'94 GS500, won't start... Common problems to check?

[I8ayellowcrayon]

This is my first post here, not too familiar with GS's or motorcycles in general. I'm an automotive technician, so I'm pretty sure I can learn I have the basics though. Anyways, I'm Jason, I live in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Hope to stay on the board for a while!

I'm looking to buy a '94 GS500E that just stopped running. I've been trying to buy the bike for a while, and the guy finally has the title in his name, but it stopped running.

What are some key items to look for? He said it died and won't restart now. It has 14k miles on it, he doesn't ride it too often and he seems like the type that expects it to run with little maintenance. I'm thinking make sure the motor still spins for one, check the oil, check for gas in the tank..... Anything else that I should check while I'm there?

Also, what can I do about checking compression? Can I use my automotive compression gauge, or do I need one thats built for a motorcycle head?

Thanks for the help!!

[sledge]

Non running bikes are worth little more than their scrap value so dont pay silly money, it could have been laid up due to a deep engine fault thats uneconomical to repair. GS5s are simple bikes and easy to fix so checking the engine turns over freely, has compression and a spark and a functioning charging sytem is a good place to start. Assuming there are no major internal issues like worn bearings, cylinders etc any other issues can be easily dealt with........Cant think of any reason why your tester shoudnt work assuming you have the correct adaptors to fit the plug hole.

Service limits quoted from the Factory service manual.
A servicable engine should give between about 145 and 200psi on each cylinder with a max difference between cylinders of 28psi. The absolute minimum is 115psi

[I8ayellowcrayon]

Thanks for the information! Yeah, we're not talking about much money for the bike anyway.

He wrote me back and he says that its getting fuel and spark (not sure if it is on both sides), and its turning over, but it just won't start. That sounds kinda scary to me... I'm messaged him back with a BUNCH more questions

I did some reading, and I guess I need to ask him if its actually getting fuel to the cylinder (ie clogged carb jet) instead of just gas getting to the carb.