77 Suzuki GS550 shut down while riding

[Guest]

So I was riding my bike home from a friend's house and suddenly everything shut down on it. The lights won't work or even turn on, obviously the electric starter doesn't work, and the bike kind of turns over when I kick it, but I still can't get out to go. Any idea what I could do to fix it or should I just suck it up and take it to a mechanic? Any help will be appreciated, I'm new to motorcycling (first bike) and I basically know nothing so there's no need to worry about talking to me like I know nothing because I basically know nothing. I do have gas and have checked that I have the switch in the correct position though.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Welcome, j

You'll likely get lots of answers. Some helpful, some not, a lot of it probably over your head. (no offence meant, there's a lot of really smart people here that talk way above what I'm able to comprehend). That said, you'll get the help you need on this forum and the expertise of the members here. I'm not an expert, far from it. I'm just a guy with an old bike who came here for help, and got it. I'm learning a lot, though.

Go the GS Owners forum and introduce yourself and your bike and whatever history you might know about it. We like pictures.

Here's a good place to start with your new hobby

https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?171846-Top-10-Newbie-Mistakes

You have a 41 year old motorcycle, and it's got a lot of worn out, old parts. Get yourself a voltmeter and learn how to use it. Good luck

[Brendan W]

http://zeus.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/gs/GS550_77-82_all.pdf

Here is the service manual.
Under the right side cover there should be a fuse rated 15 Amps.
Find it and see if it has blown.

[Uncamitzi]

1977... Might have a LOT bad connections and worn wires. Go to the electrical section ... and ask questions... show pictures... I've received a lot of help here... and like was said before a lot of it is very technical but keep with it and everyone here will help to get you back on the road.

[roeme]

So, you're a complete newbie then?

If you're willing to learn, and don't shy away from wrenches, reading quite a bit, and investing some time, you're in the right place.

Your alternative, paying a shop to do the work, isn't really one; unless you know the shop in question is good: Most shops today do not know how to wrench on these old bikes. And as a newbie, you unfortunately don't (yet) have the knowledge or means to properly judge whether a shop can do it.

It does get even pricier if they have to find out first what's wrong.

For a start, I recommend reading the newbie mistakes thread linked in my signature.

btw, I started out three years ago with zero knowledge about wrenching on bikes. As of today, I've rebuilt brakes, carburetors, adjusted valves, did some rewiring, changed clutches, chains, sprockets,...

[jmyoung36]

I read your dummy mistakes (I edited it because I'm a true dummy when it comes to bikes). It seems like I may have an issue with #7 the charging system. I'll go through the service manual and see if it's something I can learn to fix on my own. Thanks for your help!

[jmyoung36]

Thanks for the service manual! Unfortunately the fuse is fine so it looks like it's back to the drawing board!

[Brendan W]

You don't have to do it on your own. That's what this place is for.
We all started somewhere and the only stupid question is the one not asked.
Get a meter and start with the battery voltage. A failed charging system would run down the battery and the shut down would be a bit more progressive as the battery lost the ability to run the bike. Check the battery cables under the left side cover. Has something come loose?
Welcome to the forum btw. Many happy miles and safe arrivals.