QuestionQUESTION: Hi Mike, I just bought a 1980 Suzuki GS550L with 410 miles on it. When I got it the owner said it had to be run with the choke open. It still had the break-in oil in it. I have done an oil change and bought new plugs, but haven't put the plugs in yet. My question is I put carb cleaner in the tank and know I can run the bike at about 1/8 to 1/16 choke. Will the carbs clean out all the way or should I have them rebuilt. I have only put about 20 miles on the bike since I have had it and it runs better everytime I take it out. I don't have my motorcycle endorsment yet so I am not riding it very far but have been told that when I start riding it for long trips that the carbs should clean out and take care of the problem. Just wanted your thoughts if you don't mind. Thanks Mark
ANSWER: Whoa... it sat since 1980 with the original oil in the crankcase??!! You might want to change the oil again after running the bike for a bit, as there will be a lot of sludge that needs to be flushed out.
Chances are it still has the original gas in the tank, too, which would be very bizarre and definitely not good for the motor. Adding carb cleaner to the tank will only do so much, it's best to completely drain the tank and carbs of old fuel and fill up with fresh gas. Hopefully, there won't be any varnish buildup inside the carbs but if the bike still doesn't run right afterwards you should have the carbs cleaned and rebuilt.
PLEASE don't ride any more until you have taken a proper MSF motorcycle safety training course.
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QUESTION: HI Mike, No it doesn't have to orignal gas in it. The owner always went out and started it and let it run for 10 mins at least every 2 months. The gas tank is real clean inside. All cables and tubing are in good shape it was always garage kept and the last 12 years kept in air conditioning. The only other thing besides the carbs is it still has the original tires on it. The tread is good but there is some weather checking in the side walls. Can I have tubes put in the tires or should I just change them out. And I am taking the riding safty course. The only riding I do on it is around the block after I have worked on it to see if what I did helped any. Thanks for the info.
Mark
ANSWER: I would not trust my life on 29 year old tires, no matter how good they might look! The rubber will have deteriorated in ways that cannot be detected by the eye, you would be doing yourself a big favour by getting new tires and tubes installed. As for the carbs and fuel, you can try running a couple tanks of gas through the motor and see if it does get better, but after sitting for so long it's very likely that all the rubber seals and gaskets - including the intake runners - are going to need replacing. Sooner or later you'll be taking the carbs off to be rebuilt, I can guarantee that.
Whether you are going for a cross country tour or just around the block, accidents can happen at any time. Without the proper training you are only increasing your chances of getting hurt. Honestly, I would wait until after the course to ride the bike if I were you.
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QUESTION: Hi Mike, Again thanks for the info. I think you got the ideal that this is my first bike. It's the 5th bike I have owened, it's just been about 10 years since I have owened one and was riding a friends or mine untill 3 years ago. But the class is a great ideal and like I said have already signed up for the class. You have to to get you endorsment in Fl. I let mine expire when my friend sold his bike 3 years ago and didn't have the money at the time to buy another one. But thank you for the info and caring about peoples safty. As far as I am concerened you can never be to carful on a bike and need to look out for other drivers because most people don't look for bikes. All you info has been very helpful and appericated and I will take all of it. Again thanks I think you website is great it's nice to have a place to ask a question about your bike and have someone with knowledge answer it also someone who cares for other peoples safty. Again Thanks.
Mark
AnswerWhoops, my bad... didn't realise you were already an experienced rider. I used to teach the bike course and am still very much safety oriented; sometimes I'll end up preaching to the converted without realising it. Or being asked to. :-)
You're welcome for the info and I hope you get the bike running properly soon.
