Motorcycle Repair: Starting a bike that hasnt run in 4 years, internal passages, copper wire

Question
Hi Rich, I have a general question about getting a bike started that hasn't run in 4 years.  I just got a 1985 Virago 700, has half a tank of gas, no battery.  I knew the guy who owned it, I've ridden it and it ran well 4 years ago.  I bought a new battery and want to proceed correctly and get it running again.  Can you help me with procedure?  I'm handy but new to motorcycles.  Thanks a lot, John.

Answer
John, normally I steer clear of non-Honda questions so I don't give out bad information on models I haven't had any experience with.  

First, the fuel in the tank and in the carbs will be bad.  It's likely the gas in the carbs has varnished up the carbs and plugged the jets and internal passages of the carbs. You'll need to take the carbs apart and clean them out.  Be sure to check the holes in the jets are clear before you put them back in the carb.  I ususally run a small copper wire through them to be sure they are clear.  Also set the float levels to the factor specs.

Change the oil and flush brake fluids.  I'd recommend you go through the standard tune up procedures to adjust the valves, check the ignition timing, synch carbs, change plugs and clean or replace the air filter.  Once you get through all that, you should be good to go...assuming there wasn't somthing major wrong which caused the previous owner to park the bike inthe first place

Good luck
Rich