Motorcycle Repair: bike been stored 4 a couple of years, lubrication points, honda shadow

Question
Chris
  In advance thanks for your time.
My ? is this , I just got a 85 honda shadow 700,it has been sitting under a tarp ,outside for aprox. 2 years.Where do I need to start to get this bike up and running ? I know fluids,brakes,and tires need to be checked. I dont want to overlook anything.
               thanks   ray

Answer
Hi Ray.
 Start with making sure that the engine isn't seized.  If it is, then there's not much to do but make it a small anchor or very large paperweight.

 But, if it isn't seized, then you have yourself a project.

1)  Start with the carbs.  Pull em, disassemble em and clean em.  If you have never rebuilt a carb before, then let a pro do the job.  (Any and all cosmetic work should be started at this time as well)

2)  Replace all of the fluids and filters.

3)  Replace the battery.

4)  Make sure that the engine has been tuned (valve timing and gap, new spark plugs, cylinders have good compression).

5)  The tires are probably dry-rotted.  Replace them.  Your life is going to depend on them.

6)  Lube or replace all of the cables.

7)  Check the electrical system for shorts, bad/dirty connections and bad/loose fuses/fuse connections.

8)  Lube all of the lubrication points as well as making sure that all of the bearings are greased properly.

Other than that, just use your common sense.  If it looks like it should be worked on or looked after, then do it.

Good luck.
FALCON