Hey guys. I was given a gs500 yesterday by a friend of mine. I am completely new to the motorcycle scene, and have only been two up on one. I signed up for the MSF course, but its not until next month. My question is....How do I start the GS500? I put the key in the ignition, the lights start, but the key doesnt go any further than that? I just wanna start it and rev it a bit.
you put the key in the drawer and take the msf. so you don't kill yourself.
I need to move the bike right now. We're moving to a new house and the bike is in the way. I sat on it to roll it out of the way, but its locked.
Quote from: davipuyou put the key in the drawer and take the msf. so you don't kill yourself.
+1
If you have to move it immediately, find a buddy that rides that is willing to do it for you..
Once you die, they don't let you ride anymore..
Jesus. Dont act like Im a damn idiot.I just came back from a tour in the Iraq war so I know Im at least smart enough to not go riding the motorcycle around town.My friend who gave it to me cant come because he just moved (hence giving me the bike)
with the bike in neutral you turn the key on, open the choke, and push the starter button (with your right thumb, it's the little black one.) then to kill it you push the big red one.
So once I have the bike rolled away I just push the kill switch? Awesome, thanks Davipu.
you have to be pretty dumb to not be able to get out of going into the sandbox. :P
Welcome to a fellow servicemember. The start button is on the right switchgear housing, it's the lower button. Before you touch that, make sure the bike is in neutral (green light lit), and pull the choke lever all the way back (left handlebar, between the switchgear housing and the mirror). The sidestand may have to be up and the clutch lever pulled.
Now, just to push the bike around, just make sure the bike is in neutral. BTW, it is far safer to move the bike with the sidestand up. Use the front brake to stop the bike.
I didnt try to get out of the sandbox. All the males in my family were Marines, so it was my turn. Thanks for the information guys. Didnt mean to sound like an ass, I just needed to move the bike pronto.
EDIT: Does it automatically start a neutral?
I think I'm just gonna sell the damn thing. He just came up out of the blue and dropped it at my house, and said I could keep it.
silly jarhead.
Quote from: JusiatI need to move the bike right now. We're moving to a new house and the bike is in the way.I sat on it too roll it out of the way, but its locked.
Need clarification - Is the steering locked, or will it not roll for you?
If it's the steering, push the key in a little and turn clockwise.
If it wont roll, it's in gear, the gearshift lever is in front of the left footpeg; with the key in the on position, pull the clutch and pull the lever up ever so gently to get the green light to come on.
Edit: No, it doesn't start automatically, it's not like a car ignition (helps deter theives, I guess), but press the start button on the right handlebar, like I described in my previous post, and the bike should start right up.
It wont roll. It feels like the back wheels have the brakes applied too them.
Then it is in gear. See my post above yours.
. Put the key into the ignition and twist until you get lights -- but not too far or you're in park
. Make sure the gas petcock on the left side (below your seat) is set to "ON"
. Move the choke towards you (it's on the left hand control)
. Put the red switch on the right hand side closest to you (ON)
. Assuming you are on the bike, put the kickstand up.
. Pull in the clutch (left hand side) and move the gears so the little green light comes on telling you that you are in neutral
. Now make sure the Clutch is IN and You ARE applying the front and rear breaks. (Just in case you missed Neutral or are on a slant)
. Push the little black button on the right hand side with your thumb.
. Voilla. It should start.
. Did I miss something? :P
. THe bike will rev quite high, and as it revs (to about 4k) .. Slowly move the Choke away from you until the engine stops making a skipping sound... ONce the choke is all the way off, you should be able to rev the bike without the engine skipping... It could take about 2-3 minutes of moving the choke before you get a good rev going... depending on the temperature of where you are..........
Hope this helps and welcome to the site.
:cheers:
To clarify the procedure for getting the bike into neutral -- turn the key to the right til the lights come on, hold the clutch lever (the one on the left handlebar) in, tap down on the shift lever (by the left footpeg) several times, and then gently tap up on it once - the neutral indicator light should come on, it's the green light under the speedometer. If you can't get the bike into neutral, push it forwad a bit with the clutch in and try again, sometimes you have to turn the rear wheel to get it to go.
If you're just pushing the bike a short distance, you can do so by just pushing the bike while holding the clutch in.
Jusiat, Let me say welcome back. Please excuse davipu. My guess is that he has never been there, and hence doesnt have any right to say SH*! about it. I got back in 2004. I am glad you came back in one piece.
I dont usually respond to negitivity on the board, but for pete's sake the man just got back, someone was cool enough to give him a GS, and he needs to move it.
