Hi, I'm new, and I own 1980 GS750L . . .HELP!

[drawdedrib]

I had gotten a new battery but am not ruling that out.
Push starting won't start the engine. It turns and lethargically tries to ignite but sounds like a car when it has a dying battery. But, I can push start it by dropping the clutch into first gear and everything works fine.

What's the deal here? Could I charge the battery? Thanks everybody!

[jbs80106]

First (welcome!)....check the voltage on your battery. Even if new, may not be fully charged. Do you have a trickle charger/battery tender? not too expensive from walmart, etc..

Starting takes a lot of juice and a less than fully charge battery can act as you described. Once you do get her running either via battery or bump starting, check the stator papers (basically, put your voltmeter probes on the battery, note voltage...rev her up to 4 grand or so, check voltage again.....

[koolaid_kid]

Since we don't know your location (hint, hint) we can't come over and check it out for you.
A slow electric starter indicates either a low battery or a faulty starter.
You may also try unplugging the headlight until it starts reliably.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. drawdedrib,

Welcome to the forum. You will want to read The Stator Papers, and check out the slow cranking and ignition troubleshooting procedures in the "Electrical Odds and Ends" section of my website. It's all in your "mega-welcome". Let's get started.

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", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. 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