intermittent starter switch

[Ishamael]

Hey all,

I just got my first GS this weekend, it's a 1982 GS 450L, and it's running great and looks great for its age. Here's a pic of the bike:


and one of the bike next to my Charger:



The only problem is the starter switch, which works intermittently at best.

I'm imagining I have to take off that cowling that houses the "OFF-RUN" switch and the starter switch, sand the contact points, and reassemble. Any tips or tricks I should know before I begin?

Thanks in advance, and I can't wait to start riding my GS!

[duaneage]

You need to give that car the general lee treatment other than that you should be fine

[Ishamael]

You need to give that car the general lee treatment other than that you should be fine

Very helpful, thanks.

](*,)

[snark]

Take apart the switch box on the right side and CAREFULLY use some contact cleaner and a small wire brush to clean the contacts. This seems to be a very common problem with an easy fix.
How long was the bike sitting? You may find the same problem with other electrical connections on the bike. I've brought two of these back from the dead...one just sitting too long and one actually partially dismanteled. They are great bikes and you'll love it when you get her on the open road!

[Doctor Shifty]

Here is a suggestion that you'll think is really wacky. Take off the headlight and check all the connectors inside the bucket.

No kidding.

I once spent a whole Saturday chasing an intermittent starter button. The relay worked fine and the switch worked fine and the starter motor worked fine when connected directly. There was obviously an open wire somewhere. In the end I found that the wires ran from the switch down to under the seat, then up again to the headlight bucket to a connector, and down to under the set and only then to the starter relay.

Some models must have some device sitting in there, perhaps to turn the headlights off when you hit the starter or something.

Kim

[snark]

And following Doctor Shifty's thought...

Did you get a Clymer manual yet? It will have the wiring diagrams in it that will help you go straight to the correct wires.

Keep us posted on your progress.

[Ishamael]

I do have the Clymer manual, I will check out the wiring diagrams for sure.

Thanks for the tips everyone, I will keep you updated! I appreciate the help.