It is assanine to call anyone dumb for doing his duty. I salute him, and thank him for his service.
davipu, that is the most assenine comment I have ever seen posted on this MB. You just got written off in my book.
(getting down off my soap box)
I hope that the latter post help. If not, PM me and we will get it going for you.
VFR.
Quote from: davipusilly jarhead.
I hope your being "silly" yourself and not disrespecting this newbie who is asking an honest question. Whether or not you believe we should be in Iraq, don't call our soldiers "dumb for not being able to get out of going into the sandbox." Our military personel should be praised for having the balls to stand up for something and held in the highest regard if and when they return safetly. My apologies if I jumped the gun and missunderstood your words. I don't want to turn this into a polital discussion, but I couldn't sit by and say nothing against what I perceived to be a blatent slap in the face to a U.S. soldier.
Thanks alot for your information guys. I ended up moving it to the spot that I wanted to. I wont be touching it till I have to load it up on the truck and move it to the new house.As for the fuel petcock. What exactly does that do? I looked on the left side of the bike and saw this little switch thing with three options. It was pointing north, then theres a "west" option, and then south that says "ON" Im guessing thats the fuel petcock? Whats the significance of turning it on and off? Now that Ive moved the bike, should I keep it on "ON"?
Asinine, not assanine. :P
My dad was over there (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1951428). We send all kinds (and I mean that in every way).
Did you not get a manual with the bike?
No, he just gave me the title and a new lid. Im really not gonna touch it again until I load it up and move it to the new house. Its a 1994 GS500. The only light that turns on when I put the key in is the "Oil" light.Other than that its in pretty good shape.
Did you get it to start???
Where are you.. maybee someone can come over and help you. :)
If you wanna sell it.. PM me :)
I wanted to use the word ass, i got creative.
I havent started it :dunno: I really dont wanna touch it until I take my MSF course. I just wanted to know how to move it out of the parking lot. :cheers:
EDIT: I live in Dallas
Ok well I followed the exact steps, and first of all. I move the gear up two clicks wich is supposed to be neutral, right? The neutral light doesnt even turn on while putting it up or down. I have the chocke pulled towards me. I followed all those steps, applied the front and rear brakes, press the "Start" button and nothing happens. When Justin gave it to me all he had to do was put the key in grabbed one of the handlesbars and it turns on. He didnt even have to give it gas.
neutral is half way between 1st and second gear..
Rock the bike back and forth and click the gear shift down until it doesn't go down any further..
Then gently come back up 1/2 step..
The green light on the gages will come on..
Then the starter will engage when you pull the clutch and hit the button..
Neutral is kind of inbetween First and Second
Kicking at the gears, the layout is as follows
------6
-----5
----4
---3
--2
N
-1
Pull in the clutch and hold it in... then kick the gear down as far as it will go. Once you are at the bottom, you should only have to pull up on the gear just a little bit to hit neutral.
You can start the bike in 1st too... But make sure you have the break and clutch in all the way or you're in for a ride :)
if the neutral light is not on then you are not in neutral. on the shifter (left foot) It is half way inbetween 1st (all the way down) and second (one up). gently lift it up once you get in into 1st.
Be careful though, once you have the neutral light, slowly let the clutch out (left lever), just because you have a light, does not necessarily mean its in netral, so let it out slowly, if the bike moves pull clucth back in and try again.
make sure the kick stand is up, which means you may have to mount the bike, and the clutch is pulled when you try to start it. Also make sure the engine kill button is in the "run" possition. if it is in the "x" position the bike will not start.
But if you can get it into neutral you could just push it.
How do I get it into reverse?
There is no reverse -- Thank god because I know I'd be dead if there was :)
Quote from: FaxxxyHow do I get it into reverse?
;) :mrgreen:
I got it started! I was doing exactly what you all said, and I pushed the start buttno and heared it purr.Then I let it go and when "Holy shat". Then I applied the front brakes, and turned it on all the way. I sat on that baby and made her purr for about five minutes.I was speaking with my father who has ridden his entire life(He lives 800 miles away from me so I couldnt get him to move the bike) Anyways. He told me that when I brake that I have too pull in the clutch and brake slowly. Is this true? Thank you all so much for the help and patience that you all have shown.I used to work with a guy who was an avid ducati rider. I'll give him a call and see if he can supervise me with my straight line rides in my parking lot.
Quote from: JusiatHe told me that when I brake that I have too pull in the clutch and brake slowly. Is this true?
Yes (as long as the adverb is intended only to apply to the proximal verb).
