...My '94 GS has 12,000 miles. It runs great once warm. The problem is getting it started. My last bike started so easily cold. Just choke and bump the starter. The problem with the GS is that it always seems to take some serious coaxing to get it to turn over. Should I give it some gas before hitting the starter? I never had to give any gas in my last bike. Would using the primer setting on the petcock be useful? How does that work? Any ideas? Thanks.

I have the same problem here, I just give it some gas while its turning over and it'll start up, just make sure to keep the gas on for more than a second or you'll find its not enough most times.

Have you checked the valve clearances? Also a rejet makes a world of difference on cold starts.

Yes, after rejetting, I haven't had a cold start in two years.

 -Anti  

Mr Suzuki, in his owners manual, says give it choke and start without throttle, it's so tempting to tweak that right wrist but it generally works for me.

Quote from: pslamp32............Would using the primer setting on the petcock be useful? How does that work?.......Thanks.

Not normally. The prime setting bypasses the automatic vacuum operated fuel valve.

You say it takes some coaxing - do you mean that the starter is sluggish?  That points more to a problem with the battery or the connection to the battery...

If she (oops, "it" is more PC) turns over slowly when cold, then it could well be a tired battery.   :dunno:

Although I'm still on my first, I'm told that batteries will last for about five years, perhaps one or two more if treated well.  If yours is OEM, then I'd consider a replacement.

What's the best way to check the battery? How much would a new one cost? Thanks.

Yeah, I agree... Start without throttle. Mine LOVES a cold start. I only have to choke if it's REALLY cold outside... Otherwise just bump the starter button and yer off! I guess mine floods very easily, and starts great with no effort...  I have 30,000 miles on my bike.

Oh, and new battery is probably $30 or less. You can get one at Walmart.

Thanks for the tips!

Quote from: pslamp32What's the best way to check the battery?

The first thing to do is check and make sure the battery is the right one for the job.  If it's an aftermarket replacement, make sure the cold cranking amps are sufficient.  Then check to make sure the battery has a full charge when sitting.  If not, start the bike and check for a charging current.  I'm not sure what it is on the GS, but I'm sure it's something you can find in a search.
If the battery isn't getting charged, the problem lies with the charging system if you're not getting a charging voltage, and with the battery if you are.

There's no easy "novice mechanic" way to do a load (capacity) check.  Only had car batteries checked at a garage, and doubt they can do a bike battery.  Never checked if a bike dealer can do the same test.

If you've got a voltmeter, there are a couple of quick checks.  A fully charged battery should provide 12.6 volts (or so).  If showing less than 12 volts, I would replace the battery.

If your bike's charging system is healthy, it should generate greater than battery voltage with the engine turning 3000+ RPM.