Bike randomly fires...

[froldt]

Been trying to get my '82 GS750T started. No luck so far. Rebuild the carbs, checked the valve clearances, new plugs, fresh charged battery...

She ran fine for the first week or so, and then there were a couple of times she was reluctant to start. One time, she just wouldn't start, and hasn't since. It sounds like she's not getting fuel. So I rebuilt the carbs, and... no luck. After putting everything back together, it still wasn't firing (turning over, but only by the electric starter). I let it sit in frustration for about 4 days, and tried again. It FIRED! Only for a few of cranks, and now it's just the starter turning the engine over again.
The next day, she fired for a couple cranks, and that was it.
I've let her sit for about 3 more days now, and I'll go try again, with the choke on, since I'm expecting it.

What would make this happen?

[tconroy]

Been trying to get my '82 GS750T started. No luck so far. Rebuild the carbs, checked the valve clearances, new plugs, fresh charged battery...

She ran fine for the first week or so, and then there were a couple of times she was reluctant to start. One time, she just wouldn't start, and hasn't since. It sounds like she's not getting fuel. So I rebuilt the carbs, and... no luck. After putting everything back together, it still wasn't firing (turning over, but only by the electric starter). I let it sit in frustration for about 4 days, and tried again. It FIRED! Only for a few of cranks, and now it's just the starter turning the engine over again.
The next day, she fired for a couple cranks, and that was it.
I've let her sit for about 3 more days now, and I'll go try again, with the choke on, since I'm expecting it.

What would make this happen?

Have you pulled the plugs and looked at them?have you tried a little either in the #1 cylinder.Have you charged your battery and checked your spark plugs for spark by grounding them to the cylinder head?Do you have pionts and condenser or electronics.

[Guest]

Try cleaning your kill switch and ignition switch.
I just had a situation with non-starting and it was a dirty kill switch.

[steely]

Have you checked the petcock? Be sure it is operating properly.

[fgh]

It sounds like you've got an ignition problem, I know "DUH". Crank it iwth a timing light connected to each plug and look for a consistent flashing of the light on each. If you don't get it you'll have to get into the ignition system. Find a manual that goes through the steps necessary to isolate ignition system problems. I'd tell you where to start but, Knock on Wood, I havn't had to do anything but replace plugs, wires and caps for 24 years. LOL!