Thanks Matt, Everything you post seems like it has your signature on it, neat and organized. You may know that I just bought the new (19km on odometer) 2002 Machismo which has been subject of Customs seizure for the past five or so years. Same sort of problem as our new friend here, except his is used and only been sitting seven months. Do you think your maintenance list applies or should I go deeper into the engine and see what is actually happening there.
Thanks for this and past advice,
Larry
Larry,
Thanks for the kind words.
In my experience with resurrected Japanese bikes I kind of take the lazy approach. First off, obviously, is to see if the engine turns over by hand (or foot...).
Then of course I do all the maintenance items (like in my list). Next I see if it will run.
If it does, I try to resist the temptation to just run it, and instead go back and do some of the more extensive maintenance like pressure lubing cables, greasing bearings and bushings (or replacing them), cleaning the chain and examining sprockets, brake shoes, replacing tires, etc. Pulling the carb off and cleaning it out (and checking the condition of the diaphragm) is a good thing to do even if it did start-up successfully. Seems like if I don't, there are always little carb nits somewhere along the throttle range...
I always end up sinking more $$$ into these project bikes than I'll ever get out (it's not like resurrecting a BSA or Ducati, etc where it's at least some semblance of an investment); but I've always enjoyed bringing them back to life.
I've never really had to go into an engine under these circumstances, other than to adjust valves and replace gaskets, etc.
Good luck woth your project!
Matt