81 GS650G starting issues

[Guest]

Pulled the bike out for the first time this season and when I started it up it wouldn't turn over. I pulled the choke and it started right up and then died after about 8-12 seconds. It's done the same thing every time since and will occasionally backfire right before it dies. I'm assuming its probably my carbs are dirty but was hoping for some input from people with more experience than me. This is my first bike and I don't know much about working on bikes so any advice would help.

 

[Big T]

You are likely correct on the dirty carbs

You need some tools and all the knowledge is available on this site and here -http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

https://www.thegsresources.com/_for...Newbie-Mistakes&highlight=top newbie mistakes This is a good guideline for how to start wrenching

Buy some JIS screwdrivers to start -GoFast Innovations is a good supplier

 

[rphillips]

Put it on PRI. a couple of min. before trying to start it. Then try starting it on pri.

 

[Rob S.]

...when I started it up it wouldn't turn over.

Am I the only one who's confused?

 

[tom203]

Put it on PRI. a couple of min. before trying to start it. Then try starting it on pri.

Yes indeed....and now would be good time to check for correct petcock operation. Consider it an omen

 

[Steve]

... and when I started it up it wouldn't turn over. ...

Am I the only one who's confused?

No, Rob, you and I are in the same boat here. :-k

There have been many times when something would "turn over, but not start",
but every time I have ever "started it up", it's been running.

.

 

[tom203]

He forgot to tell us if it was running ok last season for him....or if this is a winter acquisition with bonus mystery features

 

[rphillips]

In the past, yes, I would've been confused. But surely, after being around here for a wile, you kind'f got to learn to read between the lines. & yes, you should know, pulling the choke out works kind'f like jumper cables, & will make it turn over. Just be careful if it lands on your leg, it will hurt.

 

[habsdoc]

When putting the petcock on prime you still have to hit the starter button for a second or 2 for the vacuum to open the petcock and allow the fuel to flow.

 

[Big T]

When putting the petcock on prime you still have to hit the starter button for a second or 2 for the vacuum to open the petcock and allow the fuel to flow.

Not on any bike I've wrenched on
Prime is direct bypass of the vacuum system

 

[Steve]

When putting the petcock on prime you still have to hit the starter button for a second or 2 for the vacuum to open the petcock and allow the fuel to flow.

Prime is direct bypass of the vacuum system

Habsdoc's statement is true, but only on the '80 models with the "dreaded '80 petcock" that has no handle.

I have not had one apart to see the internal workings, but they DO require a 'puff' of vacuum to start the flow, which will then continue until you use a screwdriver to turn the petcock back to the RUN position or the tank runs out of gas.

.