new rider with first bike issues

[HawksGS500]

I just bought a 2004 Suzuki GS 500f, when I bought the bike (keep in mind I am new to riding) the bike had a major ticking and I was told these engines are a dime a dozen... and that I could pick one up for 100-150 bucks at most... I don't believe I have been hose on the deal but for a 2004 bike for pretty cheap I can't complain... if anyone has a engine for this type/model bike please let me know or if you have any idea where I can start in fixing this bike please let me know... thanks

[senecak19]

There's plenty of these at the track... I'm sure if you showed up someone would have some good advice for you!

[Doc]

There's plenty of these at the track... I'm sure if you showed up someone would have some good advice for you!

There are? I don't know of anyone running one last year.

I know of 2 guys running them this year. Kurlon and 13uddha.

[JohnnyV]

Is the ticking relative to the engine speed(i.e. does it speed up when you rev the engine)? A common cause of such ticking could be a cam chain tensioner, which is a pretty cheap fix. Check out some GS forums and see what others have to say.

[HawksGS500]

well, I can't seem to get it to start... got the battery trickle charging right now... but when I tried to turn it over the engine seem to want to "catch" I would get a throaty sound like it was turning over and i would get a tick or clank sound... I was told from the guy I bought it from it could be a barring or maybe a valve broken off... and he said that engines are like 100-150 bucks on ebay... I havn't seen any on there and can't seem to find one under 1000... I got the bike for pretty cheap money and don't have alot to put into it... I was told by a friend to buy a gasket kit for it and start taking it apart and see what I find...

[pasta-rocket]

I sold him the bike. The bike started but was knocking loud. I just went through my parts and i have found many gs engine parts. Call me tomorrow. Thanks Ryan

[Doc]

I was gonna say that Ryan had a bunch of parts I gave him awhile back.

[HawksGS500]

Thank you all for the help... I don't forsee me hitting the track ever but I will have to come out and see you all riding... thanks again all and talk to you soon ryan...

Thanks SOOOO much all ~Hawks

[OreoGaborio]

I don't forsee me hitting the track ever but I will have to come out and see you all riding

I said the saaaaaaame thing when I was a newbie


I'm glad to hear you got the bike from Ryan... He'll make things right
If he doesn't, just tell the guys at the track & we'll take care of him for ya

[HawksGS500]

well today I tried to start the bike after putting a new battery and cleaning the spark plugs up... I cranked it for about 30 seconds and it just stopped... now when i hit the starter switch... I get no crank or sound, the lights cut out and the bike does nothing...
I think a valve dropped into the cylinder and it's froze up the piston?

Anyone think I am on the right path here... if so how much would it cost to get this rebuilt?

[HawksGS500]

i'll get a phone number from a buddy at work for you tomorrow. a guy that's worth calling anyways and is somewhat close to you (I think).

I live in Salem, NH it's like 15 minutes north of Lowell, Mass...

[HawksGS500]

Okay, So today we put a new engine in... everything went smooth... got it all back together... it turns but don't turn over... getting gas, cranks, but still don't start...

we checked spark plugs - good and clean
we checked for spark - None
we checked starter relay and fuse -both good
we got gas and oil - both good

Bad ground, bad coil(s) are the only thing I can think of... any ideas?