Just got a GS1100G - Won't start - Need help/advice

[mx597turbo]

I just got a GS1100G. Someone was cleaning out their garage and didn't want it anymore. She said it hasn't been started in about 5 years, but ran before it was parked.

The battery was completely dead (4.1v on multimeter). I tried jumping it from a running car, and no dice (I tried with both battery connected and not connected). The lights worked, and it tried to turn over, but the starter was very weak.

As far as the starter. I pulled it and connected it directly to the car battery. It spun. But when I put it back in the bike, it barely spun, even when it was connected directly to the car battery with jumper cables. I think the starter needs to be replaced or rebuilt.

As far as the bike, I tried bump starting it rolling down a steep hill. I got it up to about 20 mph and dumped the clutch in 3rd. It didn't sound like it was firing at all (I tried this severl times, with both the choke open and closed, and open and closed throttle). It definitely has compression. The battery was not in the bike when I tried to do this.

So where should I start? The plugs are good, but I can't tell if they're getting spark without the starter. I'm sure the gas is bad, and the carbs need to be cleaned, so I'll get on that.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[kawfeedave]

I had the same bike with a starter problem, and it turned out to be worn out starter motor brushes. You might have enough current flow to spin the starter motor alone, but not to turn over the engine.

Check for fuel in the float bowls. The petcock is vacuum operated in the 'On' or 'Res' position and only flow gas when the engine is producing vacuum, so if the float bowls are dry, they won't be getting enough fuel to fill and fire the engine with a bump start. The 'Prime' position is actually more like 'on' in that fuel flows unrestricted into the carbs, so try setting it to prime and give the float bowls a chance to fill.

Even if you have fuel in the float bowls, 5 years of sitting isn't going to be good for the carbs. You might be able to get it run on choke, but beyond that is a crap shoot.

Did you get this bike for free?

[mx597turbo]

Did you get this bike for free?

Yes. But no title. The previous owner is looking for it, but I'm not counting on her finding it. It was her brother's, but he passed away a while back.

[bccap]

Welcome to the forum. Bikecliff will be along to welcome you soon. You need to read the info on his site. In the meantime. Do NOT jump start your bike from a car with a running engine. If you haven't already fried your RR, you will ! Trust me on this. I did. Go buy a new battery to start, and then read the stuff he links you to. Also post the year and model in your signature, as well as your location. Someone may live near to you and able to help. We also like pictures of your bike and the specific problems you run into. We're kinky that way. Good luck.

[tom203]

So you got a bike that hasn't been started in five years and you think/hope that you can bump start it or jump it? Maybe a little tender maintenance is in order before you fly at it. Piston rings could be dry, causing a lot of drag for a starter motor- pull plugs, add some oil and spin crank- put on centerstand in second gear and wiggle wheel. That gas went bad 4.5 years ago- if you get lucky the tank won't be rusty inside.

[mx597turbo]

Welcome to the forum. Bikecliff will be along to welcome you soon. You need to read the info on his site. In the meantime. Do NOT jump start your bike from a car with a running engine. If you haven't already fried your RR, you will ! Trust me on this. I did. Go buy a new battery to start, and then read the stuff he links you to. Also post the year and model in your signature, as well as your location. Someone may live near to you and able to help. We also like pictures of your bike and the specific problems you run into. We're kinky that way. Good luck.

Thanks. I actually gave the bike to my brother, but I'm trying to help him get it running. I'm in NJ, but the bike has been moved to Saylorsburg, PA (near Stroudsburg). He's going to start working on it himself tomorrow, so I'll pass along the info.

What's an RR?

[mx597turbo]

So you got a bike that hasn't been started in five years and you think/hope that you can bump start it or jump it? Maybe a little tender maintenance is in order before you fly at it. Piston rings could be dry, causing a lot of drag for a starter motor- pull plugs, add some oil and spin crank- put on centerstand in second gear and wiggle wheel. That gas went bad 4.5 years ago- if you get lucky the tank won't be rusty inside.

I got a pickup (for free) that had been sitting about four years without starting. Jumped it, and it started right up. Never even replaced the battery. We still use it as a plow truck. It sits all year, and only starts in the winter.

[bccap]

RR is your regulator/rectifier. Bike electrics are much more sensitive to abuse than cars. To be honest with you, I think you'll find there is nothing wrong with your starter. Unless something happened when you used the car battery. Hopefully with the engine off. Just hold off until you get your mega welcome. The people on this site can walk you through anything ! I know because I'm a mechanical idiot !