They'll go over all of that in the course... it's best to just take that and then ride...
also its the same basic principle as a car with manual transmission. use the clutch to shift between gears
I wasnt planning on riding yet. I just want to know the motorcycle and how the work before I take the course. I wanna have as much knowledge as I can obtain. Thank you once again.
Quote from: davipuyou put the key in the drawer and take the msf. so you don't kill yourself.
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Quote from: JusiatI got it started! I was doing exactly what you all said, and I pushed the start buttno and heared it purr.Then I let it go and when "Holy shat". Then I applied the front brakes, and turned it on all the way. I sat on that baby and made her purr for about five minutes.I was speaking with my father who has ridden his entire life(He lives 800 miles away from me so I couldnt get him to move the bike) Anyways. He told me that when I brake that I have too pull in the clutch and brake slowly. Is this true? Thank you all so much for the help and patience that you all have shown.I used to work with a guy who was an avid ducati rider. I'll give him a call and see if he can supervise me with my straight line rides in my parking lot.
Dude, your best bet would be to take the MSF course before riding the bike. It seems like you are VERY new to motorcycles and there is a fair amount of things you need to know to ride one safely. I know it would probably be hard to wait for the class date but I think either you, your bike, or both will be torn up if you try to go out riding now.
even before you take the MSF course, pick up a motorcycle operators manual at a tags place or something. I learned how to ride from one of those before i even had a bike to sit on! really its a good way to understand the concept and you dont have a class to keep up with. but you should take the MSF regardless.
You may also want to pick up The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycling. I read through it before I ever rode a bike and found it quite useful.
Thanks for your service and welcome to the boards (and motorcycling).
If you have a friend who rides, tooling around an empty parking lot probably isn't gonna get you killed, but you are 100% right to wait for the MSF before doing any real riding.
Just so you know, the MSF course teaches you from the very beginning. As in, "this is how you turn the bike ON". So please do you and your new bike a favor and just wait for the class. Your Ducati friend may be a great friend, BUT may or may NOT be a very good motorcycle instructor. If you want to remain friends and perhpas ride together one day, don't find out what kind of instructor he is.
Once your MSF course is over you will have the rest of your life to ride. Just wait the month. :cheers:
The fuel petcock has 3 settings.
North = Prime
In this setting fuel flows in hindered into the float bowls of the carbs.
If your float valve is knackered you can overflow the carbs and fill your engine with petrol. This is BAD (TM)
You use prime to get fuel into empty carbs when your trying to start a bike that has for some reason emptied it's float bowls.
West = Reserve
In this setting you get fuel from the bottom of the tank but only when the engine vacum acrivated a valve in the petcock.
This stops the danger of overflowing your float bowls.
You use reserve when there is too little fuel in the tank to run the bike in the 'on' position.
South = Run
This is a vacuum activated supply setting like reserve.
In 'run' however you get fuel from a pipe that stands up inside the tank.
this means that you can't get the last gallon of fuel out unless you switch to 'reserve'
The GS500 ain't got no fuel gauge, so to save you from running out of fuel you use 'run'
This is good because when you run out of fuel in 'run' you can flip the switch and it gives you about
30 miles worth of fuel to get yourself to a gas station. Far better than pushing the thing.
Yes, just leave it in the "ON" position. There is no "Off". You don't want to leave it on PRIme. And DO take that MSF course.
Congrats on the new bike, and welcome to GSTwin. And a huge thank you for serving our country. :) :) :)
I hope you'll give your new bike a try. We really care about our members here, and we don't want anyone to get hurt. Sometimes that caring comes off a little ROUGH from some of our members. :roll:
It sounds as though you've got your head on straight since you've already signed up for the MSF.
I'm glad you were able to get your new bike moved, and don't let some of our....uh...rougher....members scare you away. ;)
pandy :cheers:
Quote from: JusiatHey guys. I was given a gs500 yesterday by a friend of mine. I am completely new to the motorcycle scene, and have only been two up on one. I signed up for the MSF course, but its not until next month. My question is....How do I start the GS500? I put the key in the ignition, the lights start, but the key doesnt go any further than that? I just wanna start it and rev it a bit.
Thank alot for your info, guys. I'm about to go outside and wash her off and make her nice and shiny. All I have around is a rag, water, and some dishwashing soap. All I wanna do is take some dirt off of the frame and off of the exterior of the pipe. Would dishwashing soap hurt the steel or the bike? Or should I just use water and a rag?
That will be fine, just use a little soap, not a lot. Also dry it off real good with a towel when you are done.
I start and let the motor run for a few minutes to let it dry.
In the future, you may want to use some stuff made by Honda, call pro clean/polish. It is waterless. You spray it on, then wipe it off. Then buff with a clean rag. It looks like you waxed it when you are done.
