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'86 250cc sitting for 2 years... having trouble starting!

3.9K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  gyrojunkie  
#1 ·
New rider! Purchased my first bike - '86 Rebel 250cc - about a week ago now. It's been sitting for 2 years. Had some trouble starting initially, but started after adjusting the choke and giving it a good "shove." Sat for a few more days after it was ridden to it's new home and now it's not starting at all... It's turning over and making loud clanking noises. I was told it's probably the carburetor

Any suggestions for a good place to start the tune-up/fix? Drain the gas tank? Drain the oil? Flush the carb? I have no mechanical experience, but I'd like to think I can figure it out with some direction

Any help (in layman's terms) would be greatly appreciated! I'm excited to learn about this thing
 
#2 ·
:greetings10: Welcome :flowers:

Start by getting a shop manual. Honda company are difficult to find but the Haines gets good reviews. Then you get to rebuild the carburetor for your standard initiation hazing. There are good threads on here on that little ritual, always seems to be one active. There is an extra good one in the FAQ or wrenching section. Once you have completed that task you will be a full fledged member of the club.
 
#3 ·
The honda factory manual is available in cd form on Ebay for about $20. Best $20 you will ever spend on the bike. If you can't figure it out from there you should never touch a tool again. ;)
Start with fluids. All new oil and gas. Add the inline fuel filter and magnetic oil drain plug for cheap insurance. Oil change interval of 1000-1500 miles.
Completely rebuild the carbs. Get some chemdip or a ultrasonic cleaner as well as some carb cleaner. Get some compressed air and expect to have issues the first 1-9 times you rebuild it. It's a learning experience, and a lot like making music. Partially good technique, partially luck, partially something else.
 
#4 ·
Welcome to forum . the carby proberley needs a good clean , the noise you here wont be the carb causing it , maybe low voltage in battery causing starter motor to act up n make noise .try jumper leads off car with car not running, to see if bike will crank over n maybe start
 
#8 ·
That's the video a member here made. It's a sticky in the Wrenching How-To section of the forum. If you haven't seen it, there's a thread on carb disassembly in the same section.
 
#14 ·
Agree with mojo. Sounds like it's spinning but not engaging.

I doesn't hurt to hold the clutch in, but not needed if starting in neutral. Can't remember if the first generation bikes had a clutch safety switch or not. If not, holding the clutch in while starting in gear is definitely recommended!