Motorcycle Repair: Will not Start, honda 250, valve clearances

Question
i just bought a 1982 Honda 250 CM It started at the guys house that I bought it from. I'm sure he had it up and running before I got there. Go Figure. Believe or not it has 148 orginal miles on it. there is nothing that I see that tells me otherwise. I will not go into the history of the bike that he told me. My question is it will not start. Battery seems strong but maybe a little weak. this bike was garaged the whole time and it looks like it. Battery looks new but I'm not sure. Tommorow I will pull the plugs and check the gap. i plan to drain the gas and change it and also the Gear lube. Anything I might be Missing? EML185@idcomm.com

Answer
Mark, I would definitely go through the fuel system, as that is often the source of non-starting issues. Drain the tank, pull the petcock and check the screen, etc.

Fouled plugs can often occur when you are trying to burn weak burning old fuels that are in the carb.

Fully charge the battery...  Be sure that the KILL Switch is always in the ON (running) position. Buy some fresh plugs to install, once you know that the fuel system is clean and full of fresh gasoline again.

Obviously, the bike didn't get its 600 mile service, but you may want to check the valve clearances which are only .002" COLD at TDC. Check the side that is loose, then rotate the motor over one turn and check the other cylinder's valve clearances. Change out the oil and then do it again in about 500 miles.

Ignition is CDI, so no adjustments can be made there. Spark from CDI is not so visible as with point ignitions.

I imagine that the idle jet is plugged up, so the engine will only get fuel off idle and beyond. Make sure that the choke functioning properly.

Sounds like a great find!

Bill Silver