1981 gs550 project( need help starting off)

[Dylanblake]

So I just bought a 81 gs550. It needs carbs put on, but I have those. Before I was going to put them on, I was going to try and get it to turn over. I hooked jumper cables from my car to the battery and got all the lights to turn on and horn work, but I couldn't get the motor to turn over. I'm getting a battery ordered, but until then I'd there anything I can check? Or is there maybe not enough voltage and the battery is just to dead for it to not even turn over? I haven't really messed with motorcycles, I'm more of a car guy. But any tips would help! It also doesn't have a chain so I'm not sure if it even turns over. Is there a way I can check that without a chain?

 

[Steve]

There was a "safety" feature on these bikes that required pulling the clutch lever when using the electric starter.

Before you install the carbs, do you know if they are CLEAN? Special words have been formulated for the engineers that designed the area around the carbs and airbox on a 550. Because of that, you really don't want to do the job more than once.

I see that you are only trying to see if the engine turns over, but before you actually try to start it with the carbs installed, be sure to check valve clearances, too.

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[Dylanblake]

There was a "safety" feature on these bikes that required pulling the clutch lever when using the electric starter.

Before you install the carbs, do you know if they are CLEAN? Special words have been formulated for the engineers that designed the area around the carbs and airbox on a 550. Because of that, you really don't want to do the job more than once.

I see that you are only trying to see if the engine turns over, but before you actually try to start it with the carbs installed, be sure to check valve clearances, too.

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Ok so this maybe a real dumb question, but where exactly is the clutch lever located?

 

[fixmybrokecomputer]

The clutch lever is located on the handlebar on the left side. It looks like a hand brake lever but operates the clutch. You might want to look into taking a class on how to ride a motorcycle if you plan on riding. You don't want to be famous on youtube from your first ride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAAPuhiSQAU

 

[steve murdoch]

Welcome to the site, Dylan.
Some VERY basic motorcycle info.
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/handbook/motorcycles/section2-8-0.shtml

Also, don't have the engine running on the car when you are trying to boost the motorcycle.
Good chance of cooking some electrics.

 

[Dylanblake]

The clutch lever is located on the handlebar on the left side. It looks like a hand brake lever but operates the clutch. You might want to look into taking a class on how to ride a motorcycle if you plan on riding. You don't want to be famous on youtube from your first ride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAAPuhiSQAU

Yes I plan on taking a class once I'm able to get my bike ready and road Worthy. I actually work on semi trucks so I'm a little inexperienced with bikes, and I'm learning they are a little harder than I thought. I just bought a battery, so I'm going to put it on and see if I can get it running!

 

[Dylanblake]

Ok so I noticed a wire was hanging and I'm not sure where it went. I just put it in a spot, I don't think it goes there so I need help figuring out where it goes. Also, I got a new battery. When I connected it and turned the key, only the oil lamp lit up red. When I turned it all the way to the right, the light went off. None of my turn signals or lights with either

 

[Dylanblake]

This is the wire I was talking about

 

[suzukigs1100ez]

The key doesn't start most bikes. There a button by the throttle grip that actually turns it over. Also should have a kill switch there too

 

[Steve]

That wire is a ground wire. Should be a spot near it on the chassis or the negative terminal of the battery (if it reaches that far) where it can connect.

If you only saw a red oil light, it's a good thing you don't know how to start the bike yet. Seeing the light is actually good, it shows that there is power getting to the bike, but you should ALSO see a green NEUTRAL light to show that the transmission is not in gear. THAT is the exact reason that the "safety" switch was installed in the clutch. It was meant to prevent starting the bike and having it roll away from you, out of control. Since you HAVE to pull the clutch to use the electric starter, it won't matter if it's in gear or not.

There are FOUR positions for the ignition key.
1. All the way to the LEFT, is labelled LOCK. The forks have to be turned all the way to the left or right, and the key turned to the LOCK position before it can be removed. The ignition will be OFF and the forks are locked in that position. Be very cautious using this, it has probably been a long time since it has been enabled and might get stuck there. It is quite frustrating trying to get the forks released so you can ride the bike. Unlike all the TV shows that caution against it, this time you DO want to do this at home. If you try this while stopped somewhere out on the road, it might be a long walk home.
2. The second position is OFF. The ignition is OFF, the forks are not locked, the bike can be moved around. The key can also be removed in this position.
3. The third position is ON. The ignition is ON, the bike can be started and ridden. The key can not be removed in this position.
4. The fourth position is PARK. The forks have to be turned to either side, like the LOCK function, but it also turns on the tail light. This was meant for very short-term use on the side of the road to warn other motorists that you were parked there, but it tends to drain the battery by the time you can get back to the bike with some help. AND it also carries the chance that you can not free the forks from the locked position, so use of this key position is NOT recommended. The key can be removed in this position.

PLEASE find someone local that can at least help you with some of the basics of how to properly start the bike. A professionally-run safety course can not be stressed enough for learning to ride, but you apparently don't even know how the bike works, which can get you hurt rather quickly..

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[Dylanblake]

I know that the key doesn't turn in the bike. I pulled the clutch lever, and had the switch in the run position. And I pushed the the start button but nothing happened. No clicks or anything. That's why I figured maybe I was doing something wrong, or maybe the wire is in the wrong place because that's the only light I was getting. Because in the on position, I should be able to see the red and green light correct?

 

[Dylanblake]

Is there a way to test if the starter button is working?