Bike wont start after changing the bars...... GS500F

[Roger04gs500f]

I layed my bike down recently and I changed the bars after they got bent.  The bike has power when I turn it to ignition the oil light, neutral light, and the horn all work.  But when I hit the starter nothing happens.  No trying to crank over or anything.  It just does nothing.  I checked the electrical connections on the bars and they all seem to be connected. Is there any other connections i should check?? Any ideas??

Thanks

Roger
2004 GS500F

[SmartDrug]

There is a connection on the clutch that allows you to start the engine (need the clutch in to start), when I downed my GS that became loosened and had some surface rust that needed to be dealt with before she started up again.  GL!

[that_guy]

yes it pretty much HAS to be the clutch connection.  Unless the starter button was damaged

[Jake D]

Or unless your battery went nearly dead while you waited for your new bars.  How long did it sit?  Seriously, it sounds like a dead battery to me.

But what do I know.  If it is the clutch switch, you can by-pass the switch at the lever and it will no longer be needed.  My bike has the switch by-passed. 

[Roger04gs500f]

I just replaced the clutch switch today.  I had broken off one of the connections when I changed the bars.  Maybe it is installed wrong???  The bike has been sitting since november.  But everything lights up???  How do I bypass the switch?  How do I jump start a bike??

Thanks
Roger

[that_guy]

The bike has power when I turn it to ignition the oil light, neutral light, and the horn all work. 
Roger
2004 GS500F

Seriously, it sounds like a dead battery to me.

[that_guy]

I just replaced the clutch switch today.  I had broken off one of the connections when I changed the bars.  Maybe it is installed wrong???  The bike has been sitting since november.  But everything lights up???  How do I bypass the switch?  How do I jump start a bike??

Thanks
Roger

if im not mistake it's two yellow wires.  simply connect the 2 together rather than going to the switch.  I have mine bypassed just because..

[Jake D]

The bike has power when I turn it to ignition the oil light, neutral light, and the horn all work. 
Roger
2004 GS500F

Seriously, it sounds like a dead battery to me.

You can have every light on the damn bike light up and still not have enough juice to turn the motor over fast enough to start it. 

But you're the expert, I guess. 

[Roger04gs500f]

The bike has power when I turn it to ignition the oil light, neutral light, and the horn all work. 
Roger
2004 GS500F

Seriously, it sounds like a dead battery to me.

You can have every light on the damn bike light up and still not have enough juice to turn the motor over fast enough to start it.

But you're the expert, I guess.

Wow all im asking for is some help and Im telling you what is happening.  Why do people act so rude?  I never said I was a expert.  If I was I would not be asking for your help.

Anyways the bike is not cranking at all.  Is there a special way youre supposed to install that clutch switch?  Maybe someone came lose in the switch?

Thanks
Roger

[scratch]

Did the bike run after the crash, so you could get home?

[Roger04gs500f]

Yes the bike ran to go home.  It ran fine  until I changed the bars.  But it sat since november without being run.

Roger

[Jake D]

Hey, Roger: I was responding to that_guys' smart ass post. 

I wasn't calling you an expert. 

And try putting a charger on your battery for a while and let me know how it runs. 

[surlybruce]

It is not uncommon for the GS battery to slowly discharge over time. [as with all batteries] I would start by charging the battery then check with the multi meter. On my 05 F the battery croakrd at 430 kms.  I let the bike sit for [ a month last summer] and I had the same problem; lights but no start/ multi meter 11.9 volts. The bike likes A FULL CHARGE .This is the easy and cheap route if it does not pan out check the clutch lock out switch as previously [ RUDELY ] stated.

[SmartDrug]

When I laid down my FJ1200 this summer, the battery leaked a good amount of fluid and the bike wouldn't crank until I refilled it.  That's worth a check, be sure to clean that battery fluid off of EVERYTHING as it is incredibly corrosive.  Also, when you refill the battery use distilled water ($1 from a grocery store).  See if that'll help. 

[scottpA_GS]

Check the kick stand switch?