'82 GS450T Starting Question

[Archania]

I just got the bike. I was able to start it yesterday and this morning.
I put gas in it and some Seafoam. It started for a little bit then I stopped it. Now it wont start again. I hear it trying to but nothing happens. Sometimes when I press the start, I get nothing.
Did I do something wrong? Battery? Starter?

Any ideas or info would be great.

[Nessism]

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your bike - looks good from the photo.

It's hard to say what could be wrong. Start out by checking if you have a spark at the plugs. Assuming you do, the problem is going to carburation related (obviously). The carbs have very small jet orifices inside which are very easily plugged up if the bike hasn't been ridden regularly.

Good luck.

[nabrams]

OK, here comes my "speech to the newcomer restoring an old bike":

I think you need to see the big picture besides tackling your immediate/first problem.

Regarding the sometimes turns over, sometimes not: Clean all wiring connections in the starter circuit (especially the starter button insides) and clean the insides of the starter motor - 8 times out of 10, that's all that is needed to get the starter working well (assuming you have a fully charged battery).

Having said that:
Instead of going about the restoration process piece-meal, why don't you search for the many posts on this forum (some by me) that list the many "sanity-check" steps/verifications needed when restoring a bike that's been sitting (based on what you've said, you definitely should consider your bike as belonging to this category) - and then actually DO the checks.
This will save you MANY hours of frustration and TONS of money.
If you're a beginner (in terms of mechanical skill) you're looking at between 30 and 60 hours of work and a couple of hundred dollars for purchasing tools you'll need (besides whatever parts you need for the bike). In the end you'll have a reliable machine for a fraction of the cost of a new bike.

[Archania]

Thanks.
I know what the issue is. The battery needs to get charged.
I am learning alot and looks like I will be busy.
I would rather do my own work then pay for someone to do it.
Thanks and will be searching.