1982 GS850G Rookie Rebuild

[DamnCanuck]

Hi everyone,

I have recently acquired a 1982 GS850 G cafe/bobber/rat thing. This is my first bike and I just picked it up yesterday. I just got my licence a few months ago and picked up something that I could learn to ride and work on. The guy I bought it from said that he had been riding it up until a month ago (an has recent registration) but it sat for a month now wont start.

That being said, I am a very novice mechanic (oil change, build bicycles, etc). The way the bike came to me was that it would not start. After purchase, I had the battery charged and installed it today. The starter is making an attempt but it will not turn over.

I was thinking that my next step was to replace the spark plugs as they look a bit grimy, but I wanted to see if anyone had any other suggestions to try and get this thing started.

Thanks, glad to be part of the Forum.

[DamnCanuck]

Update: No spark at the plug. Next step?

[thewiz]

Do yourself and your bike a big favor and study the topics on this attached website. You will begin to eliminate possibilities and only concentrate on the ones that don't work. Get yourself a multimeter, impact wrench, PB blaster, carb cleaner and dip, some orings from Robert Barr and get started.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

If no spark, check your battery and coils as outlined on the website and report back!

John

[DamnCanuck]

Update on the project. I obtained the required tools and gone through the electrical system according to the Clymer manual. New spark plugs, battery, and I thought I had it narrowed down to the CDI box but I just finished installing a new one and there is still no spark. Could it be the ignition coils? The Clymer stated that the only way to test the ignition coils was to put in a known good one and test. I have no spark at all 4 cylinders with a new CDI box and the other components check out.

Have I screwed up something or would it be common for both ignition coils to go at the same time? What would be my next step, replace both coils? Is there another fault that I am might be missing?

[Good Times]

Run stop switch?

[David-Z]

I had a similar issue.. couldnt find a spark for a few days right after purchase... I tried all of the metal around and finally saw a spark (in a pitch black garage)... But it still wouldnt turn over.. changed the plugs and wholla.. she fired up.

I have found to always check the simple stuff(s) first: run on/off switch, eroded/poorly connected battery cable, choke... Keep us posted as I am new to the game as well and wouldnt mind learning vicariously.

[DamnCanuck]

I will test tomorrow if I have time. The handle bar kill switch appears to work (nothing happens when in off position, in run it attempts to start). I am going to try and bypass the kickstand kill switch and test to see if that is what is preventing the start.

There is very little about this in the Clymer, I am going to check the wiring again for breaks and corrosion. Could it be the signal generator?

[DamnCanuck]

Testing of the kill switch and kickstand kill switch as well as signal generator all proved dead ends today. I have 2 new ignition coils on order, hopefully that will be the solution.

I am still finding it improbable that both coils are bad at the same time but I have run out of options that I know of or that I can decipher from the Clymer. Still no spark on all 4 cylinders... is it possible the PO was running it on 2 cylinders then the other ignition coil died?

[DamnCanuck]

Victory. Got the bike running and it has plenty of power, but it pops quite a bit when i let off the throttle. The bike has a Vance and Hines exhaust and pod filters. I have adjusted the idle to where it sounds correct (no tach so unsure if it is in the 950-1150 range). I suspect based on other forums that the bike needs bigger jets. Does this sound like the case? Do I have the idle too low (I need the choke on to start the bike and it takes about a minute to warm up where I can take off the choke)?

[Octain]

If the previous owner didnt jet the carbs for the setup it'll never run right. Sounds to me like if it's running at all someone somewhere did something. Mine wouldnt run at all with stock jetting and no airbox.
If it were me I'd go ahead and go and clean the carbs and check the jet sizes.
If it has never been setup to run with pods then you best bet is to purchase a Dynojet jet kit. Setting up the carbs requires a little bit more than simply changing the jets. All the instructions come with the kit. Between that and this

http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/gs/Mikuni_BS-CV_Carburetor_Rebuild_Tutorial.pdf

you should be on your way to a great running bike in no time.