Doesn't start in damp weather and mornings

[sashkar2000]

First thing this happened was after a rain shower so I assumed water had gotten into the fuel tank.
After emptying out the fuel and adding Heet, the problem is still there.
My startup procedure now days is to drain the carbs, wait about 10 minutes and it usually starts up.

Now i'm thinking maybe it's an electrical problem? cause it doesn't even try to start, not a single explosion the first few attempts, but then after some time starts right up.

I verified there's a spark, but it's hard to tell if the spark is too weak.  will pulling out the manual looking for wiring diagram tomorrow, and would appreciate your advice.

[robfriedenberger]

....I think the factor we are missing here is the temp of the damp mornings. I think by attempting to start it your warming up the battery allowing it to start after a few try's. Try jumping it the first time or hook up a volt meter on your first attempt to start it and let us know your readings...Any thing less than 10V when cranking it wont start, even at 10V its going to be a struggle.

[Gorilla]

GS500's are hard to start on cold mornings. By cold I mean anything under 60degrees. Granted that's not cold but that's my experience.

Adidasguy had me buy a shorai battery and I have not had issues. Even with this amazing Li Iron battery it still has trouble starting up cold but 3-5 cranks even in the coldest weather it will start up.

Just to give you an idea I live in the PNW. Most of the time its cool/cold here. Below 50 degrees.

On those mornings or nights it takes about 3 cranks with 15 seconds in-between to start up. assuming the engine is cold.

[thebigtuna]

I used to have a semi similar problem but maybe the cause of mine could have something to do with yours since mine would mess up after rain. Check the spark plug wires and make sure they don't spin when you try to twist them. My left one was able to and caused my bike to not start. As for the battery if it's real cold it will take some time to warm up. Usually it doesn't happen to me unless it's like 30 degrees or so.

[sashkar2000]

It happens when it's wet out even if it's over 50 degrees.

I'm thinking it could be the coils or the spark plug cables. One of the cables does turn inside the coils a bit.

But then shoudln't it start on one cylinder? So far it either starts on both or none. (and if i deliberately disconnect one spark plug it has no problems starting on the other cyclinder.)

Is there another electrical culprit that would be affecting both sparks?