Help needed re. my new GPZ500

[Fallen Angel]

Just got delivered yesterday and it was free, so we were aware it was going to need a bit of work.

Apparently it was known to have an intermittent electrical fault, so we'll need to look at that for sure, once we get a manual.

When you turn the ignition on, the lights and indicators work and the horn only works slightly, so I reckon it either needs a new battery - or the battey charging at least!

When you hit the ignition switch it just doesn't tick over at all - not a peep! I take it this could be to do with the batter being dead

Also, whilst fiddling around with it last night, we also noticed that it doesn't go into 2nd gear - without the engine on you should still be able to put the bike into all gears shouldn't you??

What do you think would be the best game plan here?

Do you reckon it would be a good idea to take it to garage to find out exactly what is needing done on it and then see if we're capable of tackling the problem ourselves?

AGAIN, your help / advice is VERY much appreciated!!

Fran
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[Demonic69]

Have you tried 2nd gear while the bike's rolling, or just while stood still?
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Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

[Fallen Angel]

Just while stood still - someone's just said to us that if it's stood still then it may struggle to go into 2nd though!!
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I have an asshole tolerance level of -10
www.cliqueyclanmcc.co.uk
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[map]

If it's been stood for a while make sure you charge the battery (An optimate is your new best friend). Otherwise try and jump it from another car battery or starter pack. This is from recent experience of a bike not starting and fixed by charging battery, new battery now on order.

Also if being stood check out the carb(s) as the petrol may have turned to gunk inside them (try carb cleaner squirted through the air box!).

Oh, and make sure it's in neutral as well to start and the kill switch is on run (ok, stating the obvious but easy to knock if not familiar with the bike and been fiddling/moving it)

HTH
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[Fallen Angel]

[Ian (GPX)]

Don't even bother charging the battery, go buy a new one for £22 - £25.

The GPZ/X engines will not allow you to select 2nd gear until you are moving, this is a safety feature.

I would put in a new battery and then see if it starts or not. If it starts I'd then check that all the lights are working, this includes the brake light. Also check that the engine oil is topped up and the brakes are in working order (fluid in front brake, and if rear is a drum brake, make sure it's not binding, if it's a newer GPZ500 it will have a disc brake on the rear, again, make sure the fluid is topped up), check for leaks on all pipes (brakes, oil, water if applicable).

Next plan of action, take the motorcycle for a short trip to a motorcycle shop and ask them to check that the charging system on the bike is working, the shop should be able to do this in 10 - 15 mins with a special meter / volt/amp checker.

If all checks out, you now have the option to either buy new plugs, oil, oil filter, tyres if needed etc etc.....

You don't say if the bike has an MOT or not, if no MOT, get this done next.

OK, if the bike will not start but turns over, check all leads that goes to the coil(s) and then to the spark plugs (2), also check the spark plugs or replace them.

Also check that the engine oil is topped up.

Check to see if the fuel is fresh (not a brown colour). If the bike has been left standing for awhile, the fuel will fade, the tank will need to be drained and the carbs (2) cleaned out (serviced).
Once all that has been done, refit all the parts and put fresh fuel in tank (£2.00 will do), put fuel tap to RES or PRI, this will feed fuel to the carbs. See if bike will start, it might need a few turns with the starter motor to get the bike to fire, a small amount of choke will also aid starting the bike.

[map]

[Demonic69]

Or:
https://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=37279&TabID=1&source=15&WorldID=&doy=7m12
£2.99 from maplins
____________________
Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

[map]

...ok, maplin's is cheaper for the alternator tester as well (and there's 2 stores in Glasgow!)
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[stinkwheel]

I agree with Ian (GPX). Buy a new battery and expect to have to do so about every 18 months if you use cheap Taiwanese batteries (eg Sprint). A sealed one should last three or four years but is three times the price (and is smaller so it rattles about in the battery box).

They have a neutral finder which prevents a stationary change into second without the engine running. If you (or rather your other half) are feeling fit, it SHOULD bump start in second even with a duff battery although if they have been sat for a while they will often only start up on one cylinder to begin with (as is common with many paralell twins).

If you change the battery and it still doesn't start, suspect the solenoid (under the left hand plastic just forward of the saddle lock). It has an integral fuse holder and is prone to corrosion round the spade connector blocks that click on to it. A known fault with the model.

Any probs, get in touch with me as I know the GPZ500s intimatley. I owned one for 4 years and put 45k miles on it. I have another one now and helped my mate do a full top-end rebuild on my old one at 60k miles earlier this year.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Fallen Angel]

Thanks guys, we will try all suggested tips!

Fingers crossed!!!

And Scott - I will hold you that!!!!
____________________
I have an asshole tolerance level of -10
www.cliqueyclanmcc.co.uk
www.bebo.com/fallenangelfran