Newbie looking to get an '87 TA started

[diamondraught]

Hello everyone, good forum chaps. I've had such fun reading through the threads, you sound like a good bunch. I have found a few posts that have given me inspiration but I thought I'd start a thread to A) say hello B) get my Transalp started.

It's an '87 600V, Italian import and is in a sorry state. I got it a couple of weeks ago on fleabay, looking for a summer ride (yes, I know, gay).

So here's the thing......It won't start. it's been standing for a few months so I thought I'd take the good advice offered on here and I have tried draining the carbs. One of which drains freely, the other just dribbles droplets of fuel. Sticky float thingy?

So I'm looking at giving the offending carb a strip down and thorough clean. Any tips I can garner? Am I bound to Honda's less than competitive pricing?

Any help and/or (nice) suggestion will be gratefully received.

Billy.

[Recycler]

A sticky float can sometimes be freed by tapping the side of the carb with a 'soft' hammer. If that works it will still need stripping but at least you identify the problem.

Personally I'd get rid of all the old fuel, charge the battery, check the plugs, check the air filter, check the oil & coolant before getting it started. Once it's running I'd service it straight away.

Welcome and best of luck with the new bike.

[stuart]

Assuming you've checked the electrics and are happy to spend time on the carbs I suggest cleaning them propperly, It's worth the effort, I spend more time with my outboard engines than my bikes as they experience a harder life re dirt, neglect and condensation.
I suggest stripping the carbs completly (screw all jets etc in and note how many turns to fully in so you can re-set them later ) strip them to every last piece then scrub them with metholated spirits,( it you leave the meths to evaporate in a dish you'll be supprised how much crap and water is left )then blow clean every component with an airline and let dry, this may seem like loads of hassel but when the engine fires up instantly and purrs like a kitten you'll know that it was worth it. and if it don't sort the problem at least you to look elseware rather than hopeing that the carbs are "sort of ok"