Motorcycle Repair: 1977 Yamaha, worst case scenario, handyman work

Question
Recently, a friend in my church GAVE me his 1977 Yamaha.  This man is a small engine expert and has done loads of handyman work, now retired.  Anyway, when he put the cycle away in 1987 he cleaned it out totally, drained the gas, greased and oiled it.  The bike hasn't run since 1987.  A friend who got this man's second bike and is a bike restorer told me that this 1977 Yamaha looks on the outside to be in great shape.  My question is, what kind of problems can I expect getting this bike running again to use, considering it hasn't run for that long?  And how much can I expect to spend to get it going again?
Thanks for this service.  I am DEFINITELY LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU, and I am really looking to get this bike running and use it.


Answer
Hi Hans.

Well, it sounds like the previous owner knew how to store the bike properly.  To say that you got a great deal would likely be an understatement.

1)  You will definitely need a new battery.

2)  You may or may not need to clean the carbs.  If he removed the fuel from the carbs as well as the tank, then that is good.  If not, then you will need to get them properly cleaned.

3)  You will need new tires.  After almost 20 years, they will be dry-rotted.  If they are tube-type tires, then replace the innertubes as well.

4)  If the bike was really stored properly, then he will have put some Marvel Mystery oil (or something similar) in each of the cylinders.  Worst case scenario, you may have to have the rings and cylinders worked on.  If you can turn the engine, then they will be good enough to run.

As far as potential cost, you could be looking at anywhere from $300 - $1500 to get it back on the road.

Let me know what happens.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON