Tried to start my GS today..    backed it out of the garage, i think it was in 1st gear, so i tried to shift to neutral but it went to 2nd then wouldnt go back to neutral, so i tried to start it in 2nd with clutch in and kickstand up,,   it didnt work, it kind of moved foward slightly as it tried to start then made a very quick clicking sound..  Did i somehow mess up the starter or is it just my battery?  Battery has been seeming pretty weak lately.

put it in neutral and try to start it again, what does it do? sometimes you have to nudge the bike forward to get it into neutral. check the battery yourself. do you have a volt meter / multitool handy?

Accam's Razor:  The simplest explanation is probably the correct one, i.e. You have a dead battery. The clicking noise would be indicative of a dead battery, are the lights dim?  If the starter worked ok last time I doubt anything changed.  The not going into neutral may just be user error, did you try rolling the bike a little while you shifted it?  Remember this is a carbureted bike so you can bump start it on a hill.  Good luck!

-Jessie

Edit:  Don't you hate when you hit that "post" button and someone else has already responded with the same thoughts....   Then again I have too much free time on my hands lately, according to that dealie at the left hand corner I have now spent 4 days, 13 hours and 55 minutes of my life on here  

i dont have a volt meter

i did get it started by running with it in neutral, jumping on, putting it in 2nd then letting the clutch out... took a few tries and i was out of breath by the time i got started but i got it going lol

trying this in 1st didnt work, it just locked up the rear tire when i tried with it in 1st.


drove it across a bridge at about 85 mph  to see if that would help charge it, i will try starting it again in a while.. Im thinking the battery just needs to be replaced though.

do you have to add water to these batterys? i never have and the fluid level seems a bit low, im not sure how to add water to it though.. how do you get the thing opened up or w/e?  it has like 6 yellow things on top but i cant seem to get them open or pulled out.

If the battery has a vent hole then you do have to maintain the electrolyte level.  There should below and high marks on the casing.  If the hole plugs have tabs try pulling them with needle nose pliers.

-Jessie

Quote from: BaltimoreGS on November 19, 2009, 08:01:29 PM
If the battery has a vent hole then you do have to maintain the electrolyte level.  There should below and high marks on the casing.  If the hole plugs have tabs try pulling them with needle nose pliers.

-Jessie

thx,,

battery works now i guess, it started fine after i rode it for like 15 mins at  85 mph

ill put some distilled water in it whenever i can

It still would be a good idea to put it on a battery charger to make sure it is fully charged.  If you are in a colder climate and park the bike over winter I would hold off on replacing the battery until next season.

-Jessie

where do you get a battery charger?

i found http://wholesalebatteriesdirect.com/suzuki-motorcycle-batteries/2938-suzuki-gs500-f-replacement-battery-2001-2009.html

seems like a good deal 40$ for new battery.. it says it needs to be charged though and activated, would i defiantly have to purchase a charger to get it working?

Nice price on the battery.  I have this charger:  http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/Product-Details.aspx?ProductID=15579

If this is a lower price it has all the necessary features:  http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/Product-Details.aspx?ProductID=15577

This is the trickle charger I like though I don't believe the "desulfinates" claim:  http://www.pacificbattery.com/batteryminder.html?gclid=CM2Nhqftmp4CFQRM5QodMiUEsA

-Jessie

Also you can always see what Wallyworld carries...

-Jessie