QuestionI am about to purchase a 1973, 750 tiger it ran very well when it was stored, furthermore it has been sitting for about 15 years! Can you please give me some tips on what must be done before trying to start the engine? thank you
AnswerHi Tommy,
The bike will need a few things checked out
for running and just for safety reasons.
I suggest changing the engine oil at least
and checking the oil level in the primary
case and the transmission.
If they look discoloured it might be best to change
them soon also.
I would buy some Yamaha carb cleaner and soak
the carb in it overnight.
Then remove the brass jets and make sure
they are not plugged up. Blow out the
carbs with compressed air.
There is a jet up in the center of the
carb, a needle jet emulsion tube.
It often gets corroded and gummed up
with old fuel.
You may have to remove it and clean it up
for the bike to run.
It is up under the main jet in the carb's center.
Check your spark plugs and if it has points
check for spark. The points contacts may be dirty.
You will probably need a new battery.
Tires should be checked for cracks and air pressure.
Check the operation of the throttle and choke cables.
Spray or add a few drops of oil to each cylinder
and then kick the engine over a few times
with the plugs out to get some oil circulating.
You may even want to remove the valve adjust caps
and squirt some oil on the rocker arms and valve
springs.
You can oil anything that is accessible even
the primary chain may have a inspection cap
to check it's tension.
You can always do some fine tuning once
you have it running again.
Try the brakes before riding too fast.
Use a 10w40 motorcycle oil in the engine
or 20w50 if in a warm climate.
The engine oil is stored in the frame on these bikes.
I had many older Triumph 650 twins. A 1959, 1967 and a 1969 model
plus BSA, Norton and others. Very fun!
Let me know if you need some more info or see if you
can pick up a service manual too.
Wayne S.
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