Not turning over, battery fine, was working before.

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • Chadwick
    • Jan 2026
    #1

    Not turning over, battery fine, was working before.

    Hi there. I have GS550 from 1980 that has been sitting in my garage for almost 2 years. It was running fine before but now it won't even turn over when I try to start it. I just fully charged the battery and the lights come on with the key on. When I try to start it everything dims a bit. There might be the slightest click when attempting to start as well but it's very faint and not every time.

    Any idea what I should try? Many thanks.
    Tags: None
    • posplayr
      Forum LongTimer
      GSResource Superstar
      Past Site Supporter
      • Dec 2007
      • 23673
      • Tucson Az
      #2
      Originally posted by Chadwick
      Hi there. I have GS550 from 1980 that has been sitting in my garage for almost 2 years. It was running fine before but now it won't even turn over when I try to start it. I just fully charged the battery and the lights come on with the key on. When I try to start it everything dims a bit. There might be the slightest click when attempting to start as well but it's very faint and not every time.

      Any idea what I should try? Many thanks.
      Do a Quick Test portion to see how much you are pulling the battery down with key and then start.

        Comment

        • tom203
          Forum Guru
          Past Site Supporter
          • Aug 2010
          • 8925
          • Norway,Maine
          #3
          If battery has sat idle for two years, it may not be capable any more despite being "fully charged"; if you boost bike's battery with another vehicle, make sure that othet vehicle is NOT running.
          1981 gs650L

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

            Comment

            • cowboyup3371
              Forum LongTimer
              Past Site Supporter
              • Apr 2010
              • 13996
              • In Ohio Now
              #4
              Welcome to the site. Do you have a multimeter and have you already checked the voltage at the battery when the key is off, on, and while trying to start it? If so, use the link in Posplayer's post to run through the recommended tests. Like Tom said though, it sounds like your battery is not up to snuff so you'll want a known good one to start with.
              Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

              1981 GS550T - My First
              1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
              2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

              Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
              Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
              and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

                Comment

                • posplayr
                  Forum LongTimer
                  GSResource Superstar
                  Past Site Supporter
                  • Dec 2007
                  • 23673
                  • Tucson Az
                  #5
                  I am suggesting the quick test for the first portion (step 1 and 2) is a battery load test with voltage ranges for a properly charged battery. If he fails he needs to charge or replace as I believe is indicated by the diagnosis section of the test.

                    Comment

                    Previous template Next
                    Working...