Now that my 78 motorcycle has a new batterie it still won't start it has sat for 2 years any thoughts?

Question

Now that my 78 motorcycle has a new batterie it still won't start it has sat for 2 years any thoughts?

Answer 1

do you mean it won't turn over or just fire up? Check spark plugs, leads and coil to see if any are faulty

Answer 2

It probably has a lot of "sludge" in it from standing so long. Change the oil and all brake fluids too.  I agree with all the answers. Don't forget to check all hoses and tyres before taking it out to get the all important MOT

Answer 3

dont forget fuel evaporates  could be worth checking

Answer 4

Cloged carbuetor.

Remove it, dis-assemble it and clean all the jets with carb cleaner.

Answer 5

Well your question makes me ask more questions.  Okay this is a 78 so I'm going with Carbs not Fuel injectors..  

So if it turns over but won't start then it might be that your carbs are all gummed up and will need to be removed cleaned and put back on the bike. It wouldn't be a bad idea to do that anyways.

It could also be the spark plug(s) or coils.  Spark plugs again after 2 years would be good to replace.

Those would be the most common problems IF the bike is actually turning over.

If all else fails take it to a mechanic.

Answer 6

Clean all the electrics up, including the plugs, and as a last resort just try "bump" starting it.

Good Luck.

Answer 7

You may be able to take off the air filter and fire in a little engine starting fluid.  Even if the engine isn't getting fuel, if there is spark it should turn over even if it dies once the fluid ou sprayed has burnt up.  If that's the case, check your carbs to make sure nothing is clogged.  Gas that is left sitting for as little as a couple months will start to break down.  Two years and the carbs could be badly varnished.

Answer 8

I'm going to assume that with the new battery etc your electrics are ok and you can get it to turn over?

Get a spark plug, (or an in line 'light') stick it in the HT lead, hold the end onto your block and turn the engine over.

You should have a visible spark. If you haven't your still dealing with faulty electrics.

If you have a spark and you have any old petrol in it, drain it completely and put fresh in.

In an 'open' system on a bike the 'gas' (the bit that burns) evaporates and what you are left with after the time you mention, looks and smells the same but will never ignite in a cylinder.

Answer 9

The spark plug could be corroded, try removing and cleaning it with sandpaper. Are you getting compression? It could be the carb'. My 78 bike has carberater problems every few weeks and needs a little help.

Answer 10

look take to the mechanics

Answer 11

I think that Not James has covered most of the bases, sounds good advice to me. Only thing that I would add is try bump starting, if you don't have electric start. Basically, all your engine needs to run is a spark and gas, it has to be a problem with one of those! Good luck.

Answer 12

Maybe spraying with WD40 over electrical areas would help dispel damp.

Answer 13

Have you changed the spark plug and adjusted the gap correctly?  Have you also drained the gas and bled the line?  Other than that I am out of obvious clues.