Why won't my motorcycle won't start?

Question

It's a 98 Suzuki GSX600F. When I go through the start-up sequence, the lights come on but it doesn't turn over. I let it sit for about 2 months without starting it (warm weather). I got a new battery and all the lights, the horn, and carb fan work when I turn the ignition to "on". The fuel is fresh, the starter relay clicks when tested. Last time I let it sit for a while, I'd push the starter button and it'd lag for a couple seconds before turning over. Any ideas? Your help is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

You could always bump start the bike, inline 4s bump pretty easy. Your clutch switch lock out might be disconnected, I believe suzukis have that deal where you have to pull in the clutch to start, or maybe you have it in gear with the side stand down, lots of bikes wont start that way. Make sure your ground strap is properly grounded. Try all those.

Answer 2

Weak battery
Bad connection
Bad starter solenoid
Bad starter motor
Engine locked up
--Clean and tighten all the terminals.
pos & neg on the battery.
pos at solenoid
neg at frame
cable at starter motor & solenoid
--Check the solenoid (the positive battery cable goes to it). Touch the 2 large terminals on the solenoid with a large screw driver. If the engine cranks, either the starter button, wiring or the solenoid is bad.
--Check the starter motor. Remove it from the bike. With a known charged battery (you can use a car battery), put the negative jumper cable on the body of the starter motor. Touch the positive, to the terminal. The starter motor should have enough torque to want to jump out of your hand.
--The engine could be "hydro-locked". If the float valves were to leak, over time the excess fuel could slowly drip into the engine. The engine wouldn't be able to compress that much liquid. Try removing the spark plugs and crank the engine to blow out any fuel. (no spark plugs in their caps, kill switch off, no open flames, no smoking)

Answer 3

first clean and tighten up all your connections.try to start. if that doesn't work use a screwdriver to jump across the two large terminals on your solenoid. just cause a starter solenoid clicks doesn't mean its good. if none of above works,either always park on a hill or change the starter. hey at my age i'd rather ride a rice burner than push a harley. mike

Answer 4

I would check the safety switches - the kickstand safety switch, the clutch safety switch. Spray them with a little contact cleaner, actuate them a few times.

The age of your bike is about right for them to have some corrosion that could be interfering with proper contact. This is a common problem in bikes that behaves much like what you are experiencing. Sometimes, just raising and lowering the kickstand a few times will clear it up temporarily.

Answer 5

Get a wiring diagram and a digital multimeter. Make sure your side-stand sensor is working properly. Look at various electrical connectors and see if any have gotten corroded or disconnected.

Other stuff:
Someone previously posted that some zukes have to be started with the clutch lever pulled.
Make sure your engine run/off switch is in the 'run' position.

Answer 6

Try tapping on the solenoid with the handle end of a screwdriver while you push the start button.Sounds like the solenoid is weak.

Answer 7

I know that can happen if you do not every so often go out and just let it tick over for a few mins. But very nice bike and it's a shame to see you have just left it to sit. It deserves to be out on the road.

Answer 8

Sande like you have a bad ground wire need to clean and check your connections

Answer 9

Perhaps it's time for a new starter.

Answer 10

Pray.

Fervently.

This was the ONLY thing that worked for me, when I had my Honda.
.