04 GS500F no start. Lots of issues

[Quick Cal]

Hey guys. First post.

I just picked up a non running 04 pretty cheap I think. I paid $800. It has 1050 miles on it. It needs the carbs done and the gas tank dealt with. It was full of water, and rust. It's been sitting outside half assed covered. The plate on it is from 2010. So who knows when it last ran.

I'm not new to working on bikes, but no expert by any means. I've restored a 82 Suzuki GS650G, a 72 Yamaha XS2 650, a 73 Yamaha TX750, and a 84 1200 Goldwing. I rebuilt the carbs on all of them.

So anyway.

First thing I need to deal with is it won't do anything when I hit the button. There is no battery in it. I just hooked up jumper cables from my car. Shouldn't this turn over?

I did have the clutch in. All lighting is bright and works. The horn works. I jumpered the clutch safety switch and still nothing.

Is there a fuse on it somewhere. It's dark and my flashlight is almost dead. And I'm old and can't see anyway,,,lol.

[jjmaine]

There is one 20amp fuse but it must be good because your lights all work.  Maybe try tapping the starter relay a few times?

[afatrat]

If the kick stand is down, make sure it is in neutral. If you haven't already, I would at least drain and replace the fuel in the tank and carbs first, then start trying to fire it.

Also, make sure the wires going to the safety switches (clutch lever and kick stand) are actually connected.

[sledge]

If its been stood I think the first thing to do is make sure ALL electrical connections are clean and sound and then rule out the solenoid by checking you are getting voltage to it and getting voltage through it and out to the starter motor when it pulls in.

They are not the most reliable of components and the fact its been stood for 6 years wont help. There is also a relay in the starter interlock circuit which doesn't like doing nothing for long periods.

If you are not scared of sparks you could also test the starter motor by taking it out of the bike and flashing it across the jump leads. Possible its seized up but I would expect the lights to go very dim while trying to start owing to the volt drop and current draw a seized motor would cause.