Not turning over, battery fine, was working before.

[Guest]

Hi there. I have GS550 from 1980 that has been sitting in my garage for almost 2 years. It was running fine before but now it won't even turn over when I try to start it. I just fully charged the battery and the lights come on with the key on. When I try to start it everything dims a bit. There might be the slightest click when attempting to start as well but it's very faint and not every time.

Any idea what I should try? Many thanks.

[posplayr]

Hi there. I have GS550 from 1980 that has been sitting in my garage for almost 2 years. It was running fine before but now it won't even turn over when I try to start it. I just fully charged the battery and the lights come on with the key on. When I try to start it everything dims a bit. There might be the slightest click when attempting to start as well but it's very faint and not every time.

Any idea what I should try? Many thanks.

Do a Quick Test portion to see how much you are pulling the battery down with key and then start.

[tom203]

If battery has sat idle for two years, it may not be capable any more despite being "fully charged"; if you boost bike's battery with another vehicle, make sure that othet vehicle is NOT running.

[cowboyup3371]

Welcome to the site. Do you have a multimeter and have you already checked the voltage at the battery when the key is off, on, and while trying to start it? If so, use the link in Posplayer's post to run through the recommended tests. Like Tom said though, it sounds like your battery is not up to snuff so you'll want a known good one to start with.

[posplayr]

I am suggesting the quick test for the first portion (step 1 and 2) is a battery load test with voltage ranges for a properly charged battery. If he fails he needs to charge or replace as I believe is indicated by the diagnosis section of the test.