I take care of my bike the same way I took care of my car; the long-term lazy bastard route. I wash with dish soap when I'm doing a wax strip, dry with a microfiber, apply Meguiar's #26 (High-Tech Yellow) liquid on metal and plastic bits, buff with another microfiber. In-between washes (I strip 3 to 4 times a year) I do with a non-stripping car soap (Meguiar's Gold Class wash; I have a jug that will last through eternity). To keep the black trim shiny and black, I spritz a little WD-40 on a rag and wipe it. Old car detailing trick.
Do a search for "chain lube" while you're here and read the lengthy debates. :P
Ok well I took a little stroll (5mp) down my parking lot. I started off fine. Went about 100 feet and was supposed to turn, but it was too sharp so I walked it. I didnt turn it off though, I just let go of the throttle and it would turn off. Ok so I tried turning it on, but it would make the normal sound but then start clicking under my seat. Id feel every click as well on my ass. I would rock the bike back and forth, but it will wouldnt turn on. I was talking to my friend and he said it was probably because i didnt turn the engine off with the red button, but it sounds more like a battery thing to me. it just clicks clicks and the lights flicker with every click. My friend who gave it to me said that he had just put a new battery in it two months later. Any suggestions?
I know I know. I said I wasnt gonna ride it, but it was only at 5mph. :(
anyway, it sounds like the battery is dead. I thought you were just going to throw the key in a drawer?
I did, but damnit I was so tempted. I did very well if I say so myself, and im not exaggerating when I say that I didnt go over 5mph. I only drove about 100 feet, and was gonna turn back. I wanted to know wether I could at least balance myself on it. It sounds like the battery to me too. It just clicks clicks clicks until I let off of the "Start" button. Also, since I didnt turn it off with the "OFF" button, did I do any damage to it? How can I jump the bike back up?
Quote from: davipuanyway, it sounds like the battery is dead. I thought you were just going to throw the key in a drawer?
There is always road rash pics :roll:
The lights are fine when the engine is on, but as soon as I put it in gear and push the start button it just clicks. It kinda coughs like it does when it starts, but it coughs two times and then clicks until I let off of the "start" button.
Really, I am glad you got a bike. But seriously, please take the MSF course before you do anything else. I had ridden motorcycles before I took the MSF, and knew what most of the controls were and thought I knew how to ride. But they start at the basics, and gradually work you into riding it.
I thought I knew how to ride, and took it initially for lower insurance, but I quickly discovered that I did not know that much.
they teach you how to ride defensively, and good riding habits.
Based on your posts, I stongly urge you to not ride the bike again until you have completed the MSF course.
you will learn how to ride properly, and you will be much safer, and more confident in the end.
Will do. Its just that initial temptation I guess. You understand dont ya? What do you think is wrong with the bike though?
Im putting it in storage tomorrow anyways. I dont have room for it in the new house.
It sounds like you have drained the battery of its charge. If you've had the ignition on for some period of time while trying to figure out how to make the motor go, the lights have been on during that time draining the battery's power. Usually a dead (drained) battery is a bad thing. Today, for you and the bike it is a blessing. Just leave the motorcycle alone until you take the MSF course. If you know someone capable of removing and charging the battery, let them do it. If you attempt it yourself and fail you will likely ruin something and have to buy parts and perhaps have the machine repaired further. DO NOT ATTEMPT IT YOURSELF. You may have traveled slow on the bike, but you started too soon.
For the record, davipu is an ex-Marine, honorably discharged within the past year. I have no idea what combat or war-zone experience he has, but I imagine that his "jarhead" comments were of the "been in the service myself" variety.
Deep breath, everyone! (You too, davipu.... :kiss: )
Jusiat, congrats on scoring a free GS! :thumb: You DID get the title ... right? :roll:
The guy I bought mine from didn't even know it had a back brake. He wondered what that "other lever" was for! He had never taken the MSF course, he just bought a bike and started riding! He also never checked tire pressure, never checked the gap or condition of the spark plugs, and NEVER LUBED THE CHAIN (or adjusted out the huge amount of slack)! Thankfully, he only had the bike for a few months and kept it in his garage. He had to sell it in a hurry because his company shut down and he lost his job. It probably saved his life.
Order a replacement Owner's Manual, then buy yourself a repair manual and spend a few hours really getting to "know" the bike. And keep reading the posts on this website...these things have a few quirks that will help you out later if you know about them in advance!
QuoteFor the record, davipu is an ex-Marine, honorably discharged within the past year. I have no idea what combat or war-zone experience he has, but I imagine that his "jarhead" comments were of the "been in the service myself" variety.
