Buyer's Checklist for long-parked bike

Monday I'm taking a shot at a 1977 Yamaha 750 Special that's been parked
indoors for 7 years. The photos show no rust anywhere, and at the asking
price it looks worth the 1.5 hour drive to see it.

I've downloaded, studied and printed out the used bike checklist from the
rec.motorcycles FAQ. What else should I expect/look for in a bike that's
sat this long?

Also, the seller says he can't find the ignition key after all these years.
What would I need to do to get a key for it?

Thanks.

 

To get a key call a locksmith. If you can get the switch out, take it to
him. That would be cheaper. Once you have the key, take the fey to the
dealer and have them tell you what the key code is and get 2 more keys.
Write the code on the back of the title.

Change every fluid. Don't forget the forks.

Clean the tank with MarineClean. Inspect for leaks or rust. Tanks will
rust even if stored inside. Mube was rusted a little and varnished badly.
Varnish is an odd thing. The tank can be dry and not smell but once you
put in marine clean and let it sit and then drain it, you will know it's
true condiction by the drained solution.

The petcock is likely bad. A rebuild or replacement may be necessary.

Unless the fuel was shut off and the carbs drained, the carbs are
varnished up. You might get lucky and be able to clean them with some
Berryman's liquid and not have to pull them. I got lucky on my 1981 CBX.
I was able to get all 6 carbs cleaned without pulling them.

Add a new chain/sprockets and you should be good to go.

Want the paint to look really good? Get some 3M or similar swirl remover.
Follow up with some wax.

pierce

 

If the carbs have pistons (aka slides) with diaphragms, the slides could
easily be gummed up and immobile. Make sure they slide freely _before_
trying to start it. I don't know, but I've heard it said that the
diaphragms can be ruined when running the bike with stuck slides. That
might cost you $150 or so. Replacing the pilot jets would be a good move.

 

Apart from the other suggestions, you are bound to need new tyres. They
develop flats if they are in the same position on the ground for a long
time, and are likely to come apart, especially if driven at any speed.

Leon

 

Replacing the jets is not necassary. I have not seen a jet yet that I
couldn't clean.

I am not sure about ruining the diaghragms by running it with stuck slides.
That doesn't make sense to me. Maybe someone can explain how that is
possible.

pierce