QuestionHi I just found my dad's old 1970 Honda 350 in my grandpa's garage and I plan on rebuilding it (if i can) and ridin it this summer. It was used about 10 years ago and ran fine apparently, then it sat in a garage for 10 years and won't start up. I'm told that it still has compression but it won't fire up. I called our local motorsports store and talked to a tech guy there. He suggested that it could be the carburetor or the gaskets. They have been known to be idiots though. I was wondering your professional opinion to get started.
AnswerHi Allan.
Well, lucky you. That bike is a well known ride amongst anyone who has been riding since I was a kid. There are a number of things to check on the bike, but first, get yourself the repair manual. It will have all of the specs that you need.
And now, on with our show.:)
1) Pull and clean the carbs.
2) Pull, drain and reseal the fuel tank.
3) Replace the fuel line.
4) Check the compression and match it against the specs in the previously mentioned repair manual.
5) Replace any gaskets that are rubber and/or suspect.
6) Change the oil.
7) Replace the tires and inner tubes. Guarantee they are all dryrotted.
8) Replace the battery and check the wiring for shorts in the ignition circuit.
9) Replace all of the fuses with new ones.
Start with all of that and see if the bike starts and runs. Feel free to write again if you have any other questions.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON
