Starter maybe?

[steveskates]

Hello! Been a while since I’ve been on. I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. Recently I noticed that my gs450t was having trouble starting. At first it would try to turn over, but if it didn’t make it on the first try, it seemed like the battery would quickly loose charge and I’d just get a little click like there wasn't enough power to turn it over and start. So I replaced the battery, but it’s doing the same thing. It makes a sound like it wants to start, but it doesn’t quite turn over. I can run beside it and jump start it, and it runs fine. Will even start once it’s warm. But with a brand new battery, it still won’t turn over on its own. Any thoughts?

[bonanzadave]

Mine did that. I took the starter out, disassembled it and cleaned it up. It needed it. Started right up. Even it it don't help it cant hurt.

[Cipher]

Hello! Been a while since I’ve been on. I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. Recently I noticed that my gs450t was having trouble starting. At first it would try to turn over, but if it didn’t make it on the first try, it seemed like the battery would quickly loose charge and I’d just get a little click like there wasn't enough power to turn it over and start. So I replaced the battery, but it’s doing the same thing. It makes a sound like it wants to start, but it doesn’t quite turn over. I can run beside it and jump start it, and it runs fine. Will even start once it’s warm. But with a brand new battery, it still won’t turn over on its own. Any thoughts?

Check solenoid switch. The contact points erode over time.
you can jumper thus bypassing the solenoid.
youtube shows it better than I can type it.

if not solenoid remove, disassemble, inspect starter.

[steveskates]

Thank you both! I’ll take a look!!

[bitzz]

Got a voltmeter?
What is the battery voltage at rest?
What is the battery voltage when the starter is turning?

If the starter is turning, it's not the solenoid

[unfocused]

Check voltage on the battery cables. Clean every ground connection. Check voltage across the starter solenoid when activated.

A voltmeter and 12v test light is important when testing old electrical systems. An old 12v light socket makes a quick test light. An old low wattage 12v bulb makes a real good noid light (fuel injection)

[steveskates]

Hello again,
I looked up the starter rebuild on YouTube, and I’m embarrassed to say- I think it’s gonna be out of my wheelhouse. I mean, I can change the oil… that’s about it. I went on eBay to try to buy a new one, because I think I can easily replace it. But, I was confused on what to buy. Most of them are around 200$-250$ but then a couple are for sale for like 70$. None of them are NOS or OEM although most claim to meet the specs. Is there anyone who could recommend what to do? Thanks!!

[Rich82GS750TZ]

There’s a small business in my town that specializes in small electric motors. Rebuilt my starter motor for cheap, years ago. cleaned, new brushes. Good as new. Ask around.

[rphillips]

Yep, not as many around as there yus'ta be but the starter-alternator rebuild shops can normally still be found. In past there were 4 in our town, now only 1 left.

[Big T]

Hello again,
I looked up the starter rebuild on YouTube, and I’m embarrassed to say- I think it’s gonna be out of my wheelhouse. I mean, I can change the oil… that’s about it. I went on eBay to try to buy a new one, because I think I can easily replace it. But, I was confused on what to buy. Most of them are around 200$-250$ but then a couple are for sale for like 70$. None of them are NOS or OEM although most claim to meet the specs. Is there anyone who could recommend what to do? Thanks!!

Are you sure the video you watched was for a GS starter?
Because, 2 bolts and a nut to remove (most models)
Then, 2 bolts and pull apart, a can of electric spray from the auto parts store, and a few dabs of grease and reassemble.
If the brushes are worn, kits are available.

If you're going to own a vintage motorcycle, either learn to work on it, pay for a mechanic or sell it.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

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