'81 GS550-T starter & trans problems: two possible solutions?

[amockalypsenow]

Thanks man, that makes sense. What do I do with the extra black wire coming from the Honda reg?

 

[crazypj]

That's voltage control and needs to splice into any Orange wire

 

[amockalypsenow]

There are a few orange wires, all with different color flecks- so I can just tap into any of these? Thanks man!

 

[crazypj]

Orange and white is ignition so don't splice into that.
Direct orange is battery wire and will more accurately monitor voltage.
May be easiest to splice into it near fuse box

 

[SeanGSUK]

I have a '78 GS550, had a lot of 2nd gear/clutch problems to begin with.

Was hard to get into neutral from 2nd and would pop out of gear into 2nd from 3rd or into neutral from 2nd.

My friend rides old bikes form the 50s, 60s and 70s, he suggested I take out 3 of the 6 clutch springs as they looked like heavy duty aftermarket ones, making the clutch almost impossible to use. I cleaned the friction plates, removed the springs and, also under his advice, changed the engine oil to diesel oil, same SAE, I frowned too.

I also checked the push rod by rolling it on a piece of glass, and the plates for flatness using the glass too. The pushrod had a bit of corrosion on it and was polished up. I de-greased the pushrod cam with engine flush, then obviously re-greased. Plates and rod were straight and flat.

Once all back together, no more problems!

Changes lovely, no false neutrals or slipping gears and I haven't noticed any slipping from the clutch with just 3 springs, and it is easy to pull too.

Maybe worth an afternoon trying these things before hauling the engine out?

Starter could have worn out brushes?

Shame you don't live near me, I have a whole GS for spares, incl engine and wiring.

 

[Catbird]

Much appreciated! However, I actually sold this bike about a year and a half ago. Four carbs was just too much for me to handle.