Motorcycle Repair: reviving from sitting in garage over winter, suzuki intruder 800, jumper cables

Question
Chris:
My Suzuki intruder 800 was sitting in the garage all winter (in Michigan).  When I try to start it it continually cranks until only a clicking sound can be heard.  Also, it seems that the battery drains as I do this (obviously) because thelights get dimmer and dimmer.  I have two questions.  Since it wont start, can I hook it up to jumper cables (to my Ford Explorer) and jump start it?  Also, is this just a battery problem or something else?  I am simply trying to get it going so I can drive it to a repair shop.  any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Tim.
 You could have a couple of problems.  The battery may have a problem.  The way to test that is with a hygrometer.  They do make them for motorcycle batteries.  If so much as one cel is bad, then you need to replace it.

You may also want to double-check the ignition fuse as well.

However, I believe that you are suffering from what I call "the post-winterization blues".  Your bike sat over the winter with fuel in the tank and carbs and it has turned to varnish.

You will need to pull and clean the carbs as well as clean the tank and replace the fuel with fresh fuel.

As far as jumping it with your car battery.  You can do it, but DO NOT TURN ON THE CAR TO DO IT.  The battery, on it's own will do more than enough to turn the starter.  But you may find that as long as the bike battery is good and the carbs have been cleaned properly, the bike should start up fine.

Good luck.
FALCON