I've had a motorcycle sitting for 10 years. How should I get it running again?

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cliftonphotographer

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When it stopped running,the problem was it would not start, the rest of it worked although needed some fixing. Like brakes, new tires and the chrome was faded.
I have taken it to a shop that said it might be about $2000 to fix. Similar bikes (Honda Shadow 1100 1985) run about $2500 still with the same amount of miles 24,000 so I have no reason to buy one when the dealer said the work down to the heads that leak oil would be about $2000.
The only problem could be the carburetor if they can't rebuild it. What would you do?
No answers like trash it,I have too many good times on this bike to do that if it can be fixed up the the price offered.
 
First thing :

1.track down a new carb rebuild kit.

2.Change oil.

3.Empty old gas if any, remove tank and clean out with new gas, just to rinse it out.

4.replace all fuel line.

5.replace points & cond. if it has them. + spark plugs need R&R.

6.Fill with gas and see if it starts, then work from there on the rest of the bike.

7.Set the carb. by using vaccume gages.

This should get you running again. If not, your very close.
 
I would shop e-bay or junk yards, there are several..
for some new carbs....they can be troublesome to
rebuild.. not impossible, but a headache....
bleed some new brake fluid in and change oil....
worth it too...
 
Used parts all over for it rebuild what you can and replace the rest -Shop time is the big factor in that kind of thing @ $55 to$90 an hr

I have a bike on my lift right now that hasnt ran in over 20 yrs and thats my plan. 76 Shovel with 12000 actual miles
 
If the carbs can't be rebuilt, is there an alternate fit? If you can be assured of carburation, and your heart is set on keeping the bike, your answer is clear.
 
get the manual and it will pretty much tell you how to pull the bike apart and put it back together again.
 
Like Johnny says, the biggest factor is going to be labor.
Parts are still around. About 2 years ago, I bought a head gasket and o-rings for an '82 from the dealer. If your carbs are too far gone to be rebuilt (doubt that), then there are re-buildable ones around.
My source for old Honda parts: http://mcsalvage.com/
 
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