Stator and Starting issues

[danmurphymn]

Here's my story, my first bike is an 82 gs850gl. I had it a few years ago from my bro, rode it a summer and it needed a lot more work than I could afford. So I gave it back, he didn't make it home. The bike died on the road, so it's been sitting for about 2 years. I think it's the stator. I recently got the bike back, cleaned the carbs and am charging the battery. It won't fire though, and spark is real weak.
If the stator is bad will the bike not even fire?
Is there a way to check this so I don't throw money at it when it doesn't need it?
Also how hard is it to rewind the stator based on the how to link posted on the site?

[danmurphymn]

Ok, after jumping the bike it runs. So that would most likely be my stator right?

[onchiman]

Could be the battery is shot. It's been sitting a while and may not hold a charge. First check the battery. When you verify it's in top condition or replace it, then you can go through the "Stator Papers" in the "In The Garage" section of this site. It's a step by step guide to testing the charging system. This site is invaluable for tips. Just approach the repairs in a logical manner.

[Counter]

I can tell you from recent experience that the bike will run with a malfunctioning stator. It will run badly, and won't idle at all unless you keep twisting the throttle, but you can get home if you can get a jump. Oh, your battery will die as well.

I strongly going through the diagnostic checklist in the stator papers to diagnose your problem. Really, I do. I just got finished replacing the stator in my '81 850G. The papers give you a step-by-step process to ID the problem with your system. It does work if you follow the steps. I bought my stator from rmstator for about 120, give or take a little.

I also recommend that you check your connections regardless of whether or not your stator passes the tests. Mine were burnt and brittle.

I was out riding today because of the checklist. I believe in the checklist.

[danmurphymn]

If I need a fully charged battery for the test and mine is shot, can I just use jumper cables to a fully charged lawn mower battery? I don't have the budget right now to buy a new battery, I'm just trying to figure out my options here. Thanks for the help so far.

[Steve]

If you have seen the instructions on how to rewind a stator on this site, then you surely must have seen the instructions on how to check your stator.

.

[danmurphymn]

I actually didn't see that before. Thanks.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. danmurphymn,

Hooray! Another fine 850 about to be resurrected. Let me help too. There's a lot of 850G lovin' in the words that follow. Please sit back, click lots of links, read up on how to take care of these fine machines. Now here's how I say, "HoooooowwDY!"

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[chef1366]

Bike will run fine with no charging system and a fresh battery. Not long but it will run.

[The General]

does that mean it needs a new stator? regulator/rectifier?