Restarting a bike after a long lay-up..

Kris · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :

Morning all.

I'm going to be attempting to start the Bandit after a six month lay-up. I realise I should have done a few things before I left her to the ravages of winter and rot but if I'm honest I'll admit that I did absolutely nothing to help my cause. Nada, nil. Mr. Green

Well that's not strictly true - I did replace the front fairing bracket and headlight assembly, although I doubt that will help her start.

So what I'm after is a list of things to look for on Friday when the inevitable happens and she refuses to play ball. Mind you, after the way she's been abused she has a right to be pissed off Razz

The battery died months ago so I've bought another which is ready to slot in. The old petrol is still in the tank so I guess I'll replace that and drain out the tank. Mind you the carbs are probably full of crap. Joy.

How should I go about trying to start her? - I figure an oil change would be a nice gesture even though she's done less than 2k on the oil in there. Worth it?

Bleugh help! Neutral

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phill.c · Traffic Copper Joined: 13 May 2004 Karma :

first check battery (which you have a new one so that won't matter) change petrol- don't use whats in the tank, check oil.
wouldn't bother checking plugs unless it doesn't start.
phill
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CBR400RR the funs started - Honda MTX 125 ongoing project when i can be arsed Smile

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

There will be purists on here who'll say strip everything and clean it.
However, having had bikes idle that isn't always required.

You're right about the petrol. You could drain the tank and the carbs.
There's likely to be some varishing in the carbs but I'd try first before stripping it down. One saving grace if you didn't drain the carbs beforehand is that if they've got diaphragms then they may not have cracked.

Replace petrol with fresh stuff. Then add some of the petrol additive. Silkolene do one, Pro FST, available at most bike shops (or the shop should stock an alternative).

As said, put in new battery and give the engine a go.

If you start it and if you have a centre/paddock stand put into 1st gear and make sure everything moves ok.

Before you ride anywhere drop the pads out of the brakes. Give the discs and pads a quick rub down with a very fine abrasive (wire wool) to remove rust. Make sure the caliphers have not seized as well (a common condition when bikes are left).

HTH Thumbs Up

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Kris · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :

Cheers for the replies. Thumbs Up

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

kawakid · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Karma :

Good luck mate.

For future ref, I simply started my bike once a week and rode 10 miles, that kept it going, I didn't need to do anything else. (except clean the salt off after the ride).
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I've a twin and a 4.

Rit · Trackday Trickster Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Karma :

BFG · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Karma :

After the petrol change....

Something I've sworn by for years.
Take the plug caps off. Spin the motor for no more than two seconds with petrol on but no choke. Put the plug caps back on. (caps off so it doesn't fire)
Leave it for at least an hour (or even do it the day before).

Then it'll fire first time. Not really examined why it works, it just does.

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

To be honest, I left the SV for 4 months without starting it, and all I did was charge the battery and start her up and go for a ride. Filled up with petrol and dropped in some carb cleaner.
It was fine, just took it easy for a couple of miles then rode normally.

Kris · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :

Thanks for all the replies people.

Cool

You'll be pleased to know that after a new battery, fresh fuel and drained carbs she started (after a bump) and now runs just as she did before the lay-up. I didn't add any fuel additives in the end.
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NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
www.prisonplanet.com