Motorcycle Repair: Motorcycle Repair, elbow grease, yamaha vstar

Question
Hi Chris,

I have a 2000 Yamaha Vstar 1100 motorcycle that's been sitting in my garage now for a little over a year. It's never been turned on in that time, so I know the battery is dead. Would you be able to tell me what other things might need to be worked on so when I get it into a shop they don't try to rip me off? Also, the chrome parts are starting to rust up. Is there anything I can use to stop that from happening? Thx!

Answer
Hi Vicky.
 Here are the things that you can expect a responsible repair shop to do on the bike.

1) Pull, disassemble and clean the carbs.
 NOTE: If any rubber is dry-rotted or damaged, they will replace or recommend replacement of those parts.

2) Clean and/or reseal the fuel tank.  This is done to get rid of any "varnish" that has built up.  Varnish is a residue that is left over when fuels evaporate in the system.  It gums things up really well.

3) The battery will get replaced.

4) Possible tune-up and carb synchronization.

Anything above and beyond those, you may want to ask about.  Do not be afraid to ask why something is done.

Now on to the rust.  If it is surface rust, then a bit of elbow grease and polishing with Turtle Wax with rust remover will work really well.  If there is pitting, then there isn't much to do about it.  Unfortunately, Chrome is a plating process, and if it is a custom part, then replace it or rechrome it.  Replacement will usually be cheaper and easier.

Good luck.
FALCON