Well thats nice to know now, and I'm sure since Jusiat did not know that, I did not know that.
That being said, I apoligize if I jumped to the gun, but the "keep out of the sandbox" comment closely mirrored some comments I recieved from some anti-war type people before, and I took execption to it.
Anyway, Glad we are all back, in one peice.
I guess it is a blessing in disguise. Now I can work on the little problems she has.I read multiple posts with the search feature and pretty much know to stay away from jump starting from a car, and read something about walmart probably having the battery as well. One question though. Is installing the battery hard? I read another post of some type of draining tube thats attached to the battery? Also. I noticed some slight rust on the chain. How much can I expect to payfor one, and is it quite easy to install myself? Too tell you the truth Im quite hesitant to do any 'wrenching" on this bike myself. The check engine light is on right now, but when I took the dipstick out I noticed that the oil was slightly darker than an amber color. What oil wuold you reccomend me? Is having the dealerhip change my chain, change my oil and replace my battery really a bad idea?
I was at the front page and read that a rag wet with some WD40 would be great for the rims and work to take off any grease. I noticed that on the engine theres just a little bit of grease. Would it be safe to use that on the engine?Sorry for all these questions. I just wanna know as much about this bike as I can. I tryed to search for an owners manual online that I can download, but didnt find a free one :oops: . Im about to order the repair manual from Amazon.com thats on the front page, but is that the best one out there for the GS500? I wanna get the easiest and the best one there is, money is no object.
Buy the Clymer manual. Betwen the clymer manual and this site, you will have plenty of noob-friendly advice and instructions.
FYI, the oil light is always on when the key is "on" but the bike is not running. As long as it goes off when you get the engine running, it's completely normal.
If you just got the bike, the first thing I would do is change the oil and filter. It'll cost less than $20. Remember, you have NO idea what the previous owner actually did, as far as maintanance.
You should probably check the brake pads for wear, as well. Bleeding the brakes and/or putting in new fluid wouldn't hurt, but I would wait untill you get your Clymer manual.
As far as the chain, it is probably just surface rust from being stored w/o lubing it first. Clean with a rag sprayed with WD-40, then re-lube with chain oil. If it needs replacement, take it to a shop. Once you get some more wrenching under your belt, it is a DIY, but you are not there yet. Best to just shell out the $$$ and KNOW that the job was done right.
And, sorry to beat a dead horse, but do NOT ride that thing untill you PASS the MSF. I know firsthand that those "5 minutes, just around the block" rides can, and will, turn into riding all over the place without a license (and without and skills). Take this time to familiarize yourself with the bike in terms of maintanance and safety checks, and leave the riding for after you learn from a competant professional rider coach.
Will do, but the nearest Suzuki dealership is about 30 minutes away. I cant ride it, and I have nothing to lift it up on a truck. As for the brake pads. He did say the front brake may need to be changed soon. So right now I should change (Oil, Air filter, lube/clean chain) Would you reccomend I change the oil myself once I get the manual? I think I can do that with the right instructions, and as for the chain lubing. I can find all this at the Suzuki dealership, correct?
the oil change is very simple. Here are some instructions (with pictures :thumb: ) from the How-To page on the main site.
http://www.gstwin.com/oil_change.htm
Brake fluid replacement:
http://www.bbburma.net/HowTo/BrakeFluid_Replace/
The manual will help you figure out the rest.
I just ordered the Clymer book from the link on the front page. Cost me 22 dollars :) What oil would you reccomend me? I dont wanna put anything but quality in my baby :p
BTW: Thank you all for being so damn helpful and patient. Im amazed t how the biking community is so tight-knit and so willing to an extend an arm out to their fellow riders. Thanks again!
EDIT:Ok. I went outside to just turn her on to see if it was an problem with the battery or not.The first start up I gave her she caughed and then died out. Every other start was two coughs and clicks under my seat. Last night I remember sitting on the bike a good 20 minutes without turning the engine off, but I would imagine that a battery would last longer than just 20 minutes of sitting.
Just charge the battery with a motorcycle-specific battery charger, which would probably be found (or ordered) at a motorcycle shop. Look for one near you in the phone book.
And, thank you for your service, shipmate (do you guys have shipmates, or are they "buddies"? I remember "buddies" was the first part of a two-part word...)
That clicking is the starter solinoid closing the ignition circuit. It's possible to have enough juice to activate the solinoid and/or headlight but not have enough to turn the starter motor.
