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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: jbien on March 07, 2007, 10:44:33 AM

Title: My bike wont start
Post by: jbien on March 07, 2007, 10:44:33 AM
So since the weather is still not as warm as i wish it was, I usually only ride my bike every couple days, and every time i go to start it, it doesn't start. Then i find myself running down the street with my bike in neutral of course :) and then popping the clutch so i can get it to start, then i let it warm up for a good couple of mins. However after riding it for a while, and when i go to start it again it does not give me this problem, so is it my battery dying over night?  :dunno_white:
Title: Re: My bike wont start
Post by: brett on March 07, 2007, 11:31:39 AM
First, I would check that the fluid levels in the battery are correct. You may need to add some distilled water. If that doesn't fix the problem, you'll probably need to get a new battery.

If you want to be really thorough, I would check that you are getting proper current/voltage across the battery terminals, but if it is able to recharge properly after a good ride, my guess is that's not the problem.
Title: Re: My bike wont start
Post by: 3imo on March 07, 2007, 12:05:18 PM
+1

It doesn't start. Does it turn over?  When it's cold and the bike has been sitting long enough for the oil to drain down, It takes a bit more ooomph to get the engine to start. (called cranking amps) If your engine will not turn over cold, but will warm, you may just have a weak batt.

check it or change it. These batts aren't maintenance free and do go bad over time if not properly cared for.  Most auto parts store can tell you in a few min if its dead or not.

good luck.
Title: Re: My bike wont start
Post by: mach1 on March 07, 2007, 05:34:24 PM
not to steal this post but my bike does the same thing but i dont push her down the street. i replaced the battery with a stonger m. free battery and its still has a hard time starting i have to keep cranking until it starts to fire then i sit the bike up straight and crank crank crank till it starts but after warming it up it starts up easy. before i got the bike it sat for about 5 months, that is why i have a new battery. should i have the carbs looked at or does it have to do with spark i checked the float bowls and they have gas. any ideas thanx
Title: Re: My bike wont start
Post by: 3imo on March 08, 2007, 07:13:24 AM
If the bike sat for 5 months, I suggest you tear into the carbs.  You don't necessarily "have" to use a rebuild kit. Just a good cleaning should suffice.

BUT if you are able, get the kit if the carbs haven't been rebuilt in a long time.

Title: Re: My bike wont start
Post by: brett on March 08, 2007, 09:09:33 AM
Quote from: 3imo on March 08, 2007, 07:13:24 AM
If the bike sat for 5 months, I suggest you tear into the carbs.  You don't necessarily "have" to use a rebuild kit. Just a good cleaning should suffice.

BUT if you are able, get the kit if the carbs haven't been rebuilt in a long time.



And don't forget to put in fresh gas. 5 month old gas is no good.
Title: Re: My bike wont start
Post by: 3imo on March 08, 2007, 03:29:53 PM
good for parts cleaning  :thumb:
Title: Re: My bike wont start
Post by: scratch on March 08, 2007, 04:03:45 PM
Quote from: 3imo on March 08, 2007, 07:13:24 AM
BUT if you are able, get the kit if the carbs haven't been rebuilt in a long time.
Like more than two years of storage outside...in the sun.
Title: Re: My bike wont start
Post by: mach1 on March 08, 2007, 04:50:15 PM
it does have new gas and no the crabs have not been rebuilt yet. and the bike sat outside but not sure how long. and since i dont have the time to do it myself im going to give it to a M/C shop down the street from my house my dad took his goldwing their and it didnt run and sat for about 6 years inside and they rebuilt the carbs and changed the fork seals and serviced the brakes replacing the front only and they charged him around 700 so im going to take it to him and just have him look over my bike make sure everything else is ok.
Title: Re: My bike wont start
Post by: 3imo on March 09, 2007, 07:04:28 AM
I can clean my carbs, in the time it takes to get ready, ride out to the shop and come back home.

I'm just saying.  :dunno_white:  'course I have three GS's and have rebuilt/clean carbs about 5 times in the last four years.

If you wanna learn there is plenty of reference material here. pics and all. 

Just saying.  :dunno_white: