Motorcycle Repair: 80s 454, rust damage, frame repair

Question
how are you man? My pops ha a Honda 454 thats been sitting up in the back shed for at least 10yrs.It was WELL kept,but upon looking it over the other day,it appears moisture has been a formidable foe over time. Part of the lower frame appears to have suffered considerable rust damage. My queston is..Do you think it would require frame repair or replacement??? GOD forbid! Also..what do u think would be the most obvious areas to start w/ just considering the amount of time that has passed? I have no clue where to begin. Im not sure whether there was gas left in it upon storage or not.  -Rob

Answer
Hey Rob, I'm doing great...thanks for asking.  Well, the answer to the frame question is ...it depends.  If it's in a stressed part of the frame, welding in a new section should be highly discouraged.  The last thing you want to have happen is the frame break as you are going down the road or hit a bump at highway speeds.  You could be picking gravel or grass out of your teeth for a while if that happened.

The answer to your second question is carburation is where I'd start.  First take the tank off and make sure it's clean and sealed.  The rust that is most certainly there will cause no end of trouble unless it's dealt with.  Second, clean the carbs good and make sure all of the jets and passages are clean.  After that, it's just one system at a time until you are happy with the way it looks and runs.

Regards
Rich