This is my first post here, since I just bought my first bike - an '08 GS500F.

I got it used last week, and it started fine for the guy I bought it from.  I tried starting it this week, but am not even getting any sound out of it.  Ignition on, Fuel on, Neutral and Oil pressure lights both light up, Engine cutoff On.  Headlight and indicators all turn on.

I've never ridden before, so maybe I'm just missing something.  Anybody have ideas? 

Pull the clutch in ?
Gear in neutral ... OK.
Choke on ?
Cool.
Buddha.

Press the starter button!   

I know this is a great starter bike, but if you've never ridden before at all, you should take the MSF course. 

Quote from: The Buddha on March 30, 2009, 01:52:30 PM
Pull the clutch in ?
Gear in neutral ... OK.
Choke on ?
Cool.
Buddha.

kickstand up?

Quote from: hac_rising on March 30, 2009, 01:41:23 PM
This is my first post here, since I just bought my first bike - an '08 GS500F.

I got it used last week, and it started fine for the guy I bought it from.  I tried starting it this week, but am not even getting any sound out of it.  Ignition on, Fuel on, Neutral and Oil pressure lights both light up, Engine cutoff On.  Headlight and indicators all turn on.

I've never ridden before, so maybe I'm just missing something.  Anybody have ideas? 

the "Engine Cutoff" / Kill Switch should be disengaged

Yeah, if you're having trouble going through the procedure to get the bike started, you should go take the MSF. It isn't that expensive and they'll teach you what you need to know to be safe.

Try starting it with the kickstand up, in neutral, pull the clutch lever. See if that helps...

Engine switch says ON in the on position.  He said he did that.  He said everything right EXCEPT he didn't say he hit the starter button!

Maybe he blew the horn by mistake, got scared, and ran into the house!

Clutch lever needs to be in due to safety switch

In all seriousness though, even after you figure out how to turn it on, you should take the MSF  or at least practice on someone else's bike.  Don't wanna ruin the nice fairings on the new 08 F model, because you will drop a bike, just drop your friend's bike 

Bill14224 had it right.  (almost) 

Thanks for your suggestions guys.  I went back out later and noticed a wire was almost pulled out from near the clutch lever (probably caught on the cover I had over it).  Plugged it in and everything fired up fine. 
I've ridden a dirt bike and various scooters in Africa (where traffic laws don't exist   ), I just have never ridden a "proper" motorcycle.  I had a friend review everything for me and I put 20 miles on it in a large parking lot going through the shifting, braking, quick stops, etc.   I'm registered for the MSF course, but they are full for the next  1 1/2 months.

Thanks again for your attempted helps.