Motorcycle Repair: 1998 Honda, ace tourer, american ace

Question
Chris... I got a really great deal on an Honda Shadow American Ace Tourer 1100cc... 1998 has 975 miles.. that's it... was stored for 2 years..replaced battery and plugs... It runs for about 2 seconds with the choke full open then stops... I cleaned out the gas tank and the screen...when I start it with starter fluid, it runs for a long time, but backfires and fluctuates the rpms and doesn't sound like it's getting the proper gas flow... My thought is the Fuel pump...Could that have worn out in 975 miles?... Any suggestions... It's a beautiful bike, but right now it's just an ornament in my garage...  Jim Bogart

Answer
Hi Jim.
Here's what you've got; A bike that is 6 years old, but, if I am understanding you correctly, has been sitting for the past 2 and did less than 1000 miles the previous 4 years. That is 243.75 miles a year or just a hair over 4 1/2 miles a week (avg).  That bike spent a huge amount of time sitting in the garage collecting dust even before it sat for 2 years.

The fact that it's a beuty is a given.  I like the look of the ACE and all of it's variations.

Here's the real problem.  It spent so much time sitting that the fuel had enough time to evaporate some or all and left that lovely residue, that we call varnish, behind in it's wake.  You need to clean those carbs out completely.  That means pull the carbs, disassemble them and clean them completely, then reinstall and make sure that they are synchronised properly.  That should fix your problem.

I have never heard of a fuel pump going bad that many miles into a bike's life.  You should have another 40-50 thousand miles before the fuel pump goes.

Good luck.
FALCON