No Power

[Guest]

Hello, I have a 1983 GS450T. I was trying to start the bike after taking it out of storage. The bike was hooked up to jumper cables, and was turning over. After a few attempts I hit the starter button again and the bike went dead, no power what so ever. I checked the fuse and it was fine. Has anyone run into this before, or what should I be looking for?
This is my first bike, purchased last summer. Ran Good all season except for the low and high revs during idle.

Thanks in advance!
Trevor

[JTGS850GL]

Do you have power to everything else? Another words, does the instrument cluster light up or is it completely dead?

[trevor99]

There was power going to everything, and could run. But right now it is completely dead.

[Nessism]

Low and high revs during idle means an air leak. You best do some maintenance before you burn up the engine. Check the Newbie Mistakes thread linked in my signature for a list of common issues to watch out for.

BTW, clean your battery cables and check the fuse again.

[tom203]

Before storing it last fall, did you treat fuel? As mentioned, best to get familiar with maintenance even if ran good last summer.

edit: do not jump from running vehicle- a car's alternator can easily overload a motorcycle's electrical system

[trevor99]

Thank you for the help guys! I will read up on some threads. I did use fuel treatment last fall when storing it. When I got the bike changed the oil, and plugs. I'm going to check the grounds and see if that does anything.

[trevor]

Really?? Another Trevor??? Lol...Where in Ontario are you?

[JTGS850GL]

If everything is dead then it's either the battery, the battery + or - cable connections or the battery + or - cables themselves. I'd start with measuring the battery voltage and checking the main fuse. Don't just go by the look of it. Either measure it's resistance or replace it with a new one. If it's good there then remove, clean and tighten the battery cables. If still no go then measure the voltage between the battery terminal and the termination point of both battery cables. One of those is going to be the cause.

[Sandy]

I believe there's no such thing as a stupid question but is the RUN switch on? Also is the clutch interlock switch working? You've got power to everything else so it's got to be something simple. Put a proper battery in it and bridge the 2 large terminals on the starter solenoid, if the starter spins the motor you know the starter is OK. Turn the ignition on, do the same and if it starts (with the RUN switch in proper position) or tries to start (may also have a fuel issue) you know the ignition is working. If it's still a nogo get back to us. "Sorry I thought you had power to everything else until I reread the post".

[JTGS850GL]

Really?? Another Trevor??? Lol...Where in Ontario are you?

Really!!! Like Trevor is that uncommon of a name. Now I'd be more surprised if there was another Julius.

[trevor99]

I'm from the Midland area, north of Barrie.

[trevor99]

I know the battery is dead, But I will check the cables to make sure they're not green death.
The bike is still dead in the RUN position too. There is nothing when the ignition is turned on.

[jsandidge]

Really!!! Like Trevor is that uncommon of a name. Now I'd be more surprised if there was another Julius.

If you put it like this, " Julius" It reminds me of the refreshing drink they sell in the malls.

[JTGS850GL]

I know the battery is dead, But I will check the cables to make sure they're not green death.
The bike is still dead in the RUN position too. There is nothing when the ignition is turned on.

You know the battery is dead and you're wondering why the bike is dead with the ignition on? Are you serious?

[trevor]

I'm from the Midland area, north of Barrie.

Welcome to the forum. I grew up in Woodstock.