Newbie here

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SympleTruth316 · Mon Jul 25, 2005 4:47 pm

Hey ya'll. I just bought a 1983 honda vt750 custom deluxe from my uncle. Its been sittin for about 3 or 4 years in a garage. This is my first bike. I dont even have my motorcycle license yet. Im just lookin for any advice I can get with getting the bike running and motorcycle safety and everything and anything anyone thinks I should know. Thanks all.

rnr262 · #2 Unread post by **rnr262** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 2:30 am

Welcome! Someone much smarter than I will have advice on getting the bike running, or what you should be looking at after it's been sitting so long. Nice bike, by the way.

Definitely take the MSF course. It's fantastic. Parts of it may seem so simplistic but it's a wonderful confidence builder, and a great foundation for your skills. Google for MSF courses in your area, or contact your license bureau.

Good luck!

ronboskz650sr · Tue Jul 26, 2005 2:46 am

A good first step is to get a Clymer's manual from Jc whitney, or ebay. Good thing to have, even if the bike already runs. After you learn to ride, check out the CMA (Christian Motorcyclist Association). There are many Christian members on this site (total motorcycle), and this is a good place to share the love of Christ for everyone. Some already know and believe, others don't (just like the real world). You will be accepted, nonetheless, and can learn alot here.

The old UJM's (Universal Japanese Motorcycles) are some of my personal favorites, if they were well cared for by previous owners. If not, you can be pretty busy for a while, especially if you aren't mechanically inclined. Still, motorcycles are more accesible for wrenching than most cars. It seems like most neglect-related problems are carburator related, or dried out seals/gaskets. Like all machines, they were built to run, and sitting does them no good. We have quite a few UJM owners on the site, so I'm sure you'll fit right in. Check out the troubleshooting forum too.

Welcome to the site!

Wizzard · #4 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 2:58 am

Welcome to the group Keith .
Regards, Wizzard

Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:50 pm

I'd love to pick up an old not running bike and fix it as a project! Good luck.

(ps - sorry to thread jack, but ever been over to Altimas.net? That's a decent looking 2nd gen you've got there.)

TechTMW · #6 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:57 pm

You first tech requirement - get a manual

Your first safety requirement - Get a helmet !!!

If you are familiar with wrenching on your car, you should have all the skills required to get your motorcycle running - namely the ability to follow an instruction manual

Good luck with your project - feel free to post tech questions in the garage forums.

Some things you will definitely want to do -
Change the oil and filter
bleed the brake lines (Or better yet, completely drain and refill)
make sure your brake pads are servicable
charge battery (make sure it's servicable - check water levels, etc)
Change rear drive oil (If shaft drive)

Just to clarify - is it a VT750 (shadow 2 cylinder v-twin) or a VF 750 (V-four?)

Loonette · #7 Unread post by **Loonette** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 2:51 am

Welcome aboard! I'd say, that along with the other ideas mentioned, you should also replace both tires. I just saw a report last night about tire blowouts. They said that one of the biggest reasons is not that the tire is worn out (tread wear), but that the tire is old, has become dry, and can have small cracks that will blow out. This includes tires that are purchased "new". Check the sidewall for the manufacture date.

Take the MSF course - it's an invaluable tool. Enjoy the forums.

Cheers,
Loonette

#8 Unread post by **cb360** » Thu Jul 28, 2005 4:04 am

Definitely sign up for the MSF course. It's a lot of fun and it'll help save your skin - might save you a few bucks on insurance too. That's gonna be a nice bike. Show us some pix if you have any. If the bike is carbureted - and I think it is - and it wasn't prepped properly for long-term storage, you'll likely need to clean the carbs. If you are lucky, that won't be the case and you can just charge the battery and get it running. I'd drain and replace all the fluids no matter what. Check the gas tank for rust - if you have any you'll have to deal with it preferably before running the motor. Check for spark and let us know. Three or four years isn't that long if it was indoors - I think you'll get it running quick.