Any ideas why my 1981 Suzuki GS450 won't start?

Question

I bought the bike a couple of months ago and haven't had any major issues with it. It's in almost perfect condition for such an old bike and I've been riding it at least once a week since I got it, generally more. But I go to start it up yesterday morning (around 65 degrees out), with the choke on about halfway, in neutral, and NOTHING.

Any ideas why it wouldn't start and what I can try to get it started?

Answer 1

I wish you hadn't used the word NOTHING. LOL. We need to know if the engine turns over normally even though it won't start. Does the engine make an effort to turn over? How was the bike running the last time you used it. When was the last time the plugs were changed? Have you ever had the carbs cleaned and synchronized.

Any loose wires going to the starter, neutral safety switch?

good luck

Answer 2

An '81, really?  Vehicles rarely last (almost) three decades.  

Answer 3

To start you need fuel/air/spark

Make sure it has sufficient fresh fuel (put tap to RES)

Make sure the battery is fit (charge it back up if possible)

Turn off all lights etc

Make sure the kill switch is ON

Apply FULL choke with NO throttle

Turn on ignition

Push start button

Cleaning & gapping the spark plugs, cleaning the air filter and flushing out carburettor float bowls will all help if further attention is needed.

BTW Aircooled bikes warm up best by riding them (gently). It will take ages to warm up if you're just letting them tick-over and it's not necessary or good for your engine.

Answer 4

If you're letting it sit for 10 minutes, then you probably need to clean the spark plugs.  While you're doing that, make sure the gap is set correctly (mechanics where I am don't do that -- they just take 'em out of the box and put 'em onto the motorcycle).

Oh yeah.  Check to see if there's gas in the gas tank :)

Check the oil level too.  Not enough is bad.  Too much is bad too.