Hey everyone, I just bought a 2004 GS500f. It currently has 6500 miles and has been running great that last few months. Just recently I've started having a problem with getting it started I'll try to be as detailed as possible and try to make it easier to diagnose the problem. Well, for about 2 weeks i stopped riding the bike because I was very busy. The bike remained covered at all times. After those 2 weeks, i tried starting the bike again and it would start then die. I tried setting the choke up, same thing would happen. Sometimes I tried giving it throttle when i started it up, and it would rev but then die again. I dont know if this is coincidental, but if i put the fuel reserve on, it tends to start up with less tries. Eventually it starts, but sometimes i need to wait a couple hours before it would start again. Once it does start, when i set the choke all the way up, it takes a while for the RPM's to get higher. I.e it'll idle around 4000 then slowly move up towards 6000. The battery is brand new so i don't think its that. I checked all the connections and everything seems to be fine. Spark plugs maybe? If ANYONE can help me solve this problem i would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again

I have the same year. It definitely needs the choke at first to keep it from dying out. How long depends on how cold the weatehr is. I have had a prblem getting the engine to kick in on starting lately. I have to keep the choke all the way on, put it in prime, and give it some thottle before pushing the starter button. I also push the starter button a few times without trying to engage the starter, just to prime the engine a little bit (not sure if that really works on our year bikes but it seems to work). I'm curious if it's the spark plugs as well. When it does fire up, it fires up strong and fast, probably because I'm working the throttle also.

yeah once i get started it works great. I just get worreid because sometimes if i need to ride somewhere, i dont want to come out an hour later and my bike doesnt start.

Same goes. What I do works mostly everytime. Although this morning I had to roll it a little bit and start it while in 2nd gear. I don't think it's anything serious besides a minor adjustment or maybe spark plugs.

Had a similar problem with my '05 gsf with 7k miles. Depending on how cold it is, exactly, you might want to try lighter oil. Even though the recommended is 40 weight, you can try 30 weight to see if it has less trouble starting up.

How cold outside is it when you try to start the bike usually? Like all carbureated bikes, the GS is a bit cold blooded, which is especially annoying when it gets colder.

Not that cold. Maybe, 55-60 degrees. I might try a lighter oil as long as it won't hurt the engine.

I'm living around 65-75 degree tempretures.

Yeah, it doesn't sound like temps are a problem. If it was close to freezing, then you may have some trouble getting it started because the oil would be too viscous.

I'd try pulling the plugs out and checking how each of the cylinders is running. Since it's at the 6k mark, it's probably a good time to get the plugs changed out anyway. If you don't have a 18mm socket deep enough to get the spark plug out, there's a socket adapter in the toolset included with the bike that fits the spark plug.

Thanks for the tip. I'll probably take the fairings off to give it a good cleaning also.

any writeups on changing the spark plugs? The choke on high and throttle technique worked for a little while but now i just cant get the bike going. It cranks then its done. I hope i can get it started to bring it down to a local bike shop then hopefully change the plugs and what not. If anyone has a write up please let me know!! thanks

Try putting the petcock in the PRIME setting when starting and shaking the bike side to side. Seems to work for me. As for the spark plugs, SO EASY! I stink at mechanics, but this was unbelievably easy. The hardest part is taking the fairings off. Use a screwdriver to work the plastic caps on the lower front fairing! Something I did with my fingernails as a result of impatience, which I regretted later on! after fairings are off, pull the cables off of the plugs, dust off area of plugs and just unscrew the old ones (2 total). Make sure not to get any dirt in the holes. Screw in the new ones and put a dab of lithium grease on the tops of the plugs(That is the part that the cable attaches to, not where you screw it on). Plug the cable back in and VIOLA.

thanks alot, any size on the gap? or what kind of sparkplugs? I was thinking of heading over to advance auto tommorow and give it a try.

Quote from: jaypeezy215 on October 29, 2007, 03:50:13 PM
thanks alot, any size on the gap? or what kind of sparkplugs?

[HERE] ya go - courtesy of the Haynes manual.

thansk alot. I have no idea why my bike still won't start. It's starting to worry me because i'm in college and i need to get it back to my garage soon! it cranks but just wont start  I'm praying it starts tommorow.

Quote from: jaypeezy215 on October 17, 2007, 05:22:36 PM
once i get started it works great

Is this still true?  ("Funny question," you say, "How can I tell, if I can't get it started!?!")

Fair enough.  I guess I'm wondering if you've tried to push start it, and found that it still runs great once it gets going.  (If you haven't push started a bike before, I suggest that you get someone to push it with you on it.  That way you only have to worry about popping the clutch -- in 2nd gear -- instead of keeping the bike balanced, jumping on it just right, and all that.)

Before you form a "pushing posse" though, double-check two things:
    1) Is the engine kill switch ON?
    2) Are you SURE you have lots of fuel?

If the battery will crank your engine over, it should have enough juice to fire the plugs, but that's not a guarantee....  Do you have (or can you borrow) a volt/ohm meter ?

As far as push starting goes. I usually can do it just by sitting on it and walking it to speed. As long as you're not going uphill at all.

    1) Is the engine kill switch ON?
    2) Are you SURE you have lots of fuel?

No, and Yes. Kill switch is off and the tank is full. I'll try push starting it tommorow. Should I try charging the battery with my car? I heard I can do it by just leaving the car and bike off, while keeping the cables on. Thanks alot for the help. Alot of forums are really pushy to noobs lol. I'm more of a car guy, and the bike is just my toy but thanks alot. I appreciate it alot.

Pretty sure not good idea, maybe only for a jump start, but I'll let others respond.

i'm starting to think its the battery. I can't seem to get the push start working lol i'm waiting to see what others say about charging the battery with a car. I've heard alot of people use it but alot of others seem skeptical. i'll see what people say

Quote from: jaypeezy215 on October 30, 2007, 12:08:23 PM
i'm starting to think its the battery. I can't seem to get the push start working lol i'm waiting to see what others say about charging the battery with a car. I've heard alot of people use it but alot of others seem skeptical. i'll see what people say

it can still bump start even without a battery- don't ask how i know  it ran like crap tho not enough gas= stall too much gas= stall not to mention the lights didnt work