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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: LPC2104 on July 28, 2008, 03:31:21 PM

Title: bike broke down....Goat's Syndrome
Post by: LPC2104 on July 28, 2008, 03:31:21 PM
My bike broke down on my commute home today.  Here's what happened:

-For the last month or so i noticed a minor clicking sound, like the chain was catching something.
- on my way home today I noticed that sound but it was more pronounced
- I stopped at a light and the bike died
- I tried to stArt it and I got engine knock
- I tried to push start it, same thing
- battery is ok, gas is ok

Any ideas?  I'm clueless.  Thanks
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help
Post by: beRto on July 28, 2008, 04:01:59 PM
Quote from: LPC2104 on July 28, 2008, 03:31:21 PM
My bike broke down on my commute home today.  Here's what happened:

-For the last month or so i noticed a minor clicking sound, like the chain was catching something.
Do you think it was actually the chain, or did it just sound like that?

Quote
- on my way home today I noticed that sound but it was more pronounced
- I stopped at a light and the bike died
Did it sputter out (like it was out of gas) or die instantly (like you turned off the key)?

Quote
- I tried to stArt it and I got engine knock
The same kind of knock as the original sound (chain tick)? Or different?

Quote
- I tried to push start it, same thing
- battery is ok, gas is ok
How did you check these? What do you mean by gas is ok? Did you check that there is fuel in the carb float bowls?

Quote
Any ideas?  I'm clueless.  Thanks

What do the sparkplugs look like?
How is the oil level in the bike?
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help
Post by: LPC2104 on July 28, 2008, 04:10:23 PM
It wasn't the chain, it would make this sound while I was idling.

Died instantly.

Different sound.  I didn't get the grrr grr grr like when the battery is dying.  It was more than a click but maybe not quite an engine knock.  The bike was bucking a little  when I'd hit the start button.

I meant I have about 35 more miles before I need to hit the reserve.

Don't know about the sparkplugs.  Oil is a little low but not dangerously low.

Could it possibly be the clutch cable?

I"m thinking the earlier click was just the "cam thing" that GS"s are prone to.  I'm thinking this problem is unrelated.

My ride's here, I'm off to check somethings.  Thanks
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help
Post by: Raydr on July 28, 2008, 04:22:04 PM
I really think you need to pull the plugs and see if they're even there.
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help
Post by: LPC2104 on July 28, 2008, 05:14:15 PM
plugs are ok.  I pulled them and 1 was black, the other was brown and needed replaced.

Put in 2 new plugs with same results.  Also, clutch cable is ok.  I'm totally stuck.
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help
Post by: Mdow on July 28, 2008, 05:58:05 PM
compression test it
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help
Post by: beRto on July 28, 2008, 10:11:50 PM
With the clutch pulled in, will the bike roll freely?

If the bike is in 6th gear, can you rotate the rear tire (easier if spark plugs removed)?
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help
Post by: ben2go on July 28, 2008, 11:08:45 PM
Kind of sounds like Goats disease.Don't get crazy over the name.Here's a couple links to check.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=38758.msg437562#msg437562

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=39972.0

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=13774.30
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help
Post by: LPC2104 on July 29, 2008, 05:01:35 AM
Quote from: beRto on July 28, 2008, 10:11:50 PM
With the clutch pulled in, will the bike roll freely?

Yes.  I don't think it's the clutch cable. 

I didn't test the 6th gear thing and I might not get a chance.  I'm hoping it's not towed from where I left it last night.
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help
Post by: LPC2104 on July 29, 2008, 06:15:39 AM
Quote from: ben2go on July 28, 2008, 11:08:45 PM
Kind of sounds like Goats disease.Don't get crazy over the name.Here's a couple links to check.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=38758.msg437562#msg437562

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=39972.0

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=13774.30

It does sound like I've got Goat's syndrome.  I can't figure out what else it could possible be and a lot of the sympton's I've read about in these threads match mine.  Most notably that very distinct clicking sound that's been going on for a while.

I just can't figure out why it only stalled when I was stopped.  Coincidence?

I wish I had more mechanical knowledge but I'm a complete noobie.  I've only done basic things like changing the oil, tach cable, chain adjustments.  If it is indeed this "Goats Syndrome" I may be parting with the GS as I have a feeling the cost to fix it will be over 1/2 the value of the bike.

Thanks for the links.
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help "Goat's Syndrome"
Post by: LPC2104 on July 29, 2008, 12:26:17 PM
Has anyone that's been posting recently had this problem?  I don't think Kerry or Starwalt is very active anymore.

I'm trying to figure out about how much it will cost if labor is around $50ph.  How many parts need to be replaced?  Is it something I could do myself or do I need a pro.  I definitely don't have the tools discussed in the linked threads.  Thanks in advance, this really sucks.
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help "Goat's Syndrome"
Post by: beRto on July 29, 2008, 12:28:18 PM
Quote from: LPC2104 on July 29, 2008, 12:26:17 PM
Has anyone that's been posting recently had this problem?  I don't think Kerry or Starwalt is very active anymore.

I'm trying to figure out about how much it will cost if labor is around $50ph.  How many parts need to be replaced?  Is it something I could do myself or do I need a pro.  I definitely don't have the tools discussed in the linked threads.  Thanks in advance, this really sucks.

Did you confirm that it is in fact goat's? If not, first thing you need to do is open up the bike and check... then you can worry about how to fix it!  :)

Here are some recent threads on the topic:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=43113.0
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=42263.0
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=42888.0
Title: Re: bike broke down....Goat's Syndrome
Post by: The Buddha on July 29, 2008, 12:40:32 PM
Borrow sliding hammer from astroaru. That's about all you need.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: bike broke down....Goat's Syndrome
Post by: LPC2104 on July 29, 2008, 12:57:40 PM
Thanks for the links beRto.  When I get the bike home tomorrow I'll pull the casing and see if I do in fact have Goat's.  I'm thinking I do but praying I don't.
Title: Re: bike broke down....Goat's Syndrome
Post by: The Buddha on July 29, 2008, 01:07:50 PM
Goats could be the easiest of engine fixes ...
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: bike broke down....need help "Goat's Syndrome"
Post by: astroaru on July 29, 2008, 10:47:26 PM
Quote from: LPC2104 on July 29, 2008, 12:26:17 PM
Has anyone that's been posting recently had this problem?  I don't think Kerry or Starwalt is very active anymore.

I'm trying to figure out about how much it will cost if labor is around $50ph.  How many parts need to be replaced?  Is it something I could do myself or do I need a pro.  I definitely don't have the tools discussed in the linked threads.  Thanks in advance, this really sucks.

you can do it your self! it will take 2-3 hrs. At a few instants you will need someone to help. Promise your friends some beer  :laugh:
Apart from the parts, this is the only tool you need

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=42867.0

Regarding the parts to be replaced: The starter clutch set- $28 most likely, $150 rotor most likely, new oil filter, 4 quarts of your favorite oil. Hope the rest are okay.
Title: Re: bike broke down....Goat's Syndrome
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on July 30, 2008, 12:54:26 AM
yup ,do it yourself, ask here when having probs or need to vent. and youll do fine. but am awaiting pics. pull right side cover,  and check there as well  :thumb: