GS650GL starting riddle

[orangechicken007]

Hi all. About 6 weeks ago I noticed that my 82 gs650 gl (11,000ish miles) was getting more difficult to start. I didn't think to much about it because I hadn't been riding it much and I just assumed it was cranky because it likes to be ridden. Once it was started it ran just fine and idled just fine(1200 RPM). My normal starting procedure is to push in the choke lever just a bit on the handle bar and then hit the starter, I've been doing this for 6 years now. It kept getting more and more difficult to start over the next few weeks and eventually it wouldn't start at all. The starter would crank over just fine but it just wouldn't fire. So I took out the spark plugs to see if they were fouled and to check for spark. I sat the plug on the engine and hit the starter, not only did I have spark but the thing popped off on 3 Cylinders! I put the other spark plug back in and hit the starter and was able to get it to start. However I noticed that If I give it any choke it will not start. So now to start it I need crank it over for a bit and gently add throttle. When its running it runs and idles just fine no issues. What would be causing an issue like this? Any Ideas?

[timebombprod]

i was dealing with the same issue before i started the rebuild, i adjusted the valves and i was able to get quicker starts but it definitely still was hard to start, it seemed like it could start up the second i pressed the button and if i applied the throttle the right way it would stay on and run just fine after that, but if i didnt get that inititial start, id be at it for 30 seconds with the starter and priming it up aswell.

im hoping you get an answer so i can aswell! i wouldnt be suprised if its something to do with the idle speed jets because they can be a pain, or the possible leaking from the throttle valve o-rings or seals, i forget exactly what it is.

[tom203]

“So now to start it I need crank it over for a bit and gently add throttle. “.
Odd
check petcock for correct operation…maybe yours is tired and needs coaxing to flow fuel at low vacuum

[Gorminrider]

That^^ per Tom and imo,they run kind of lean anyways and If it's left awhile, the fuel in the bowls gets old and disappears.

so, Turn tap to PRI for a minute before starting -that usually makes a good start because if you have the tap on RUN that requires engine vacuum and takes awhile of running to top the bowls up. Like you say, it'll start fine next day without the PRI which tells me it's like mine per the above.

Might help to drain those bowls in the spring just to put a lot of fresh gas into them too.

[orangechicken007]

Thanks for the input guys! Im going to replace the vacuum line. I took a look at it and looks like it might have a kink in it or collapsed. I will also check the petcock. Now that I am thinking about it, it was a cheaper aftermarket one and its been on the bike about 5 years.