QuestionFalcon -
Just got a bike (haven't had one in ten years) from friend. Beautiful black Honda Shadow VT700. Appears to be in great shape, although it has been in storage for a LONG time. It spent 2004 winter and an unridden season (Spring, Summer and Fall 2005) in a heated garage, then as of approximately November, 2005, it has been in a detached garage in Chicago area - cold, but not ICE cold - it's squuezed into a 2 car garage and teh car engines heat the garage somewhat, but maybe keeps it just above freezing.
No gas stabilizer was used, and no oil to coat the inside of the gas tank.
Battery has been out since last wasted season, new battery came with the bike. Before charging and putting the battery back in, I figured I'd drop some oil through the spark plug holes, put the bike in gear, and spin the rear wheel.
Before getting the oil, I already put the trans in gear and tried to spin the rear wheel while bike was on center stand - COULD NOT GET IT TO BUDGE. Tried higher gears - nada. Spins/turns fine in neutral.
Does this have something to do with the fact that it's shaft driven? Or is this indicative of a problem? Prior to improper storage, bike was fully inspected by friend's trusted shop and tuned up and it was given excellent bill of health.
Any suggestions on starting this baby up in such a way as to not destroy or damage it in the process?
What about dropping in some oil through the spark plug holes and tapping the starter with the run switch set to OFF? Would that make sure the engine cranked without starting yet?
Any recommendations are welcome. I've done practically no work on bikes, but am handy beyond average and am glad to tackle a challenge.
- Dan
AnswerHi Dan.
First of all, what do you mean not ice cold? I grew up near Chicago and I recall the winters were ALWAYS ice cold. (grin)
Start by making sure that you have the repair manual. It is full of info that makes it worth it's weight in gold.
Now, the fact that the wheel will not turn while in gear is indicative of rusted pison rings, not anything to do with the final drive. This will require a re-sleeving of the cylinders and replacing the piston rings. The easiest way to make sure is to go ahead and put the battery in and try the starter to see if it will turn the motor. If it refuses to turn at all, then that is definitely the problem.
As far as the tank, drain it completely, and reseal it. That will solve any varnish problem in the tank. Those gas stabilizers are just a placebo. They don't really work at all.
Make sure that all of the fluids are replaced and the carbs are completely and properly cleaned.
Outside of that, based on what you've told me, the bike should run once all of that is done.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON
