.  So psyched to be able to ride at night, 'cause I work the afternoon shift and get out of work at 11:30pm.

I'm currently part of a hyundai forum, but kinda' strayed away from it.  After a year and a half of owning my car it went from stock, to looking like this:


Looking at this bike, I... can't really think of anything I'd want to do to it, other than three things.

AXIO tail bag (maybe), zero gravity double bubble windscreen (smoke), and grey decal rings rings around the wheels (cheap and look sweet)


----------------THE ISSUE-------------------------------------------------------------------

I do have a problem.  I thought it was an electrical issue, though I was told I need to clean the carbs. When I first bought my bike, I was excited. So, I decided to take my bike out for a ride in 30 degree weather.  Bike wouldn't start.  So, I jumped the battery.  I have a little battery jumper that I used.  Yeay.. It's alive!  Two days later, I was still just as excited, and it was still just as cold, so I tried to start it.... Nope... Had to jump it.  I thought it was a problem, but I guess it was the cold weather because the other day it fired up with no problems. Same thing yesterday, all is good.

So was that because of the cold?  If it wasn't than it might be related to what happened next.

Yesterday, I set off to take the bike to the bank. I got a couple miles out, still on the highway doing about 45mi.  All of the sudden my bike starts jerking the throttle, and I'm going down in speed.  It felt as if I was three gears too low.  So as I pulled the clutch in to pull off to the side of the road, the bike drops below 1,000 RPM, and dies.  I had a little under a half tank of gas... So I just stood there on the side of the road, and someone came over to help.  He said to try the reserve.  So I did... Still nothing.  I tried to turn it over, but it would just *click click click* damn... battery is dead. hmm....  So then he helped my pop start it.  That worked.  The rest of the trip was all good.

So what do you guys think?  Is it a battery/electrical issue, or do I have to go get some carb cleaner?  Or is it something else?

[Tombstones81]

FINALLY!!
another Gstwin member Nearby! hahaha
Welcome! 

Take it back to Warhorse and have them deal with it!
Seriously, since it wasnt a private sale.

Tell them to check all the electricals (telling them all thats happened first) and if they find nothing, tell them you want a new battery... Period!

Dont be a prick, but honestly.... from a dealer.. take No crap from any of them!
I havnt had a ton of good experiences with dealers with my cars, or one in Hanover to fix my bike.
and I havnt heard a ton of good reviews from local dealers either.

If jumping it is the only way it starts, tell them its NOT the carbs!

Jumping a motorcycle has Nothing to do with the carbs if thats the only way it will start! (that I know of)

and heres the local riders web site as well.
570riders.com

Been on there since last year and alot of cool people on there.

Just got my bike finally running yesterday.
and when I fix my tight exhaust valve.
Plan to be out riding with them quite a bit.

(edit)
heck, I would go there with a heck of an attitude to begin with.
carbs needed cleaning THEY said?
THEY should have done that Prior to the sale!
ugh thats why I might not ever buy from a dealer if I dont have to finance.

I swear, I think they get bikes in.
check em over really quick and not Thoroughly.
and just stick em on the floor with a price tag.... NOT cool!

[oz353]

Definitly sounds like a battery. Be sure they check that its getting charged while running. Also make sure they put the correct battery or better in it. The drain for the battery should be on the right  side of the bike unless you get a sealed agm type battery.

[Funderb]

your battery sounds like its on the way out.
Also, it sounds like you ran out of gas. were you in reserve pos when your bike died? The reserve sump is pretty high, and the shape of the tank makes guestimating the fuel level not very easy.

[SS Adrenaline]

I would agee with Funderb, what he said is exactly what I was thinking.  Good luck, Cheers and welcome to the forum.

[leprakong]

Oh wow.  You live in Plymoth.  I go up that way all the time to see my girl friend in Wilkesberry.  I also work in dallas. Lots of driving. lol. When I get my license, I'll be taking the bike up every chance I get.

A buddy of mine at work told me he thought it was the carbs.  But yea, I called na warhorse a couple days after the whole starting thing, and they said they'd check it out.  The sails associate that I bought the bike from and called about the problem just called me 10 minutes ago and asked how it was going.  That's pretty good. 

When the bike stalled out on me, it was in the "on" position.  I then turned over to the reserve position, and left it there when the guy helped me pop start it.

Thanks a bunch guys. I'll let you know how I make out. Maybe I'll take it up tomorrow morning.

[cbrfxr67]

Welcome! 

[gsJack]

...............................I do have a problem.  I thought it was an electrical issue, though I was told I need to clean the carbs. When I first bought my bike, I was excited. So, I decided to take my bike out for a ride in 30 degree weather.  Bike wouldn't start.  So, I jumped the battery.  I have a little battery jumper that I used.  Yeay.. It's alive!  Two days later, I was still just as excited, and it was still just as cold, so I tried to start it.... Nope... Had to jump it.  I thought it was a problem, but I guess it was the cold weather because the other day it fired up with no problems. Same thing yesterday, all is good.

So was that because of the cold?....................

I've ridden 4 Hondas and 2 GS500s for 28 years and 400k miles here in NE Ohio year around in temps down to 20F.  All have required jumping at least a few times every winter and all have had been in a good state of tune with good batteries.  Once jumped they will go all day including stopping and restarting and for at least a few days thereafter before needing jumped again.  Always ride it far enough to put some charge back in the battery after a winter jump and keep in mind that unlike a car a bike is not charging at idle so just letting it sit and idle is just discharging the battery more.  I have noticed that the Scorpion sealed batteries I've used the past few years have required less winter jumping, they seem to have a little more voltage left for spark while slowly cranking the cold heavy oil.

