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New 2004 Rebel Owner

1K views 14 replies 2 participants last post by  Rebelyell78 
#1 ·
Hi. I got a 2004 Honda Rebel as a gift. I'm familiar with dirt bikes bit never own an actual motorcycle.
I changed the starter and bought a new baterry. The bike turns on neutral but when i try to gear, it does not go into gear, the power slows down and theres a fuel leak on the overflow tube coming from the carb. The leak stops when i shut off the gas line.
Im so ready to get this baby rolling. Got inaurance, registration, motorcycle license, helmet.
If someone can help, I'd gladly appreciate it.
 
#2 ·
Welcome to the forum. If you haven't taken a basic riding course, it's well worth your while to do so. Riding on dirt requires avoiding stationary objects. It's a whole other world on the street, and a rider course will teach the basics of survival.

It sounds as if the float valve may be stuck and causing the fuel overflow. Try tapping on the carburetor with a screwdriver handle. Sometimes that will unstick it. It's also possible that the valve may be worn and will need to be replaced.

Just so I understand correctly, the engine runs but the transmission won't allow you to put it in any gear, correct? Or does it go into gear and dies when letting out the clutch?
 
#4 ·
Is the sidestand up when you put it in gear? There is a safety switch which will kill the engine if the stand isn't up. Also, that switch may be disconnected or possibly defective.
 
#6 ·
Is the stand up when you put it in gear? The switch is on top of the stand. If a previous owner (PO) hasn't removed it. You'll see some wires running to it.
 
#8 ·
The switch is visible in the second picture you posted. Leaks at the bottom of the carb are usually due to a bad O-ring on the carb drain screw (visible in your carb pic) or a bad carb bowl gasket.

I see there is a tube on the carb drain. There is a fitting that connects the carb overflow tube to that one. To determine if it's leaking from the drain, disconnect that tube temporarily. If it doean't drip from the bottom of the carb, but gas is still dripping from a tube at the back of the engine, it's coming out the overflow tube.
 
#9 ·
Just a FYI, the oil level is checked with the bike level and the dipstick unscrewed and just resting on the threads. It holds 1.6 quarts of oil. Do not put any XX-30 weight oil in it unless it says JASO on it. Regular 30 weight oils contain friction modifiers that will cause the clutch to slip. 10W-40 and 15W-40 oils, such as Shell Rotella, are safe to use. Being air cooled and not having an oil filter, frequent changes are recommended. Most forum members change it every 1.00-1,500 miles.
 
#13 ·
Has the old gas been replaced with fresh? Does the engine stop without warning, or only when you come to a stop? Are you disengaging the clutch when you come to a stop? Is the fuel enrichment (choke) lever pushed all the way away from the rider once the engine warms up? Has an inline fuel filter been installed? Have the fuel lines been replaced? Has the idle speed been set to around 1400 rpm once the engine is thoroughly warm? Turn the petcock to off, disconnect the fuel line from the tank to the carburetor, place the end of the hose in a clear container, and open the petcock. Allow several pints to flow out. Is there a steady flow of fuel? Is the gas clear or does it have an orange tint? Are there any foreign objects, such as rust, in the fuel?

Respond to those questions and let us know what you find.
 
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