Ok, Im having just a wee bit of a problem with my 97 gs500e.. Last night It dies on me while on the highway, once I got it home in th eback of a truck, I read the forums here and saw that my problem was the petcock valve. Cool, so my plan was to get that today and be ok. Well, this morning I try and start it, and it makes no sound. None what so ever, not even trying to crank. So I think to my self, ok, I need a new battery. So while at the dealership ordering the valve, I get a new battery. I go home, put in the battery(the valve will be here in a week)...and no workie..not a sound. So then I think, ok, maybe spark plugs, still no go with new plugs. Im at a loss, any ideas?? Electric maybe?? Fuses?? Any help would be great! Thanks in advance guys!!

Do the lights come on when you turn the key on??  If so, it's not the fuse and I would suspect the solenoid or the starter switch.

If your lights come on, but you get no sound or movement at all when you hit the starter button, make sure all of the "interlocks" are set right.  By that I mean:

  * Ignition is ON    (which it must be if your lights are on...)
  * Engine Kill switch is set to ON (or is it RUN?)
  * Bike is in neutral OR the sidestand is UP  (bike won't start if it's in gear with the
     sidestand down)
  * Clutch lever is pulled in toward the handlebar

If all of that is good, then you may want to check each of those "interlocks" and the related wiring.  One common culprit is the clutch switch ... but let us know what you find and we'll proceed from there. 

go with kerry. i got the saying of 'KISS', keep it simple stupid. go with the basics first and dont go straight in thinking it is some thing. it might not even be the petcock. 

Yup side stand is down, clutch is in, the switch is on, the lights do work, and the bike is in neutral...

I FOUND IT!! There was a wire underneath the clutch that had come undone from a chip or something. Im guessing it was the clutch sensor??!! But it starts! Thanks for the help guys!! agh..two days of being pissed off for a stupid wire...oh well..

Well you've learnt a few important lessons here!

Dont run before you can walk!


Thankfully you bought new parts which can be kept as spares for later.

Key notes though are batteries don't just die. Well not very often. It simply hasn't got charge and the first port of call is to charge it unless you have money to throw and just buy a new one but always try charging it before buying a new one. I suggest using a battery tender which reconditions batteries as well as keeping them exercised and charged.



Anyways good find on the switch and happy motoring!

Tru, The battery was having a hard time holding a charge anyway before this problem so that wasnt a big deal, and I do still have a huge spuddering problem, even in the low gears now around 4 or 5 rpms. So Im hoping the new fuel petcock will solve this problem. It even spudders with it in prime or on. I also saw that my air filter was not in great shape so I will be replacing that at the same time..
   I bought this bike a few months ago, Im not sure the guy had done much to keep the bike maintained, but I sure as hell am going to!