I just joined the site today. yesterday i accepted a 1987 Interceptor 700 from my wifes grandmother. it's been sitting in her garage for the better part of a decade. It only had 14,000 original miles, and it looks to be in good condition save for one thing, it still has fluids in it.....DAMNIT!!! I'm going to start cleaning it up in a few days and i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to where i should start. I've never done this kinda work on bike, although i have done this many times on cars. This is my second bike, my first was a 2004 Suzuki Sv1000. Great bike, but nothing like what i have here. Does anybody have any advice for me???
good luck with the gas.... my bf bought a turbo seca a long time ago that had sat for the same time, it was soooo gummed up inside that the gas tank would not come clean without some serious work. the carbs are also most likely going to be a pain in the arse I hope it doesn't give you too much trouble though!
Daaaayyyyummm...ten years???? Damn...a lot of stuff....I will probably miss some things, but this is where "I" would probably start. Buy lots and lots of carb cleaner...like 4-5 cans of it. Getting all of the gummied gas residue cleaned up is gonna take some time if you can even get it all. Getting it off the bottom of the tank may take a brush along with the carb cleaner soaking. Take off the tank, drain it, soak it with carb cleaner overnight, pour fresh gas in,swish it around dump it. Pretty much spray carb cleaner into any little orifice or hose that gas was in. You may need to use something to help clean the metal fuel lines. Same with the carbs. Take them off, disassemble them, take out the jets, soak them over night. You will have to do this again and again to get everything out probably. You might need new carb boots and floats as will. Check for damage/cracking. New fuel filter, and you might need new fuel hoses if they are cracked. You might need a new fuel pump as well if it is bad/clogged too bad. Check you brake hoses/lines for cracking/weathering. Replace if cracked/damaged. Check master cylinder and slave cylinders for proper function/damage. Change/flush brake fluid. Change/flush coolant. Change the oil (once you get it running, run it for a bit, then change the oil and filter again). Change the tires, as they are most likely weather checked/cracked. Check the fork seals for leaking. Change the fork fluid. New battery. Check/repack front and rear wheel bearings. Lube (and maybe replace) clutch cable. Check chain and sprockets for excessive wear....replace all as a set if they are worn/need replacement....which is very possible if it sat outside or exposed to moisture as well. I know I am forgetting things.
