extremely new to motor bikes, have never even driven one yet. But I have a bike given to me and it won't start. It ran fine before, previous owner stated and then one day just wouldn't fire up. My bro, previous owner, tried cranking one day to take his road test and it would start. It turns over but wont start. I checked it out and plugs appear to have spark. The fuses are fine. I charged battery and jump started but no luck. I tried push starting no luck. He rode the bike for about six months before it stopped starting. My guess is that it is the carb. can you guys give me some pointers
Thanks

A simple test to see if it will fire.

Remove air filter and get a spray bottle filled with petrol. Spray some petrol directly into the carbs thru the intake filter box. Try and start. If it fires then a good carb clean and boot/gasket inspection is in order.

I used to have to start my XJ this way on cold mornings as it had a cracked gasket on the inlet boot and if there are any air leaks at all they are a pig to start.

If it fires chances are it will keep running but will be back to square one when it's cold.

Hope this helps

Thanks, I will give that a try. Is it just one quick squirt? Will it over rev? Also, If i'm inspecting that gasket your were talking about where is it. Is it the one touching the air filter element? Also, if needing to clean the carb, do I just spray it out while attached to bike or do I take it off? Any info appreciated thanks again

Give it a couple of squirts. It won't over rev. It's only to get fuel to the plugs to see if it will fire.

The gaskets are the ones in the front between the rubber boots and the head. Carbs have to be removed to check them.

Cleaning the carbs requires removal.

cool thanks, hopefully it's easy. never done this b4 so fingers crossed

well i tried this trick twice. I shot gas from spray bottle into carb after removing air cleaner. Nothing. It backfires every once in a while. I've tried push starting it, jump starting it etc but nothing. It faintly sounds like it might come to life when push starting it but is just to weak to start. I wonder if it could be plugged exhaust? can any one help me out. thanks

Tommy.

Bit daft really but I had a similar problem with my 85' xj700 last week, non-starter occassional backfire. I tried everything I could think of then as last resort I stuck the battery (which seemed fine)on charge over night. Fired up first hit next morning and no problems since.

May be worth a try.

Merry Christmas all.

Mick fahey

i'll give that a try merry christmas to you as well

you could try using a little starting fluid. When I say a little... I mean a little. don't go starting fluid crazy. I've accidentally lit my carbs up from a backfire using too much of that stuff...

:blink:

It sounds like you are starting from square one, mechanically and riding. If you want to get into riding but have very little mechanical background, I would suggest beginning with a bike that is already a runner. Not that learning how it works would be a bad thing, but it might be very frustating. Before buying a bike, however, I would VERY strongly suggest signing up for an MSF basic riding class. It will increase your enjoyment, and possibly help you avoid injury. Motorcylcle Safety Foundation

A bike that has been sitting for a while (several months or more) is almost certain to need complete carb disassembly and cleaning. Doable, but a little complicated. If it has not seen regular maintenance, it is also likely to need fork seals, all fluids changed, tires, battery, brakes and so forth. The fuel tank may need rust removal and coating. Buying a decent used bike that has been kept up can be done for about $1000, sometimes a little less. I would do the riding class first, then go shopping. Your non runner can still be sold to someone looking for a project. You could also take it to a shop for repair, but that may get expensive very fast. It is easy to spend beyond the value of the machine if not careful.


I hope my opinions do not discourage you, but just give you some other ways of achieving what you want. Good luck!