starting issue

[LOJO]

My 77 GS 750 won't start unless I use starter fluid and then it won't run unless the choke is on. The bike was sitting in a shed in Wisconsin for about 2 years but was taken out for a short ride last summer and ran OK. The guy said it ran rough or had a miss at a particular speed/rpm but I can't remember what he told me. The tank was bone dry when I got it so I thought it was the carbs or rusty tank. I bought a rebuild kit and did that but it didn't help. I rinsed the tank out and it looks good now. The plugs look good and the spark is good. I am a novice when it comes to working on bikes so it's possible I missed something or did something wrong along the way. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[tom203]

My 77 GS 750 won't start unless I use starter fluid and then it won't run unless the choke is on. The bike was sitting in a shed in Wisconsin for about 2 years but was taken out for a short ride last summer and ran OK. The guy said it ran rough or had a miss at a particular speed/rpm but I can't remember what he told me. The tank was bone dry when I got it so I thought it was the carbs or rusty tank. I bought a rebuild kit and did that but it didn't help. I rinsed the tank out and it looks good now. The plugs look good and the spark is good. I am a novice when it comes to working on bikes so it's possible I missed something or did something wrong along the way. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Tip #1 - throw away the starting fluid! Tip #2 - never believe anything the previous owner said; assume that it wound up in shed for running problems that you're describing. Find the link to Basscliff's site and discover how to restore this bike to good times. No shortcuts, or it will be in new shed!

[Big T]

Go here and read

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

You have VM series carbs, so read and follow that cleaning page

And, adjust your valves!

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. LOJO,

Congratulations! You have acquired a fine, 33 year old machine that needs a lot of tender loving care. Don't think that you can slap a band-aid on your motorcycle and ride off into the sunset. Taking shortcuts will lead to frustration. There is a lot of work ahead for you, cleaning carbs, adjusting valves, fixing the charging system, etc. You must avoid these: Top 10 Newbie Mistakes. Here is what you need to get started:

Anyway, let me dump a TON if information on you and share some GS lovin'.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Cleanup Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...



Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff