Motorcycle Repair: 83 honda sabre wont start, honda sabre, starter solenoid

Question
Hi Chris.
One of my friends is moving and gave me his 83 v45 honda sabre. He couldn't keep it any more. The bike sat my house for about 6 months. He bought a new battery to get it started. He did get it to crank over a couple of times but thats all. I've checked the battery and most of the wire connecters and all the fuses. I've also checked the starter as well. It has power to the head light and instrument cluster. But when I push the start button nothing happens . The stater does nothing. Please help me to troubleshoot my new paper weight to get it moving again
Thanks
Kevin  

Answer
Hi Kevin.

You did the right thing by checking the rest of the bike, now you need to focus on the starter circuit.

Start by trying to arc across the leads of the starter solenoid.  It could be bad.  If that doesn't turn the starter, then check the wiring and contacts for the starter circuit, from power to starter button to starter motor.  If that's good, then pull and check the starter motor itself.  It could have dirty contacts internally.

Also, since the bike has been sitting for so long (I presume with fuel in the tank and carbs), then drain the fuel and get rid of it, clean the carbs and reseal the tank.  You will have varnish intrusion into the system, from it sitting so long, that needs to be removed.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON