New 77 GS400

[cavilry]

Hey all, just got my first GS today. I have been riding motorcycles since I was 9 (13 years ago) but have been without one for a few months (1972 Alfa now taking my money). I picked up this 1977 GS400 for free. It has bounced around from friend to friend for a while because no one can get it to work.
I believe that it wont fire either because of the ignition points or the round pods (coils???) that are on the spark plug wire. The ignition points are quite corroded though I am not sure if that is the problem.
Does anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks
Chris

[Larry D]

Welcome !!

One of the biggest problems with our older bikes is that the electrical systems are as old as the bike. The best thing to do is go through the entire wiring harness from the headlight bucket to the tailight and clean and/or replace all the connections. It could be something else but, this is a good place to start. Good Luck !!!!

[Nessism]

My thought is to do some maintenance on the bike: rebuild the carbs, replace points/plugs, change oil/filter, adjust the valves, full brake system tear down, ect. Once you do this basic maintenance you can build a foundation to having a reliable bike to ride.

[cavilry]

Where might I find a new set of points?
And what the heck are those cylinders on the spark plug wires?
Thanks!