New Member, (New) 1980 GS 450

[firsttimewrench]

Hey Guys,

First let me say thanks for this amazing resource! When I first went online to see what information was out there on the GS series... i never expected something like this!

Not even a week ago I bought a 1980 GS 450 in decent shape except for a dent in the tank. The battery wasn't installed, and so I had no idea what shape it really was in, but I bought it cheap. So I got a battery for it, and the turn signals all come on, but go off when you signal. The headlight and tail light don't come on at all, and you can hear the horn when it is very very quiet. Worst of all NOTHING happens when I press the start button!

So I think I have a bad connection or a bad ground somewhere, and I've been looking but I can't find it. Do ya'll think I'd be better off just rewiring the whole thing? Or do you have some idea of where I should look for the bad wiring?

Thanks, and good builds. Kevin

[Nessism]

Welcome to the site Kevin.

First thing is to charge that battery of yours. While it's charging I suggest you make a list of all the maintenance you plan to do. That bike is pushing 32 years old so you can't just expect to put gas in it and go. Basscliff should be along soon and offer his golden welcome with a link to his web site. Downloading a service manual is a great place to start.

[firsttimewrench]

Thanks Ed. Already charged the battery. And I know it is going to need a lot of maintenance, and I have some plans for new handlebars, paint etc. But before I sink a lot of time and money elsewhere I want to make sure the engine turns over and see what kind of shape it is in. When I turn the key on, turn lights come on. When I turn the key all the way to run, nothing works... hmmm... I have both the Clymer and the Haynes.

[Nessism]

Thanks Ed. Already charged the battery. And I know it is going to need a lot of maintenance, and I have some plans for new handlebars, paint etc. But before I sink a lot of time and money elsewhere I want to make sure the engine turns over and see what kind of shape it is in. When I turn the key on, turn lights come on. When I turn the key all the way to run, nothing works... hmmm... I have both the Clymer and the Haynes.

You are turning the key too far. The "ON" position is one click from Off.

Lots of good info here... http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Also, you need to hold in the clutch otherwise the starter won't turn.

[pete]

Welcome to the forum Kevin!

Listen to Ed, he knows his stuff and won't steer you wrong, and definitely download the manual etc. from BassCliff's site that Ed linked to.

I suspect you'll probably find your grounds and connectors are bad after 30 odd years, nothing unusual there. I stripped my harness off the bike and used contact cleaner on every connector as well as dismantling and cleaning the ignition switch and right control block where the starter button is. The contacts for the starter button were black when I started and the button sometimes worked and sometimes didn't, but definitely try holding the clutch in too as Ed suggested.

Good luck and let us know how you go!

Oh, and we need pic's

[firsttimewrench]

Well... It started!!! Once. I have been tracing the wiring all day, and I found some connections and grounds that were a little worse for wear. I've been cleaning them off as I go. I got it started once, but it's leaking oil pretty good from the oil filter cover. I'm going to finish cleaning up the electrical first, and then I'll deal with the oil leak. I'll try to post pictures today. Thanks for the pointers ya'll. I'm very excited!

[pete]

Sounds like you're on the right track with the electrics, and it may be as simple as missing the O ring from the filter cover too.

Keep at it and definitely looking forward to the pic's.