Starting up a zzr600 after 3 years

[mr.z]

Just bought a zzr 600 thats been laid up for at least 3 years (according to the tax disc)

Its got no coolant in there, there is fuel in the (disconnected) tank that looks pretty grim. The battery has been thrown as that was completely shot. Breaks are being gone over but not too bad.

So, given that, what sort of precautions should i take (if any) before starting it up? Is it worth attempting an oil change before starting it up? or just turning it over a little with the killswitch (get some oil around the engine?) I'm hoping not to have to get the carbs out. I can't say for sure if they were drained or not, maybe worth investigating. I notice theres a "prime" button, I'm guessing thats for keeping the fuel pump happy?

Sounds a bit over the top i know, this is very highly strung compared to what i'm used to. Better to ask the stupid question than deal with something nasty/expensive that was easily avoidable!
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>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[Raffles]

[MattEMulsion]

I'd drain the fuel and put some fresh stuff in, probably drop the oil and put some cheap stuff in until you get it up and running. Then I would change the filter and give it some quality oil too after it has run for a bit and flushed any crap out.

The same with the coolant, just use plain water until you establish that it runs and there are no leaks, the drain and refill with antifreeze/water.

Again once it is running, think about chucking some plugs and an air filter at it too, the old ones should be fine for now.
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Yamaha YZF-R6

[mysterious_rider]

Just run it. They are very solid bikes. Probs need to charge the battery though.
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KAWASAKIIIII

[stevo as b4]

If you can afford to, I'd probably drop the oil out first, and change the filter. Then id put some cheap stuff in just to get it running and do another change (same filter though) after about 500miles.

If the fuel was turned off and the carbs were drained, then you will probably get away with emptying out the tank, and putting some fresh unleaded in. If the carbs were left full of old fuel, then id expect there to be water in the float bowls. You could try draining each float bowl and it might be easier for the first start to rig up a temporary fuel supply tank and give you more room to work if you need to access the carbs.

Plain tap water is fine in the cooling system for testing and flushing. Id be tempted to remove the rad hoses and flush the system through with a hose anyway just for the sake of it.

Don't expect it to run brilliantly to begin with, and once it's running and starts ok and idles id probably look at balancing the carbs and then putting the tank back on and going for a long ride with a full tank of new fuel.

My ZX6R wouldn't have it if you wanted to use big throttle openings or go past 7k rpm when it had been sat for a similar amount of time. I had to do about 200mile before it felt right, and even then I had noticed there was a slight wisp of blue smoke, when it had never smoked before. It seemed likely that it was sticking piston rings, but it did run a lot better after a few 100miles.

[mr.z]

Think I'll take a look at the oil and filter, but take the cautious approach.

I think its a D model, it does have the ram air tubes and its a K reg.

I've got pretty much no history on the bike and really don't want to be dragging unknown crapola around the engine (though I'm sure it can take it, to an extent). I've read they are pretty solid bikes.

I've actually got some radiator flush, think taking it off and giving it a go on the hose it a good idea too. The oilways are more of a concern though, i'll probably attempt to give it a change and see what sort of state it looks to be in.

Its going to be a little while before i can afford to do anything, but its given me a better idea of how to approach it. Thanks all!
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