Hi all
Having a bike delivered from France next week sometime and looking for advice. It’s a 1990 bike and not been started for about 4-5 yrs.
what should I do before starting the bike. Obviously needs a battery but has been dry stored and tyres in good nick.
All help appreciated.
Oil and filter change would be the next thing, also brake fluids.
Then if it works check cables and forks and lube anything that needs lubing 
Get a socket on the end of the crank and gently turn the engine over to make sure the pistons still move freely. If they don’t, pull out the plugs and dribble a tiny bit of engine oil in there and leave it overnight to see if that helps.
You’ll want to drain and replace the petrol before you try to run it, and ideally the oil. A spray can of carb cleaner might be handy, too.
hi scorpio…
when you say dry stored do you mean fluids drained or just kept in the dry ???
if the carbs had petrol left in them they will need a strip and clean …
when you put oil in it as big red said turn it over by hand, I do this a few times if it turns ok on the first to get a bit of oil around the engine … I can be a bit over the top but I took off the cam cover and put oil over the cams …
when you put petrol in it don’t over do it … then check the fuel tap for leaks, o-rings perish and so do the fuel lines …also fit a new fuel filter …
then when your ready to start it watch the tail pipes for little furry animals shooting out :D…
hope this helps mate …AL…
Oh, also, don’t expect a battery to have enough charge to start it - it can take a lot of revs to get the thing to start, and it’s handy to have a mains-backed supply to always be able to turn it over quickly.
Dry stored in a garage.
I’m a mechanical novice so would appreciate help in musty terms if possible. I tinker with cars so willing to give the bike a go.
Just had an email that it’s being delivered on Tuesday evening all being well.
Really appreciate all the replies as well.
It’s got fuel leaking when I try and start it so thinking it’s the carbs. I have no idea what to do and need a mobile mechanic please thanks
might wanna pull clutch plates out and soak em for a bit too
Well, it’s been a while but the bike is all fixed up motd taxed and insured.
A bit strange to be back on two wheels but the bikes great and comfortable.
Very happy
welcome back to the fold!
Always good to hear a happy ending
Cheers chaps,
Bit difficult to start in the morning but it is 25yrs old and once its going its great fun and bloody quick !