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

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?

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

I really think you need to pull the plugs and see if they're even there.

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.

compression test it

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)?

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Borrow sliding hammer from astroaru. That's about all you need.
Cool.
Buddha.

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.

Goats could be the easiest of engine fixes ...
Cool.
Buddha.

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 
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.

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