[StinkBug]

I've been lookin at this bike, possibly gonna buy it, but we cant get it to start. Last time it was ridden was a couple months ago, and it was somewhat out of tune then. When it was cold you had to choke it and play with the throttle to get it running. After that it ran fine. Basically the carb is just bein a PITA. Now its cranking, but we cant get it to fire up. Any tricks or tips for gettin this thing goin? We tried again this morning, but ended up running the battery down so now its on the charger, and we'll try again tonight.

Thanks
Dallas

 

[Tobydawg]

I'm not an expert on this sort of things, but have you checked things like the plugs and the lines for any blockage/vacuum issues? Or maybe even checking the carb jets to make sure their not blocked in any way.
I'm sure others will have more comprehensive and intelligent answers.

 

[2WheelFun]

Things to check:

1. Water in gas tank / fuel
2. Fresh fuel
3. Fully charged battery
4. New or cleaned spark plugs
5. Spark getting to spark plugs
6. Clean air filter

If one or more of these is not there....then you have work to do. If the bike has sat and the fuel is bad....or the carbs have water/sludge in them...you'll need to open the screws on the bottom of the float bowls and drain out some gas and see if you have water in the fuel. If there is water in the fuel....and most likely the carbs....then you need to drain the tank and carbs and begin with clean/fresh gas.

 

[2WheelFun]

***CONTINUED***

If the jets in the carbs are plugged you'll have to pull the carbs and tear them down and do a complete cleanup removing the sludge and any blockage in the jets.

You can check for spark with a plug out and in the plug cap and hold it next to the cylinder head as you try and turn the engine over....if you have spark then go to the next plug and try again. If there is spark to all plugs then it may be a fuel issue.

 

[2WheelFun]

P.S. Welcome StinkBug to the forums and let us know if you figure it out.

 

[StinkBug]

Well I went back down and tried again after charging the battery. Pulled the tank, and rigged up a bottle with gas in it and a hose, gave it a quick squirt of ether and she fired right up. Rides great once started, nice and smooth. Everything seems to work great so I went ahead and bought it. $1400 with a helmet and some spare parts and a repair manual. Its got some cosmetic defects, but I was planning to paint it in my shop anyways. Should be good as new in no time.

Dallas

 

[2WheelFun]

Good for you! It looks like a nice one and for the $$$ you paid it sounds like a good deal.