QuestionOkay, the warm weather is here in SE Ohio and I broke out my 1983 HONDA CM450E for it's initial spring run. Last fall, I added the correct amount of Stabil gas stabilizer to a full gas tank of 3 gallons gas. We changed the oil and filter, and inspected the brakes, the chain and hand controls. The used battery was NOT put on a trickle charger, nor disconnected. The bike sat for at least 5 months this way. Now that I've wheeled it out, the tires look good, and except for dust, which I whipped off, it looks fine. I hooked up a battery charger for several hours, then tried to crank the starter while in neutral. I cranked about 20 seconds before dying out. I recharged the battery, and tried again. It coughed once. I checked to assure there was gas in it, and that the feed valve was correct. I recharged the battery, pulled the choke and cranked away. It sputtered twice. I recharged, cranked and it caught and ran for 3 seconds before dying. I crankd till it needed recharging again. The pattern is that each time I recharge, it catches and runs for a longer and longer time each attempt, but ultimately dies within 10-15 seconds. What should I look at? I was told Stabil gas treatment was the ticket, but now I wonder! And, the battery, though used, seemed to keep the bike running and starting last season... even though if it didn't start within 10 seconds or so, the battery would be cranked down and need a recharge. Any help or recommendations would be appreciated. This is the second season with this used bike, and I will need it for commuting 40 miles to work shortly. Thanks!
AnswerThe battery really will not last long wihout a charge, especially in cold winters. So either charge it frequently or buy a battery tender. It does sound like the carburettors are having problems, I personally use Sea-Foam rather than Stabil, but what I would do at this point is to empty the gas tank, refill with fresh gas, and you should be ready to go.
Let me know how you get on, Jan