Walmart sells battery chargers with variable settings (will work for car/boat/bike). I got mine for around $25. Having a trickle charger is never a bad thing. The bike will not charge under a certain rpm level (can't remember exactly what level), so if you are turning it over a lot, but not actually riding it, it will drain the battery pretty fast.
They sell new batteries there, as well, if you end up needing one. I would check the water level in the battery first, though, before buying a new one. Mine was low on water, and it made a big difference (remember to use only distilled water to refill; you can get it at any drug store).
We call eachother brothers ;) Water level huh? I'll go ahead and check that out later today. Is it correct that the gs500 has a 12 volt battery? Im guessing that they have different volts for different battery sizes in the Wal-Mart battery charger.Also. I was reading on the oil changing ,and yes the "Oil" light does turn off when I take it off gear. The chain lube can be found at places like Wal-Mart? Or should I buy a can at the Suzuki dealership?
You can buy a can at the dealership, but you can get a decent can at almost any dealership or motorcycle accessory shop. Suggestions? Liquid Wrench (available at most auto stores) to clean the chain and Maxima chain wax or PJ1. Don't switch between wax and oil. Stick with one.
Our batteries are 12volt.
I called the Wal-Mart thats a block away, and they said they had 12volt battery chargers.I asked him if they could be used with ANY 12volt battery. Be it scooter, motorcycle, boat etc and he said yes. So I'll be picking that baby up later today. I cant wait to get my repair manual though. Its gonna be great when I can wrench my own bike B-). While Im there Im gonna purchase some WD40 and two cleans rags. Ill try and look for that Liquid wrench, and either Maxima chain or PJ1. Is there a certain one you would reccomend over the other? Should I wait for the repair manual to arrive to luve the chain? Or is it pretty much just spraying it, and rubbing it in with a rag?
You can use the WD40 to clean the chain (I prefer Liquid Wrench), and use one rag to clean the chain and the other to wipe off excess lube. A few others and I prefer the Maxima.
You don't have to wait for the repair manual to lube the chain as a few of us have outlined what to do here: http://gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15969&highlight=chain+cleaning
Thanks for the help, Scratch. Ill purchase the charger, and the WD40 in a couple of hours. Would you reccomend I wait a couple of minutes after I clean the chain with WD40 before I put the lube on the chain, or can I just put it on right after Im done? Also I was reading in that link that you should ride the bike before hand so that it is warm. This is not a neccesity, right?
Welcome to the GS world! :cheers:
Watch your fingers while working around the chain or you will end up with a nickname like "stumpy". :(
Best wishes,
Stumpy
I have a question about charging my bikes battery with a battery charger. I googled "Jump starting motorcycle", but all the info I got was jump starting from a car and how to safely jump it that way, but found nothing about jump starting from a charger. Do I have to take caution on how I connect it? Is there a certain way to connect it? How would I check the water level of the battery? How long does it usually take to charge a 12 volt battery?
read and follow the instructions on the charger. Also, the charger will not jump the bike; it will slowly re-charge the battery.
To check the water level in the battery, you will use the key in the lock on the right side of the bike below the plastic body panel, near the passenger footpeg, to unlock the seat. You may have to press down on the 'hump' of the seat and turn the key clockwise to do so. It will be easier for you to remove the battery to see the water levels. Disconnect the negative first (should be the terminal on the right) and then the positive (left).
Normally, you don't jump start a battery with a charger. We want you to charge the battery. With the battery still out of the bike, the red connector of the batt charger (+ positive) should connect to the + pos side of the batt, and the black to the - negative side.
Please tell us what the water levels are, they should be at the high level marks. If not, you may need to fill them with distilled water, before you charge the battery. Charging may take as little as 4 hrs, to as much as 8.
Geez you guys are so helpful. I get all my questions answered at this forum! Thanks alot Scratch. I cant head over to Wal-Mart and buy it just yet, but ill be sure to check the water levels before I charge it up. Am I in danger of getting spalshed in face with hot water if I open the cap up to check the water level?
nope, unless you check your car's hot radiator instead of your motorcycle battery. But, if you do that, you deserve to be burned :nono:
you can check the level without opening anything. The side of the battery is clear and has +/- marks for each cell of the battery. Pull out the little plugs on top and refill as needed. If it was low, filling with distilled water to spec will make it work much better.
I just bought a 10/6/2 amp charge rate, 12 volt battery charger by Black and Decker. Im gonna check the fluid level, and if thats all tip top, then I'll clean the terminals and charge the battery. I also bought some wire brushes too clean the chain with. I also have some WD40, but I couldnt find the chain lube (at wal-mart at least) Do I have to lube right after I clean the chain? Or can that be done anytime before?
