Bike won't start, wierd clicking noise?

[Josh]

Okay so this thread isn't urgent, the bike has been picked up and taken to my usual garage so I am sure they will get back to me in a day or so with the bad news, but I thought I would ask here if anyone can take a crack at identifying my problem.
Out for a blast, 100 some miles split 50/50 town/dual carriageways as I approach my snack stop (Tesco) the bike seems to be losing power, at about 7k revs it isn't pulling like it should, kind of the way it feels when you run out of petrol, it did this a couple of times and then while holding the clutch in it was idling at 1k and just cut out, did this once more so I rather noisily made my way into the car park at high revs and I pull up. I let it die again, I then try and start it, no luck, it is making the right noises but also a slight clicking sound, I try the choke, hit the starter and now I am getting a louder cracking (almost) sound twice with every attempt, I left it a while and it was still doing this, I then called the relevant people arranged the pick up and waited, they were fast and when arrived he tried to start it again, it wasn't making the louder crack/click anymore just a slight one as it failed to start, he suggested it sounded like the starter motor had gone.
3 hours at Tesco is actually quite fun, they took 20 minutes to arrive it is just I didn't call until an hour in and didn't arrange my lift home until after that.
Anyhow, that is what happened, I know nothing about anything and wondered if anyone here could throw some educated guesses at me. Thanks.
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04 Suzuki GSX-R 600 K4 - Sex on wheels :>
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[iCraig]

Ah, you have the old GS500E problem.

Its happened to both of my GS's twice, basically the brushes in the starter motor wear I believe and require replacing.

Not a big job or expensive one, just a little time consuming due to the location on the starter motor.

I am almost certain you wouldn't need a whole new starter motor though.

[Josh]

Did the bike "lose power" before it stops starting as I thought the starter motor being defective would only stop it starting, not stop it once it is already running?
Not that I know how any of it works, but that sounds nice, hope it is that, sounds relatively small as mechanical problems go. :>
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04 Suzuki GSX-R 600 K4 - Sex on wheels :>
https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/6178/sig6dc.gif

[iCraig]

Mine did loose power yes and it was impossible to bump start too due to the starter being jammed.

One good thing about the GS500 is there quite cheap and easy to work on so even if it is something major it ain't gonna cost alot.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Given the loss of power and difficulty starting I would be inclined to say that the problem is the charging system failing, either the regulator / rectifier unit or maybe a really dead battery (although unlikely as it tried starting).

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[c058y]

I had similar problems on my GS500. Bike wouldn't start from the button, lots of clicking noise , but I could bump start it if I was lucky.

I didn't get it seen to and I broke down on the M25 when it was dark and raining. I had a loss of power, felt like I had run out of petrol and then the bike stopped. Tried to get it going again, but no joy. There was all hell of a lot of back firing though.

It turned out to be the starter solenoid. Replaced it and it starts first time!

Although its now in bits as its getting a new lick of paint, replacement rgv shock and loads of other mods.

c058y

[speedysaban]

i have the same probs with my bike it doesnt loose power though i have to bump it all the time wich is a pain but im looking for a solenoid it will be your solenoid though mate

[Josh]

They have got it started and running, however upon listening to it run they seem to think something is borked in the engine, pistons/crankshaft or some such buggery, nearly £800 for the rebuild alone, which warranty covers, but then at least 400 for the parts if it is internally broken, so things are looking bad.
Time to get myself a brand new sports 600 I think, cut my losses and play with the big boys toys. :>
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04 Suzuki GSX-R 600 K4 - Sex on wheels :>
https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/6178/sig6dc.gif

[iCraig]

How've you killed a GS500 engine!??!?!!

You been riding it with crap or no oil in it?

I never thought it was possible to kill one, I abused mine within inches of its life and it still sounded reletivley sweet and nice running!

Also you could get a replacement engine from a breakers for about £250 and get that fitted if need be, it would be the cheaper and easier option and if a warranty covers it then mayb they'd do this anyway.

Good luck in what ever you do anyway, are you going to restrict the 600? Cos going from c45BHP too 100+BHP is quite a jump.

[Josh]

I think there may have been an oil leak from what the garage told me last but the fairing was hiding it or something.
I have considered the fixing it option but truth is now I know I can get a much bigger bike at no personal cost to myself, well what would you do?
And yes it will be restricted, I don't trust myself with a full power sports 600
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04 Suzuki GSX-R 600 K4 - Sex on wheels :>
https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/6178/sig6dc.gif

[Luke_Retrofly]

Hi
Yeah dont try and let a garage try and replace a starter motor, they told me i would have to get a new one for £100, when actually i was able to get some brushes for a fiver.

Luke

[Josh]

The mechanic was doing his usual spiel, having spoken to the salesman we buy all our bikes there through they are now going to open it up free of charge for us and then work from there once the problem has been identified, and the warranty has magically gone from an 800 limit to 1000.
Anyhow it still seems likely I will be upgrading, it just makes sense anyway, just waiting until tomorrow to find out what the old bikes going to cost/be worth.
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04 Suzuki GSX-R 600 K4 - Sex on wheels :>
https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/6178/sig6dc.gif