Motorcycle Repair: Honda 550 Four leaking carbs, honda 550 four, air filter oil

Question
Hi, Falcon.  A friend and I just rescued a 78 Honda 550 Four that was sitting for many years in a neighbor's yard.  Our current problem is that when we open the gas valve, gas spills thru the carbs and out the overflow tubes.  Seems like something is stuck. Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Bob.

You are doing a restoration here, so treat every part as if it suspect.

Rebuild the carbs and fuel valve.  Get a rebuild kit and make sure that you have the repair manual.

Seal the tank.  Any decent bike shop should have a reseal kit.

Replace the air filter, oil, oil filter, and spark plugs.

Go over the entire electrical system, looking for bad components, shorts, bad connections,bad fuses and fuse connections.

Replace the tires and innertubes.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON