Hello all,

So my GS is coming out of storage for the first time in about 2 years.  I'd put gas stabilizer in the tank beforehand but hadn't done much else.  Now it doesn't want to start.  The neutral light comes on, but there's no turnover.  I'm a bit of a newbie to this, but I'm wondering if it could just be the battery that needs a charge/replacement.  Any advice would be helpful.   

Thanks,
Brian

Yeah, battery is tired, has enough volts to run the lights, but not enough amps to turn the starter. 
Try and charge it (NOT with a car!) but you will probably need to replace it.

walmart has a cheap battery.

I used to jump start my bike off my car battery. I don't think this causes any damage.
( JamesG is right about charging it though, use a trickle motorcycle batt charger, if your gonna try to save the battery)

try it and see if she'll turn over.
My guess is the carbs will need rebuilding, you can almost count on it.
check the tank for rust.  the walls are probably really rusty.  if so be sure to install an inline filter.

good luck and  let us know.

oh yeah.
  Bleed your brakes.  completely change the brake fluid. after sitting two years I bet yours looks black.

I would also check your chain.  our chains have rubber grommets(?) that dry rot easily if not properly maintained.
if your chain is dry and rusty you can bet on it being dry rotted. 

If you have the maintanence manual.  do the routine stuff.    check this out --->  http://gstwin.com/maintenance_info.htm

Why dont you try push starting it?    If it starts it should just be the battery

If its like mine after my 93 was sitting. The carb will need to be cleaned out like was suggested earlier. That and the battery is most certainly dead.

HEy if you could, I think it'd be cool to try a video diagnostic on this forum.

like if you video'd you trtying to startt her up then post it for us to check out.

you could get alot more accurate feedback from some of us who have resurrected old gs's.

It's worth a shot if your willing.

keep us updated.

Ok I would also in addition to the above mentioned change your oil and check your tires for dry rot and flat spots.  I probably wouldnt hurt to just get new ones anyway.  And it also wouldnt hurt to change your spark plugs...

+1 on the oil and plugs.   
they are so cheap you should change then ASAP. anyway.
**don't overtighten the oil filter screws.  they tend to break**

Quote from: bsj177 on April 04, 2006, 09:30:37 AM
Why dont you try push starting it?    If it starts it should just be the battery

Push starting is easy, if its your everyday bike that you KNOW runs.
trying to push start a bike that you DONT KNOW if it runs, is like trying to dig a hole in wet sand on the beach.
you'll be dead tired and accomplish nothing.

jump the bike off your car.  I doubt it will start. but check for compression and spark, and that it will at least turn over.
If your lucky she will run a bit.

Regardless, if the gas has been sitting for two years. IT ISN'T ANY GOOD. 
and if the carb reserviors weren't emptied when the bike was last used,  the gas has gummed up and fouled up the carbs.

Pretty common for small engines who sit for a while.

Let us know how it goes.