Well...today's the day.

[Dave8338]

Since you already adjusted the valves there shouldn't be any worry about the engine turning over. Just my opinion but if the bike was mine I'd just fire the darn thing up. I've brought four different GS's back from long term storage and I didn't do anything fancy on any of them in terms of oiling the cylinders.

Good luck.

Ditto...and if a compression test was run, the cylinders should already have a coating of oil on them.

Hit the start switch and with a little luck, it will fire so fast that you'll have to wonder if you should have prepped it in some other fashion!

[Larry D]

Anticipation!!

I feel like a kid at Christmas!
I have done a valve adjustment and the engine turned over easily. I heard air "poofing" out of the spark plug holes (I guess) so, I don't think it's frozen up. That was about 3 weeks ago.
Overall it was in good shape when I bought it. Looked as if it was stored inside, seat is beautiful and not much rust anywhere. It has been down on the left side at some point. Although it looks to be at low speed, just some scuffs on the stator cover and turn signals. I think it also tore up the stock exhaust and the po replaced it with a 4-1. Which, I believe started the bike on it's downhill slide to me. It was never rejetted and I don't think it ever ran right again.....until tonight !!!

I've never tried to post a video before but, I'm planning on posting a video on youtube. So stay tuned......

[bwringer]

Hit the start switch and with a little luck, it will fire so fast that you'll have to wonder if you should have prepped it in some other fashion!

That's always been my experience with rebuilds and whatnot -- tap the starter button and VROOOOOOOMMMMMMM...

It's a GS. It wants to start.

[Larry D]

That's always been my experience with rebuilds and whatnot -- tap the starter button and VROOOOOOOMMMMMMM...

It's a GS. It wants to start.

Well, that makes two of us because I want it to start too!
How does it go again Brian? VROOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!
I'm keeping positive thoughts and itching to get OUTTA HERE!!!

[Billy Ricks]

Just put the petcock on prime for a minute or two before you try starting and if all is well it will fire right up.

[Larry D]

Here it is !!! Video.......

The first thing that I would like to do before you look at the video, is to thank everyone who ever posted to one of my threads. Tonight would have never happened without your incredible help. Don't get to comfortable though, because I still have a ways to go. I pushed this bike into my garage on July 10th.
My first goal was to get the bike mechanically sound. I still have to check the charging system and sync the carbs. But, I think the bench sync got it close enough for now. I broke the choke cable though, we'll fix that later. That's why I'm playing with the choke rail.
Here ya go........enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owE1008Ecfw

[OhioEric]

Victory !!!

[bwringer]

Most excellently awesome!

CRC2 should have the choke cable if you feel like going down to the slums on Saturday...

[Steve]

... here is what I do. Take the plugs out of the bike and turn the kill switch off. ... Turn the engine over with the plugs out until the red oil pressure lamp on the dash goes out.

That might work on some bikes, but most of the ones I have worked on, when you turn the kill switch off, you can't use the electric starter.

.

[Larry D]

Most excellently awesome!

CRC2 should have the choke cable if you feel like going down to the slums on Saturday...

Only with yours and everyone else's help, Brian.
I kinda like that 'ole motorcycle shop in the slums.

[Baatfam]

Cool!
Hey...I have a lawn chair in my garage too....
Sometimes ya just have to sit and ponder....

[spyug]

Good to hear you have it running. Congrats....now get out and ride!

My apologies for the errant advice. I read the post two or three times but didn't catch the comment on valve adjustment.....dooh! I need to get my glasses changed

The reason I mentioned the sticky rings is that I recently heard (from my pro wrench) that as lot of old iron is getting refurbed ( i.e. the economy, price o gas etc) two or three bikes have turned up on his doorstep with just this problem. Folks drop in a battery, some fresh gas and expect a bike that has languished unattented for years to burst into life. Sometimes it does, sometimes there's a lot of banging and clanging. Humidity is also a problem up here so I can see how it happens.

Enjoy the new ride.
Be safe.
Spyug.

[lucabond]

Sounds great, pat yourself on the back... I know that feeling of success and pride for a job well done. You will be ridding soon.
Good Luck,
Paul

[Larry D]

Thanks for the comments. Now it's on to phase 2. Tires, brakes and all the pretty shiny cosmetic things.
Don't know how many times this has happened but, I think, it's worth mentioning.
I knew that I had everything put back together correctly. I had good power to the headlight and instrument cluster. I switched the kill switch to run, hit the starter button.......nothing.....tried again....nothing, no clicking, just nothing. So, I used a screwdriver and jumped the solenoid, the motor tried to start. The next thing I did was open a beer and thought for a minute....or two.....really about ten.
Why not try pulling in the clutch, even though the bike was in neutral......it's worth a shot.

She fired right up !!!!!!

SO.....after you get everything back together, you have a gas tank rigged up, turn on the key, turn off the kill switch, some choke, PULL IN THE CLUTCH and hit the start button.
My lesson for the day kids.

[boathead]

The next thing I did was open a beer and thought for a minute....

where all good thinking starts.

congrats. i continue to be in awe of you fellas.