Hello all,

Background: Just purchased my first bike (05 gs 500) w/~20K miles. I've had it for a couple of weeks for a total of 7-8 rides around neighborhood (max speed reached 45 mph). The bike seemed ok, the starting was great, didn't even have to use the choke - the bike idled around 1300-1500 (hard to tell).

Initial Problem: went on a ride today and while shifting from 4th to 2nd (I believe) the bike just stalled (clutch was in for shifts). After that, the bike would start again for couple of seconds, quickly get down to 800 rpms and then die again. Also, I couldn't get into the first gear. After 10 mins waiting I was able to ride almost all the way back, with one conquered stop sign - but then for the next turn bike stalled at downshifting again (4->2) and refused to start.

Final Problem: bike doesn't start, can't get into the first gear from neutral (although I believe I can get into second). I'm a bit concerned about starting the bike - would like to avoid additional damage, although it seems that it's a clutch/gear issue. I'm absolutely new to this and not sure if I did something way wrong or if it's the bike. Any pointers would be much appreciated, don't know if it's something I should be looking at fixing so I'd like to keep my pants if I get this thing over to the bike shop.

For your initial problem, I want to say maybe you have a fuel delivery issue. Float bowls not set properly, clogged gas tank vent, etc. A search here would go into greater details.

Can't go from neutral to first? Find a service manual and check that your clutch cable is adjusted to spec. If its not a clutch issue, I'd say you have some transmission problems.

Just curious, have you changed / checked your oil yet?

big rich, thanks for the ideas - I've checked the engine oil and it's good, not sure if the same oil is shared w/trans or if it has different reservoir with other type of fluid. The clutch has been working previously so I'd assume at this point that the cable is within the range, although I'll probably double check it anyway.

I've wiggled the shifter by hand and somehow got into first no problem w/bike not running - I've also folded and unfolded the main stand to make sure it's going back up all the way. After all this the bike has started like nothing happened and I was able to shift from neutral to first and back, so it almost seems that whatever possible protection main stand had could have been activated and maybe caused the stalling although that doesn't explain the shifting problem to me...

I'll ride the bike when I get a good chunk of time to see if I get the same issue. So no long trips for me...

You may have a problem with the side stand staying all the way up. If it bounces down, it can trip the side stand switch and the bike will shut off when in gear.
OR the side stand switch could be going bad.

With bike on center stand and in gear, turn bike on. Raise and lower the side stand switch. Listen for a click of the side stand relay (it is located next to the regulator and flasher unit on the right side)

If the bike does not want to go into first try moving it forward a foot and try again. It should work after this. Common for motorcycles to do this.

I'll check the stand - I haven't heard relay click from moving it previously. I'll see if I can start the bike with it on, at this point I think I'll need to recharge the battery since it's not turning anything over... I was able to get the bike in first by moving the bike back an forth, we'll see if the problem repeats itself once I get it going.

Thanks for the help