Starter button doesn't work?!

[SpiDmang]

Hi everyone!!

So today, my electronic start stopped working. I ride a 77' gs550. I can kick start the bike with ease, but I'm curious where to begin looking so I can fix this issue.

I don't mind kicking the bike, but with my new exhaust, the kick starter barely clears the exhaust piping, which makes it a little difficult to kick start it.

Any ideas?

[TheCafeKid]

If you're not hearing any sort of click from the solenoid, or any attempt to start at all, I'd check the contacts on the back of the starter button itself. They can become corroded to the point they no longer make a complete circuit.
This will require disassembly of the switch housing, but it's only two screws, so it's cake

[SpiDmang]

If you're not hearing any sort of click from the solenoid, or any attempt to start at all, I'd check the contacts on the back of the starter button itself. They can become corroded to the point they no longer make a complete circuit.
This will require disassembly of the switch housing, but it's only two screws, so it's cake

Hmm makes sense. It doesn't click nor make any attempt to start.

Would you recommend just replacing the 35yr old switch housing with something newer, and just wiring that in?

I appreciate the response!

[chuck hahn]

I took the battery out of my 78 1000C and had the same thing happen. All the lights came on and it would start if i shorted across the selinoid terminals and all the fuses were good. But notta at the button.. It turned out to be that i didnt hook up one of the ground loops. Check all the ground loops by the battery for good rust free connections. You can also check inside the headlight bucket where it plugs in and be sure the pins are nice and clean. Some spray on contact cleaner may be in order.

[TheCafeKid]

Hmm makes sense. It doesn't click nor make any attempt to start.

Would you recommend just replacing the 35yr old switch housing with something newer, and just wiring that in?

I appreciate the response!

Nah, usually attacking the contacts with some contact cleaner and emery cloth or the like cleans em up to working order again. And if not, I'd try to find a cheap second hander to either use or pull the button from if it doesn't look as nice as yours over trying to wire something non OEM in. The biggest weak point in a Gs is (like many Japanese bikes of the day...and today..) is in the wiring. Putting MORE connections in there than already are is usually the last resort for me...

[spaytons]

Thats what it was with my '81 850. Cleaned contacts and everything was hunky-dory.

[razor02097]

I recommend CAIG deox-it. I've been using it to restore connections and switches on my bikes forever.

[tkent02]

Would you recommend just replacing the 35yr old switch housing with something newer, and just wiring that in?

Usually just removing the dead spiders from inside the switch will fix it.

[SpiDmang]

Nah, usually attacking the contacts with some contact cleaner and emery cloth or the like cleans em up to working order again. And if not, I'd try to find a cheap second hander to either use or pull the button from if it doesn't look as nice as yours over trying to wire something non OEM in. The biggest weak point in a Gs is (like many Japanese bikes of the day...and today..) is in the wiring. Putting MORE connections in there than already are is usually the last resort for me...

Gotcha. I'll give that a shot! If I don't have contact cleaner, is there anything else I can use?

Usually just removing the dead spiders from inside the switch will fix it.

This made me LOL for real! I'll open it up and check it out!

Thank you everyone also for chipping in!

[Steve]

Putting MORE connections in there than already are is usually the last resort for me...

Yes, Josh, we know that you would rather smack it with a hammer than play with electrics.

.

[Kerry]

Usually just removing the dead spiders from inside the switch will fix it.

Just make sure to replace with OEM live spiders. The aftermarket ones are crap.

[razor02097]

Just make sure to replace with OEM live spiders. The aftermarket ones are crap.

You don't need to replace them just soak them in some WD-40

[RobG1970]

You don't need to replace them just soak them in some WD-40

Guys - I have became very fond of this cleaner CRC Lectra-Motive. I have used it to clean anything that is needs to be non-flammable.... worked out really nice when I rebuild my starter.. so far the cheapest place has been walmart - Rob

[cowboyup3371]

I'm no expert in this at all but I would recommend double checking that your fuses are good, especially if you aren't hearing a click. Use a power light or multimeter.