I've got a bike that won't start, and I'd like to get some advice from fellow owners.
First, I'm new to riding, and just bought a 1982 GS750E with 9,000 miles on it. I just picked it up last Friday... and it's in great shape. However, it's rather difficult to start. I've only ridden it once so far, and I did manage to it started after about 3-4 minutes of trying (yes, I had an experienced rider with me to verify I wasn't forgetting anything). Today, about 5 days later, I went to go take it for another spin, and I couldn't get it started.
Now, I'm new to motorcycle maintenance, but I know my way around a car engine (I do all reasonable regular maintenance, and I replaced the rod and main bearings on my Jeep a few years back). So let me describe what's going on as best I can, and see what you think.
When I hit the starter button, the starter spins fine and at first, I can hear a weak muffled firing sound about once a second. It seems to do this for a while without any progress. I adjust the choke, still no luck. I throttle back a tad, still no luck. So I flipped it to prime for about 30 seconds, tried starting it, still no luck. Today, it wasn't even doing the muffled firing bit anymore. Just cranked but wouldn't fire up.
A minor complication in this is that it's parked in a parking garage downtown (I live in Chicago), so I don't have the convenience of a great workspace.
I've read through my owners manual, the service manual, and the Clymer guide and I'm prepared to do the following tomorrow:
1) Check that fuel is getting to the carb (Remove the hose between the fuel cock and the carb, and verify that fuel comes out in prime position, and in the ON position when I hit the starter).
2) Pull a plug (or two, if I can get to 'em) and verify I'm getting spark.
Above and beyond that, I'm at a loss. I'm not in a position to pull the thing apart in the parking garage. It's rather inconvenient to get to a service station from downtown Chicago with a bike I can't ride. (Oh, and I no longer have access to a garage to work on it in)
Is there something else I can check or try? Is it a weather thing? (Not sure if older bikes are susceptible to the weather, but it's been a little cold lately.)
I'm excited and anxious to get it on the road again.
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