82 GS650GL Clutch Sensor

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  • exzachtly1
    • Feb 2026
    #1

    82 GS650GL Clutch Sensor

    Hi all,
    I have just purchased a 1982 GS650GL and one of the nagging issues (out of a few) I'd like to fix seems to do with the clutch sensor. I am completely new to motorcycles so please be easy on me I do have a Clymer manual being shipped to me now, so I suspect that will make things more clear but I figured I'd throw this out and see if anyone had an idea.

    Basically the issue is that the bike will not start unless you pull the clutch in and UP. You actually have to pull the lever up very slightly in order to allow the bike to start. Works every time, but it bugs me because I know it's not right.

    I understand that there is a switch within the clutch system that prevents the bike from starting unless the clutch is pulled in. I'm assuming it has to do with this. Any pointers on where to start looking?

    Thanks!
    Tags: None
    • matt1100
      #2
      Definitely something with the switch. Mine was bypassed by putting the wires together prior to going to a new aftermarket light switch unit. You could try cleaning the contacts if you can get it apart without loosing the spring that is in there. Good luck

      Screw that Cylmer, download a FACTORY manual off Bikecliff's site. You can get a parts catalog while your there

        Comment

        • 7981GS
          #3
          Just connect the two wires to themselves in the headlight bucket and forget about it.

          Eric

            Comment

            • tom203
              Forum Guru
              Past Site Supporter
              • Aug 2010
              • 8925
              • Norway,Maine
              #4
              Originally posted by 7981GS
              Just connect the two wires to themselves in the headlight bucket and forget about it.

              Eric
              Yes, indeed! Head to Basscliff's for a readable colored wiring diagram

              this link might point you there


              GS650 Wiring Diagrams
              http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/gs650wiring.html
              1981 gs650L

              "We are all born ignorant, but you have to work hard to stay stupid" Ben Franklin

                Comment

                • Steve
                  GS Whisperer
                  • Jun 2005
                  • 35925
                  • southwest oHIo
                  #5
                  Originally posted by exzachtly1
                  Any pointers on where to start looking?
                  If you want to keep the switch, it is located under the clutch handle pivot. The easiest way to work on it is to remove the mirror, loosen the clamp just a bit and rotate the entire handle so the switch is on top. There are little bits in there that are spring-loaded, this way they will pretty much stay in place. Take all the parts out, clean them up well, put them back together with some dielectric grease.

                  If you would like the option of starting the engine without having to pull on the clutch lever, ignore the switch. Take the headlight out of its housing, find the yellow/green wires the come from the clutch switch and disconnect them from the main harness. Now take the two connectors in the main harness and connect them to each other. Put the headlight back in the housing, you are done.

                  .
                  sigpic
                  mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
                  hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
                  #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
                  #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
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                    Comment

                    • exzachtly1
                      #6
                      Cool thanks. I'll probably be getting the wrenches out this weekend and I'll take a look. If it seems like too much of a hassle I may just bypass it as suggested.

                      I noticed that the bolt that holds the lever into the lever assembly is very loose. It's not tightened at all. Maybe intentional to allow the necessary "wiggle" that is currently required

                      The locking nut is also missing from the clutch cable adjustor. I'll be trying to replace that too.

                        Comment

                        • tom203
                          Forum Guru
                          Past Site Supporter
                          • Aug 2010
                          • 8925
                          • Norway,Maine
                          #7
                          Originally posted by exzachtly1

                          The locking nut is also missing from the clutch cable adjustor. I'll be trying to replace that too.
                          Yes, you don't want the clutch adjustment changing as you ride.
                          1981 gs650L

                          "We are all born ignorant, but you have to work hard to stay stupid" Ben Franklin

                            Comment

                            • exzachtly1
                              #8
                              Given the condition of the clutch lever I'm thinking about ordering a whole new OEM clutch lever assembly. See the part here (part #57500-49301):

                              It's only $30. Has anyone used this website before? Is there a better place to get OEM Suzuki parts? Some of the bolts on the clutch lever are real rusty and beat up, along with the clutch cable itself; I will probably be replacing all of the cables with time too.

                              This way would kill two birds with one stone; fix the switch and have a nice, all new clutch lever.

                              Thoughts?

                                Comment

                                • gearhead13
                                  #9
                                  Originally posted by exzachtly1
                                  Given the condition of the clutch lever I'm thinking about ordering a whole new OEM clutch lever assembly. See the part here (part #57500-49301):

                                  It's only $30. Has anyone used this website before? Is there a better place to get OEM Suzuki parts? Some of the bolts on the clutch lever are real rusty and beat up, along with the clutch cable itself; I will probably be replacing all of the cables with time too.

                                  This way would kill two birds with one stone; fix the switch and have a nice, all new clutch lever.

                                  Thoughts?
                                  That a good price, better than I thought it would be. No, I have never ordered from them before.
                                  I wonder if it comes assembled, probably not.

                                    Comment

                                    • exzachtly1
                                      #10
                                      Originally posted by gearhead13
                                      That a good price, better than I thought it would be. No, I have never ordered from them before.
                                      I wonder if it comes assembled, probably not.
                                      Just in case you were curious - I ended up ordering this part from partshark.com and it DID come fully assembled. Not bad at all.

                                        Comment

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