Well I just started to charge my battery. It has 2.5 displayed on the screen. So Im guessing its a 2.5 amp batter, and it also showed that it was a 12.7 volt battery. I asked my stepfather if there was such a thing as a "so so" battery. Meaning that if a battery can only be dead, and only be charged, no in-betweens. He said that it can only be dead, or only be charged. Mine is charging right now, so I guess mine was dead.
"When should you place a battery on charge? Whenever the open circuit voltage drops to the low 12V range. I usually hook up at 12.3V and charge till the voltage across the battery terminals reaches the mid 14V range and then disconnect the charger. One day later, your open circuit voltage will be in the high 12V range (12.9V)"
Well Ive been charging my battery up for about an hour and a half now, and when I click the volage button it shows it at 13.3. By reading that, Im guessing that I shouldnt wait for the charger to indicate a fully charged battery, but that I should disconnect it once it hits 14v. Is this correct? Another thing is, when I connect the battery it said that it had 12.7v. Wich is higher than what Pantablo usually connects it at. Does that mean that the battery wasnt dead? My battery terminals werent corroded one bit. Is there something going on other than a dead battery?
If you got a good charger, it should turn off when the battery is charged, or at least go into a "topping off" cycle.
How were the water levels in the various cells?
It just said "FULL". So the battery is completely charged. As for the the water, is was a little over the "Max" line. So that seemed fine as well. Can I pop the battery in right now? Or should I wait a while? What terminal do I connect first? The positive or negative?
Positive first, then negative.
If you connect the negative terminal first, then just about every piece of metal on the bike becomes "hot" electrically. If a wrench or some other tool happens to touch both the positive terminal and one of those pieces of metal at the same time ... ZAP!
It's best to connect the positive terminal first, cover it with the "little red riding hood" ...
(http://www.bbburma.net/AccessoryPowerOutlet/Dscf0924.jpg)
...and then connect the negative terminal.
Woohoo! Shes purring just like a kitty cat B-). While I was walking outside to but the battery in, some water( probably two ounces worth) came out from that drain vent (where the clear tube goes) and got on my hand. It didnt hurt, and right after I wahed my hands with soap and warm water. Felt good to do my first 'Wrench job" on her, even though it was just recharging the battery :oops: I did it myself! Thats what counts! 8) :guns:
Next wrench job: Cleaning the chain with WD40 and a metal tooth brush :nana:
careful with the wire brush on the chain...there are little "O" rings that seal in the grease between the side plates that you could damage if you get to aggressive. Also when you finally lube the chain a little goes a long way! Too much and it will just fly off and make a big mess. You'll learn how much lube is too much when you have to clean it off your swingarm and wheels :) Oh, try to keep any oil, grease, WD-40, or the like off your brake discs and tires. Could cause some grief later on.
Welcome to the forum and to motorcycling. I noticed the marines don't train they people very much on engines, cars and trucks, because a bike works almost the same way, however I understand you hesitate on doing the wrench yourself. You'll find it is easy as you keep on trying, and will find some tasks are simpler than others, the trick is to have the right tools, wrenches, sockets, etc. so start to gather the tools.
Good luck...
I'm with cobalt135. Just use a discarded toothbrush on the chain.
I have some surface rust on the chain, so I was thinking about just brushing the outsides a bit with the wire brush and getting some of that rust off. Should I spray WD40 on the inside of the chain? Or just the outside where all the rust is? Also. Like I said, I dont have the chain lube yet. So should I wait till I get the lube to clean the chain? Or should I just clean it now? I also noticed that inside the engine theres some collected dirt. I tryed to wipe it down with a wet clothe and only some of it came off. Can I use the WD40 and a rag practice to clean up the engine?
you can use WD-40 to clean just about anything that is metal.
Use the toothbrush on the chain and clean with WD-40. I like to use chain wax personally, but that is a personal preference. WD-40 will work fine.
A little surface rust on the chain is not the end of the world, just clean and lube well with WD-40.
Sorry to sound like a shill for Walmart, but anyway...if you need some socket wrenches, metric sockets, allen sockets, and other hand tools, Walmart has some cheap sets available. Sears has more pricey, higher quality sets. IMO, the Walmart specials will do just fine for the occassional mechanic.
Welcome and thanks for your service. If i may make a suggestion, you might want to mosey over to http://www.beginnerandbeyond.com as well.
It's a new rendition of the former beginner bikes web forum. Tons of helpful people over there and there are bound to be a few in your area who can help with practices, wrenching and other stuff after your class.
Ride safe
Quote from: vfrocketdavipu, that is the most assenine comment I have ever seen posted on this MB.