[leprakong]

Today, I went to start the bike, and no lights came on when I turned the key.  I haven't ridden it in about.. maybe 4 days. Does yours do that when you try to take it out in cold weather as well? It's about 50 out. I have it charging now. The lights are coming on now, and I just get rapid clicks.  I've only got a little while before I have to get ready for work.

[applecrew]

Sounds like a classic dead battery, but you are going to have to make sure about other possible gremlins.

For a 2007, it's probably in need of a new battery anyway. My 2007 will be needing one before next winter, and the battery's been well-cared for. The bike NEVER sits any longer than a week, is ridden daily, and is on a battery tender at night.  If the battery has not been well-cared for and the bike has been subject to sitting for extended periods of time, sounds like you should replace it.

I would try a new battery for peace of mind, and then investigate further if the battery keeps draining.

Cheers!

[leprakong]

Is this the type of battery tender you guys use?

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-6-amp-6-12-volt-battery-charger-45005.html

[Funderb]

When my battery was dying, i just cut off the end of a 12v 1.5a power inverter, like one that powers your desktop speakers and hooked it up. I still use it as a battery charger. Use an LED to figure out which side is pos. if you go this route.


another tip: Not going to be riding the bike for a few cold days? Take the battery out and put it inside where it stays warm. Worked for me!

[cbrfxr67]

I really like my prologix from Solar, so much that I got another one for the 'shop.'

[leprakong]

When my battery was dying, i just cut off the end of a 12v 1.5a power inverter, like one that powers your desktop speakers and hooked it up. I still use it as a battery charger. Use an LED to figure out which side is pos. if you go this route.


another tip: Not going to be riding the bike for a few cold days? Take the battery out and put it inside where it stays warm. Worked for me!

That is a really good idea.  I'm gonna try that.

I really like my prologix from Solar, so much that I got another one for the 'shop.'

How much did that cost?  It looks alot better than the one I was looking at.

[Tombstones81]

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_SpeedCharge-1-5-Amp-Maintainer-Schumacher_17280006-P_N3014_A|GRP2005_____

theres the one I bought last year.
$33.99

No complaints on it so far.

and if its not an electrical problem.
then ur battery is SHOT!

as I bought my regular acid battery brand new from warhorse last year in May when I bought the bike.
never had a single problem starting up even after sitting a few days to a week back then.
I even jumped my car when I replaced the alternator when it died on me near work. (bike running of course)

and since I began the Hell filled work on the bike in Nov.
I've ran the battery dead a few times, but put it Right on the charger when it did.
and never had a problem.

it even sat since I think Monday this week.
went out yesterday and she cranked right up with Zero hesitation.

cant say much for the dang oil leak that covered the side and my pants tho......

So if thats the battery Warhorse gave u with it.
I would try to get it replaced at their cost if you can.
if the battery is the problem.

if they are pricks and wont.
about $50 for an acid one, or like $100ish+ for a crazyyy good one.

[leprakong]

Sweet.  I'm getting that one.  I like the quick connector.  Instantly, I got the idea for running it down the side so I won't have to take the seat off.  I'll zip tie it so it doesn't get in the way of anything.  Good price too.  thanks.

[jmill]

Good to see another new biker with a GS500. I've been riding about 9 months now and just switched to a GS500 now that I'm out of the initial 'danger zone'. This is the bike to keep. Welcome! As far as your issues, I had something similar with the 1980 GS550 I sold a couple weeks ago. A new battery solved a lot of the issues, but it turned out the stator was bad on that bike. Around Seattle our local place O'Rielly's will do a free battery test if you leave it there overnight. I'd give that a shot. Good luck

[leprakong]

Thanks man.  I totally agree.  This bike really is the bike to keep.  I put so many random miles aimlessly riding today, and when it was time to put it in the garage, I was still looking for excuses to take it out again immediately. lol.

If it's not raining Monday, I'm gonna see if I could take it up to North American Warhorse, and get this battery swapped out.

[mister]

Good to see another new biker with a GS500. I've been riding about 9 months now and just switched to a GS500 now that I'm out of the initial 'danger zone'.

If you have Just swapped you have put yourself Back Into the Danger Zone.

Statistically speaking, you are more likely to have a crash in the 1st 6 months / 5,000 miles of a new-to-you bike (whichever comes second).

To the OP. Do not judge how much fuel you have by looking in the tank. What you need to do is...

- fill up
- reset trip meter
- ride until you hit reserve (take note of the distance on the trip meter)
- fill up again
- reset trip meter
- switch back to On
- ride until you hit reserve again (take note of the distance)
- fill up again
- reset trip meter
-switch back to on

Now you have two readings of how far you can get before hitting reserve. From then on, fill up just before you get to reserve and Always make sure to reset the trip meter.

To your problem, it definitely sounds like a battery issue.

With Starting the bike... make sure you Always start it with full choke. After it has been running for 30 seconds to one minute, turn choke down Slowly to let it rev around 2,000 rpm. You can Sedately ride away at this point with the choke set to that, remembering to turn it off after a couple/few miles.

Michael

[leprakong]

I didn't catch your post till now.  Thanks for the advice.

I went to North American Warhorse a week ago, and got a new battery.  Haven't been able to ride the bike since, because of bad weather.  So I went out to take the bike out today.  It wouldn't start again.  It's about 35 degrees, so I just figured it was because it was cold out.  Nope.... 

I've had the bike charging for about two and a half hours now, and still won't start. FML!  This problem is really getting to me.

I even tried to pop start it, and still got nothing at all.

Now the problem is worse.  Before, it only took 15-20 minutes to charge enough for me to start it... Now it's looking like it's not going to start at all.