1983 GS550E Electrical Problem

[James Wilson]

I recently lost all electrical power while riding my 1983 GS550E, and am looking for advice regarding the most likely source of the problem. The battery is good. Is there a main fuse on this bike? If so, can someone tell me where it is?

[Guest]

There should be a fuse block behind the left frame cover. The cover with 550E on it.

[Schweisshund]

Hey there, I also have a 1983 GS 550E. Not trying to be a nitpick - could you describe what your bike does when you try to start it?

[Redman]

James,
Under side cover, and then most likley under a white/translucent cover. The cover may indicate which fuse is the main, and which is headlight ectera. May be a spare fuse stored in that white cover also.

[James Wilson]

Hey there, I also have a 1983 GS 550E. Not trying to be a nitpick - could you describe what your bike does when you try to start it?

At the time I originally posted my question, I was getting nothing, no electrical at all. Now that I have replaced my main fuse, I have electrical but the bike won't turn over. There is no clicking at the solenoid, and even when I bypass it the starter just drags. I can push start it and it idles fine, but when I put it into gear and the rpms come down, it dies.

[Calvin Blackmore]

Clean the batter terminals and connections.

Clean the ground also, it is bolted to the backside of the engine case at the end of the negative battery cable.