1981 gs 550l

[bubba427]

Ok guys. Need some advice here. I've been reading the forum topics here, and have found a LOT of good advice, so first of all, thank you to everyone involved with this website.

My 1981 GS550L is having some strange electrical problems. I'm pretty sure that I need to replace my stator and rectifier. Second, after replacing a broken clutch cable, finally figuring out how to adjust it, I was ready for a test ride. I got about 50 yards when the whole bike just died. New battery, all fuses in tact, no visible loose wires or anything like that. All my indicator lights, neutral, gears, turn signals and brake lights, are now not working. Just for good measure, I replaced all the fuses anyway. The bike will now run, but no indicator lights or brake lights. Headlight and taillight still work though.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. This is my first bike and she's starting to cause me as much problems as my first wife!

[tom203]

Welcome. Since you've been reading here, you noticed the emphasis on maintenance- best to do before you ride off into sunset. Have you read the stator paper stuff? how about a quickee test on your charging system

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/storagecliff/images/electrical_odd-n-ends.html#A20

Is this bike new-to-you, or an old friend?

[bubba427]

I've had her for about 3 years now. Been through probably 5-6 batteries. Funny thing is, when I got back home tonight, I went to park her for the night, and EVERYTHING WORKED again. Headlight, taillight, brakes and turn signals. Think it may have been a condensation issue or something, I don't know. I've downloaded and printed the complete service manual...all 700+ pages of it. Will be studying it intensely learn more about her. Overall she's been excellent and reliable transportation, as long as I remember to connect the charger. Thank you for the fast reply TOM203!

[Guest]

Welcome to the mad house! Lot's of very smart folks here.

I would guess you have a ground issue, not condensation, but as Tom suggested, you really need to test & go through all your electronics before you can make an intelligent choice about what needs replacing...

One thing to do that doesn't need any special expertise (only time) is to disconnect, clean, then re-connect every electrical connection on the entire bike. Takes a fair amount of time, but well worth it. You will most likely find frayed wires, broken/funky connections, melted stuff - things that need fixing as you go...

Clean the contacts with WD40, a toothbrush, brass brush, etc., until they're bright & shiney then re-connect using dielectric grease.

Also, clean & re-establish the grounds.

mike

[tom203]

5 or 6 batteries in 3 years ?? Your old friend is calling for help to be reliable transportation , so get cleaning and testing. Even if your R/R tests ok after cleaning connections, consider upgrading to a SH-775 R/R - this will take lots of stress off your charging system to ensure happy motoring.