...or "assenine" :) :ducks:
Is gasoline supposed to leak out of the side of the bike? I was cleaning the side of the bike, and I guess pushed it to much to the right. It started to tilt, so I caught the handle bar and seat, but it was too late. It was going down. It went down bt very lightly. As soon as it hit the gound gasoline started pouring out from somewhere. I lifted it the way I saw on some website where a lady shows you how to pick it up. I lifted it without a problem. I dont know where it was leaking from. I rubbed the side of the tank, and felt no gas on it. About 6 ounces poured out. Is this normal?
Yes, it probably came out of the overflow tube down by the right footpeg. You may have a little difficulty starting it up again, that's because if it drained from your carburetors, they need to be filled up again. Turn the fuel selector, located on the left side of the bike, from ON to PRIme, for a few seconds, and then back to ON.
Seriously, is this a joke to get us to solve every possible issue a total neophyte could encounter?
If it's not a joke, please, please, please stop trying to work on your bike yourself, at least until you get a manual. You are apparently both clumsy and not "mechanically inclined." At least refrain from working on any safety type items (brakes, controls, etc.), so you don't f%$k up and get hurt.
If it is a joke, hurray! Honestly a very funny joke, and well done...you did a great job of portraying a total dummy.
I sat on the bike, and it kinda lowered a bit. Is it supposed to go down a little bit? I thought that springs were supposed to make the bike super stiff? Also, I read that the reason why the motorcycle seat was that long was because it was meant for a passenger? Is this true? I didnt know a motorcycle was a two seater.
You have got to be kidding me. Yes the bike will lower. Mine does and I only weigh 115 soaking wet. And if you try real hard and get some midgets, assuming they could reach the footpegs I bet you could get 3 people on there.
I was kidding, but the tank question was real. What the hell am I supposed to think when gas starts pouring out of my bike? Oh yeah its normal for a bike to pour gas when it falls, no big deal.
yes it is completely normal for the gas to come out when the thing falls over. Just pick her back up and assuming nothing is damaged it should be alright. And refer to scratch's post if it doesn't start back up.
I know I've been kinda annoying with all my questions. I just wanna know the most I can before I start riding, and no Im not trying to wrench on her before I get the repair manual. Im not "Mechanically savvy", and Im also not clumsy. Is my asking questions bad? Or would it be better for me to go riding down the street with no helmet on and not know ANYTHING about the bike, and or common occurences. Sounds great, right?
Jusiat, even though i am new to this site, i wanted to say congrats on the bike and be safe. good to see other service members on this site.
while you are on this site and in the MSF course, your mind should be a sponge... learn everything that you can about your bike, how to take care of it, and most importantly how to ride it!
here is my two pennies of advice:
* RESPECT the machine - be good to it and it will be good to you.
* take it easy, go slow.
* wear proper gear (helmet, gloves, long pants, etc. - being military, it's a requirement).
* once you get the basics down and you're ready for more learning, pick up a copy of "A Twist of the Wrist II" by Kieth Code (it's a little more advanced).
enjoy your new ride and have fun! ride safe!!
-nate
Thanks very much Nate :) I sure am trying to absorb the most I can on this bike. :thumb:
I'm a total newbie too. have been studying bikes for a while and lucked into buying a gs 500 '97 for a first bike. I'm luck to have a ringer helping me (mechanic, racer, teacher generallt motorcycle obsessed guy. i'm in the middle if the MSF class.
I would recommend the The idiot's guide to motorcycles
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0028624165/ref=pd_sxp_f/104-4071618-6919133?v=glance&s=books
It give alot of good basic advice, aquaints you with the bike and gives you a heads up on maintenance etc.
Also on the MSF site you can read the course guide (but you can;t print it out) that will help you get aquainted with the course.
http://www.msf-usa.org/CurriculumMaterials/BRCRiderHndbk_2005v6.pdf
Also there is abnother book there like a state motorcycle manual in the back are excercises to do (after you MSF class) that you can do in a parking lot with soem cones (or soda bottles) to learn certain skills.
http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Riding_Tips.pdf
Scroll 3/4 of the way through to 'Practice Guide'
I'm also really excited to see such a strong community around the gs500. I'm really glad i stumbled onto it for my first bike.
Wow, thanks for all the links! Today was a good day. I WD40s the motor, took some grease off of it, and cleaned up the tires. I also spoke with my step fathers brother. He went to a mechanics school where he graduated and is an auto mechanic. He also knows alot about motorcycles, so thatll help me get acquainted with the guts of the motorcycle, and cut down on mechanic bills :thumb: Thanks again Philzphly
Welcome, Philzphly!