Got a bike that was dropped and sat for 4 years.

[mordac]

I just got a new (to me) bike. 2004 with 1100 miles on it. The drop broke the left footrest, handlebar, front fairing and front turn indicator.

I'm not too worried about the damage, but I'm not sure what I should do about it sitting for so long. So far this is my list of things to do are drain the fuel system and filter, coolant and do an oil change. But what else should I do?

The brake rotors are kind of rusty but it looks superficial.

The chain is rusty but the wheel seems to turn well.

Should I rebuild the carbs? Or is draining them going to be enough?

Anything else I should do? Or should I just put a new battery in there and start it up? Thanks.

[dubojr1]

A new battery will prolly be a must. As for starting it, it prolly will not start. You should drain the whole fuel system first but I would guess you'll have to go thru the fuel system because of fuel going stale and gumming things up.

[Snake]

Change all the fluids and battery. Put some Seafoam in the fuel tank to clean out the carbs. The cylinders probably have some rust in them so before starting the bike I would take out the spark plugs (replace them as well) and spray some WD-40 directly into the cylinders and crank the engine over with the spark plugs out. Repeat this several times and then install new spark plugs and attempt to start the engine. You will want to do a second oil change after several hundred miles.

Good luck and keep us updated on your progress.

[capt_bugaloo]

Carbs and fuel lines will need cleaning.
Tires will almost certainly need replacement.
Battery is probably shot.
Brake fluid should be replaced.

[mordac]

So the other day I took the battery to a shop to have them charge and load test it, just for the fun of it.

Had to take a saw to the handle bar because the bar end was all ground down and I couldn't get the switches and grip off.

Drained the oil and pulled the oil filter. The oil didn't look bad and it wasn't chunky or anything so I'll probably just put a new filter and oil in.

Drained the gas tank, the gas was all brown and chunky . What should I do to maybe get any gunk left over out?

I took some pictures of the bike when I got it home, not a big fan of the color but I think that's the last thing I'll worry about.

That's all for now. Thanks all for your interest in my little project, it kinda gives me a nudge to get it all finished.

[Snake]

The best thing you can do to get rid of the left over gunk in your gas tank is to fill it 1/4 full of gas and swoosh it around real good and drain and repeat several times. Properly dispose of the drained fuel. Do not reuse it.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by Snake

The best thing you can do to get rid of the left over gunk in your gas tank is to fill it 1/4 full of gas and swoosh it around real good and drain and repeat several times. Properly dispose of the drained fuel. Do not reuse it.

I agree... but do this with the gas tank removed, turn it upside down and then dump the contents of the tank out the fill hole.

repeat process until the dumped gas comes out clear and crap free.

[Sailariel]

Originally Posted by kkim

I agree... but do this with the gas tank removed, turn it upside down and then dump the contents of the tank out the fill hole.

repeat process until the dumped gas comes out clear and crap free.

In extreme cases where there is a lot of rust involved, dump the old contaminated fuel and let the inside of the tank dry. Go to a hobby shop and get some polishing stones---about a cup to two cups will do.These stones are used to polish stones used in making jewelry. If you know someone in the paint business, have them put the tank on a paint mixer rotating the tank about a quarter turn every 15 min. Enmpty the contents, and the tank should be nice and shiny. Put on some safety glasses, and blow the tank out with an air hose. If you can't acess a paint mixer, you can shake the tank manually. It will take a bit longer, but is good excercise.

[dubojr1]

Personally I wouldn't spend a ton of money on it till I knew it was capable of running. I would do what HAD to be done just to hear it run briefly then I'd start changing all fluids and such. Just my

[addy126]

Tho most of the things are cosmetic (excepting the mechanics of course), the pics identify the sacriledge of leaving a motorbike sitting in a barn so neglected cuz they've scared the pants of themselves in a drop.

[mordac]

Good times on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...T#ht_500wt_956

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ht_3469wt_1167

Not bad I think. That and the fluids isn't going to add up to much. Once I get it running then I'll worry about cosmetics and stuff.

[FrugalNinja250]

That bar looks bent, but it can be straightened.

[DaBlue1]

This is a simple checklist of what you can do.
http://faq.ninja250.orgwiki/I_bought...e._What_now%3F
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/My_bike...get_it_started

[bamaland]

pretty much as everyone has said.

drain the gas tank
remove the carbs and clean them
pull spark plugs and either clean or replace them.
drain radiator coolant and engine oil and replace. (change oil filter too!)
buy a new battery and trickle charge it(yuasa battery recommended)

as for the parts, im sure you can find replacements on here or on ebay
although if the damage to the upper fairing is beyond fixing then i would suggest you buy an air-tech fairing as you'll find that even a used one will cost the same or more lol.

oh and one more thing.. Wash That Girl!

[edwinmcq]

1) Get up real early, preferably before daylight.
1) Throw some Holy water on it.
2) Put gas in it.
3) Check tire pressure.
4) Take it for a thrashing!

If you live to eat dinner, the bike will be fine.