Re start

[Kev8261]

Hi everyone, I've not been on here for quite a while for various reasons which I won't bore you all with. I'm sure this subject has been covered before, but I can't find the answers. I'm embarrassed to say that my lovely 600 has sat in my garage for about 18 months now, I'm determined to use it this summer, it's been plugged in to an optimate so the battery should be OK, will it be OK to just try and get it started? Or will that do any damage? Or should I get it to a mechanic who's not a halfwit like me.
The last time I rode it was bringing it back from being serviced and MOT'd.


Thanks for any help you can give me.

[bandit]

I would use a length of tubing to get as much old fuel out of tank,put some fresh in turn ignition on & give it full choke as soon as it starts back the choke off halfway.It may be a little rough to start with until fresh fuel gets into carbs.  

[Kev8261]

Thanks Bandit, I'll give it a go tomorrow

[Jules-C]

If the carb drain screws aren't seized you could drain any old fuel out the carbs and flush new fuel through them

[Bretty]

What's to damage? Just don't over-rev the engine too soon, let the oil get circulating abit first.

Worst-case, it won't want to start (depending on how looked after it was before storage) and you'll run the battery down trying, die to the battery becoming weak, fuel being off or evaporating and leaving a residue blocking the carbs.

I would just give it a go, keep recharging the battery, brim the tank, add some redex, spray some easy-start in the airbox.

But then I'm no expert.

[red98]

if that was me i would remove all the plugs and turn the engine over to circulate the oil to the top end,take the tank off and drain the fuel,clean the plugs and re-fuel.....clean and re-fit plugs and hit the start button....
not forgetting to post the outcome on here   

[Kev8261]

Just to bore everyone a bit more, I'm still embarrassed by doing nothing yet, life just gets in the way, however I will get my beloved Fazer back where it belongs this year, whatever I have to do.

[darrsi]

Just to bore everyone a bit more, I'm still embarrassed by doing nothing yet, life just gets in the way, however I will get my beloved Fazer back where it belongs this year, whatever I have to do.

Well, keep us posted in the months to come, 'cos this is quite riveting stuff. 


Personally, if you say your battery is good, i'd be inclined to just go ahead and start it using choke and see what happens.
Maybe sling some extra fresh fuel in plus a bottle of STP Complete Fuel System Cleaner as well once it's started and then take it for a spin, or leave it ticking over for a while to get the fluids moving again.
If it's been garaged it will be in much better nick than if it wasn't.
It'll be things like the brakes that i would be concerned about, and don't forget your tyre pressures will be low too.

[BBROWN1664]

If it has been sat that long, I would put it in gear and rock it a little to make sure the piston rings are not stuck before going anywhere near the starter button.

[Kev8261]

It lives, mot'd, oil changed, rode it the long way home, I'd forgotten what a great bike it is, runs a treat.

[dublet]

Best colour too! 

[Freck]

Best colour too! 

Just a bit slow those blue ones though.  ........
Well done on getting it up and running again Kev.

[paulchucky]

kev even if you dont use her  just start her up and let her run for 15-20 mins every now n then 

[darrsi]

kev even if you dont use her  just start her up and let her run for 15-20 mins every now n then 

Better still.........ride it.

[Kev8261]

Thanks, I agree and I'm going to ride it. I'll tax it next month and maybe go to Cadwell park and watch some racing. Thanks for all the advice, I was amazed that it started so easily and run so well, it's such a waste sitting in the garage I must put some miles on it this summer.