Motorcycle Repair: Help!!! 1989 Kawi Ninja ex500, ninja ex500, chain and sprockets

Question
Chris,

I have recently aquired 1989 Kawi ninja ex500 and it hasn't been started in about 6 years.  It has also been improperly stored outdoors (with fluid).  I am taking it upon myself to get this bike going this summer, and I don't know where to begin or what I need to do to a bike that has been imporperly stored.  Should I begin by flushing all the fluids? replacing them? Checking the chain? Lubing? Please help!

Thanks in advance!
Arthur  

Answer
Hi Arthur.
 Yes!!!! replace all of the fluids and flush the system.  Except for the fuel system.  That requires some work before it's ready to use.

GET THE REPAIR MANUAL.  I cannot stress that point enough.  That will be the best investment in that bike that you will ever make.  It has all of the specs for maintainence as well as troubleshooting and wiring diagrams.

Reseal the fuel tank and have the carbs properly cleaned out.  If they are too bad, they may need replacing, although it is just as likely that they will require a complete rebuild along with the cleaning.

Replace any rubber that is cracked including (and especially) the tires.

Replace the chain and sprockets.  If you only replace the chain, then the sprockets will shorten the life of the chain.  You must replace the sprockets any time that you replace the chain (and visa versa) for that reason.

Go over the electrical system for bad connections, shorts and the like.  You will need the repair manual and a multimeter for that.

I think that you will figure the rest out.

Good luck.
FALCON