Hard Starting - 1985 GS550ES

[MelodicMetalGod]

Looking for advice/experience to aid with a hard starting issue on a 1985 GS550ES.

The bike has been stored properly for about 2 years. We've changed the oil and replaced the battery and fuel petcock. The gas tank and carbs were drained before storage.

The bike required starting fluid for the first post-storage start-up, but it did start. With a little coaxing it warmed up and maintained idle. After a 10 mile test ride, that included a shut down/restart to fill up at the gas station, there were no issues related to stalling, idle, starting, etc. Then, after the test ride, the bike sat for 5 or 10 minutes. Once again, starter fluid was required to get it going again. Once started, not signs of any problem.

Things that we haven't done, but plan to: Replace the air filter, oil filter and spark plugs. Check the charging system and starting system (coils in particular).

I understand that these bikes have a somewhat poor design in the electrical systems that may cause starting issues.

So, my question to all of you out there is this: "Are there any known issues regarding hard starting in general and/or after warm-up?"

Also, if you have any other general thoughts/ideas/tips/advice with regard to systems/components that my be involved in starting issues, please feel free to put 'em into the mix here.

Thanks!

[cloudbreakmd]

It sounds like the choke circuit is dirty to me. You may have to pull the carbs and clean them.

[UncleMike]

I agree, but I'd still change your plugs/filters first.

Might as well.

[tconroy]

Looking for advice/experience to aid with a hard starting issue on a 1985 GS550ES.

The bike has been stored properly for about 2 years. We've changed the oil and replaced the battery and fuel petcock. The gas tank and carbs were drained before storage.

The bike required starting fluid for the first post-storage start-up, but it did start. With a little coaxing it warmed up and maintained idle. After a 10 mile test ride, that included a shut down/restart to fill up at the gas station, there were no issues related to stalling, idle, starting, etc. Then, after the test ride, the bike sat for 5 or 10 minutes. Once again, starter fluid was required to get it going again. Once started, not signs of any problem.

Things that we haven't done, but plan to: Replace the air filter, oil filter and spark plugs. Check the charging system and starting system (coils in particular).

I understand that these bikes have a somewhat poor design in the electrical systems that may cause starting issues.

So, my question to all of you out there is this: "Are there any known issues regarding hard starting in general and/or after warm-up?"

Also, if you have any other general thoughts/ideas/tips/advice with regard to systems/components that my be involved in starting issues, please feel free to put 'em into the mix here.

Thanks!

check for air leaks in the intake boots and the o rings on the engine side This will make it hard starting after warm up and bad idle. M bike sat for 2 weeks and would not idle at all till I cleaned the spark plugs and air filter.Havent had a problem since.Moral of the story.....Get it going and ride every chance you get!!!These bikes hate to sit and not be riddin.