Starting Problem 87 GS450L

[Guest]

Hey all, I'm having a no start issue with my 450...new battery fully charged, I put the key in and all i get is a click from the starter solenoid.
Anyone know what I should look for next?
BTW, I'm a newb to bikes and not really good with electrical stuff...please don't shoot me.
Thanks,
Tom

[tom203]

Just a click-probably means your battery isn't fully charged. Got a multimeter? If you get antsy,and jump it with a car, make sure the car ain't running!

You'll want to update your signature to reflect pod,jetting changes, etc for future reference. You still using a honda tank?

[Nessism]

Make sure your battery cables are clean too.

[tkent02]

Battery cables must be clean, ground cables must be clean, make sure the solenoid is working properly. Could be the battery itself is old and weak, so even fully charged it can't put out enough power. If it clicks everything in the start button circuit is working, for some reason just not enough power is getting there. It could also be the starter, but it's not very likely.

How good is the battery?

[Irish_Mavrik]

battery is brand new...connections could be cleaner I suppose. I will get to cleaning!

[Irish_Mavrik]

Ok, connections look fine, and got nothing. Put a Jump box on the battery and got nothing...ugh

[pete]

I had that exact same problem yesterday and it was my starter motor brushes, well below the service limit.

To check if it's the starter relay or starter motor, short (carefully!!!) across the two exposed terminals of the starter relay with a big screw driver and see if it turns over then.

If it does, your starter relay is toast.

If it doesn't, either your starter motor isn't getting enough juice or the starter motor has an issue.

The one downside if it's the starter motor on our 450's is that you need to remove the cam chain tensioner to remove the starter motor. You don't need to remove the carbs though.

Read up on the proper procedure before removing the cam chain tensioner if you need to do so, don't just unbolt it and pull it out.

[Irish_Mavrik]

GOOD NEWS!!
After Pete's suggestion, I got the bike to turn over, so I have to replace the solenoid!
Thanks Pete and everyone else for your help!!!
Now, I have to adjust the carbs and the idle.
The carbs pop from time to time, and the idle sticks...but i'm happy it atleast turns over and runs!

[pete]

Glad to hear it!

[Irish_Mavrik]

So, I put on a new starter solenoid and it starts every time!! Now on to the carb/throttle/idling issues, lol.
Thanks again for the help!

[pete]

Good news mate, glad to hear she's starting well now!

Now you're onto the real fun stuff