Starting Old Bike

[toby42]

I've never tried to revive an old bike. This bike hasn't been started for a couple years, so what steps do I need to take, do you think? Definitely gotta dump the gas and get fresh gas. New battery is comin'. Clean carbs, I suppose? If so, I've never done it - what do I need to do?

[Fizzinatorr]

Bikes that sit have funny things happen....

change gas, new plugs, new battery, check seals on forks, new VR maybe run some seafoam or clean the carbs if there are problems

probably more i'm missing

[mossy1200]

Bikes that sit have funny things happen....

change gas, new plugs, new battery, check seals on forks, new VR maybe run some seafoam or clean the carbs if there are problems

probably more i'm missing

As above.Rock her back and forward in second with clutch pulled in as the clutch can bind up from sitting.

[yamaha_george]

Bikes that sit have funny things happen....

change gas, new plugs, new battery, check seals on forks, new VR maybe run some seafoam or clean the carbs if there are problems

probably more i'm missing

As above.Rock her back and forward in second with clutch pulled in as the clutch can bind up from sitting.

Err change the oil for sure , stagnant oil goes thick & varnishy , check tyre for pressure & cracks from dry rotting

That all should get her moving then change fork oil maybe seals if they have dried check spring length for "sag" from sitting .
Chain for rust as rapid wear takes place on a sitting chain that gets lubed with rust on the internal pins acting as grinding paste !

[toby42]

Tried that second-gear, clutch trick - it needed it, thanks. And yeah, that chain's got some surface rust on it. What size is the FZR chain? I have a new one in my garage from my old ZX6 that I'm wonderin' if it'll work.

What's a VR? (I'm probably gonna feel like an idiot when you tell me!)

Thanks for the tips, guys... keep 'em comin' if you think of any.

[Fartblood]

A few CC of oil syringed into each cylinder, and crank her over for a few turns by hand, then a few seconds with the plug caps off, then try it for real. Be prepared to clean or replace the plugs once she's running.

TBH though, if she's been dry stored I wouldn't anticipate much of a problem in this regard.

[yamaha_george]

Tried that second-gear, clutch trick - it needed it, thanks. And yeah, that chain's got some surface rust on it. What size is the FZR chain? I have a new one in my garage from my old ZX6 that I'm wonderin' if it'll work.

What's a VR? (I'm probably gonna feel like an idiot when you tell me!)

Thanks for the tips, guys... keep 'em comin' if you think of any.

FZR chain= 530 116 links<?>

VR = Voltage regulator old style tin can full of black rubber = crap the new cast finned boxes work longer / harder you may need to swap plus around as most now days are 5 pins out of 6 used (old style was 4 if my memory is actually working
Check the WIKI on the tech book & URL page

OR

http://www.saltmine.org.uk/fzr/project-1.html

for further pics etc