Starting Issues

[RefridgeratorRaider]

I am a new rider and new to the GS riding world. Early in the summer I bought a 1980 GS 550E with 16,000 miles on it. I rode it once (as it being the first time ever riding a motorcycle) and when I came to my first stop I fell over. I started having some carb problems. So I pulled the Carbs and cleaned them completely. Replaced all the gaskets and plugs. I don't have them completely synced yet, but I've been riding it for about 4 weeks. Well the other day I rode it about 10 miles to Wal-mart. I was inside for about 15 minutes and when I came out and tried to start it all I got was a click. Just one for every push of the ignition button. I tried to jump it with jumper cables and that didn't work. I got it started by pushing it to about 3-5 mph and popping the clutch in 1st. It made it all the way home but when I tried to start it again I got the same problem. 1 click. I thought it could have been the spark plugs so I pulled them and 2 and 3 were fine, 4 was black, and 1 was yellow. Also before I started riding I had a power surge and blew my high beam and my regulator. I replaced both. I love riding my bike. So any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Zooks]

I think the guys here will be able to help you out with your (presumed) electrical issues but before anybody can answer your question you have to be officially welcomed by our unofficial greeter - Basscliff.

BASSCLIFF, WHERE ARE YOU???????????????

[chef1366]

Clean the connections on the battery, the ground wire on the crankcase from the battery, the solenoid, and the starter. If that doesn't free the starter clean the start button and the kill switch. Take the clutch safety switch and unplug it and plug the two wires together. (bypass) Then throw it away. If that doesn't do it remove the starter and clean the contacts.
Before you do any of this charge the battery and make sure it's good. If you fried the R/R you might of boiled out the battery. If it takes water put distilled water in it if it's low. Before charging it of course.
Also never jump a bike off a running car. Non-running is ok.

[Zooks]

Use extreme caution if you pull the starter switch apart to clean it. It has numerous tiny little parts. I have rebuilt countless numbers of switches but if you lose a small ball-bearing or spring it can be very difficult to find another.
Clean the brass connections (in the switch) with very fine sandpaper and then lightly smear them with graphite grease before re-assembly.

[Killer2600]

don't bother messing with the starter or kill switch they aren't your problem, do make sure your battery connections are clean, your battery neg cable to case ground is clean, the connections on the starter solenoid are clean, and your starter connections are clean. Sounds like your starter solenoid may be bad or possibly the starter itself. You can check the solenoid with a volt meter seeing if you get battery voltage on both main lugs of the solenoid when you push the start button and only battery voltage on one lug when the start button isn't pushed, quick anti-idiot tip make sure the ignition is on when pushing the start button otherwise it won't test right (start button doesn't work without power).

[BassCliff]

Hey howdy hey!

BASSCLIFF, WHERE ARE YOU???????????????

Sorry I'm late, Zooks. I've been busy adjusting my valves.

Mr. RefridgeratorRaider.

Let it be known that on this day you are formally welcomed to the GSR Forums as a Junior Member in good standing with all the rights and privileges thereof. Note that "good standing" means pictures. :-D

Sorry to hear of your electrical issues and it seems you are already getting excellent advice. The folks here are teaching me to be not only a better motorcycle mechanic, but a better motorcycle rider too. If you don't have one already, a repair manual (Clymer, Haynes) or Suzuki shop manual is invaluable. This group is very generous at sharing their experience and expertise, but sometimes it really helps to read the book and look at the pictures. It really helps me. I like pictures. :-D

Thanks for joining us Mr. RefridgeratorRaider. If there is a motorcycle safety course given in your area, many here will strongly suggest you take it. Again, it's good to get help from experts. Take care, ride safely.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
(The unofficial GSR greeter)

[Zooks]

LOL, I knew you wouldn't let us down Cliff.

[RefridgeratorRaider]

Thanks guys, I've tested the starter and Selenoid and I've determined that it was the starter. So I pulled the starter and took it apart and one of the magnets on the start wall was broken and was blocking the armature from spinning as well as came out when I pulled out the armature. I found out that I need to get another starter. I'm going to check the local junk yard that junks bikes and see if i can get one from there. But thanks for all the help. I'll try and get pictures up of my bike once I get it back together. Thanks again.

[chef1366]

Check out this place

[Grandpa]

It's "refrigerator", without the "d".

[txironhead]

I second the motion on Stocker's Starters. Very good company and great prices.

I also second the motion on the riding course. You can find out if there is one in your area by asking at any local motorcycle dealership. I've had friends that have been riding for a dozen years tell me they learned something new in that class, and it may be that one little detail that saves your life someday. The best ones are AMA sanctioned and/or Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Also, when you pass the course you don't have to take the riding test for your license, just the written.

Welcome to the wonderful world of GS motorcycles. Make sure your petcock doesn't leak. (I'm not kidding.....)

PS: With your plug readings the way they are, sounds like you need to do a carb synch. Plenty of posts here on that subject, do a search and you'll find all the advice you need.

[mf70]

For the terminally cheap, JBweld will glue magnets back together.

[txironhead]

For the terminally cheap, JBweld will glue magnets back together.

I prefer the term financially humiliated.:-D