Any motorcycle guys here?

[turkeyfeather]

Bought me a new to me Suzuki Volusia 800 last spring. This is my first carbureted v twin (always had fi sport bikes). Anyways went to fire it up this afternoon and won't start. Come to find out I guess I should have drained the carb. Is this something I can/should clean myself or spend the $250 to have the dealer do it?

[gonehuntin68]

If you have some mechanic skills you can. Should not be to hard. Just remove the jets and clean them out, or get a rebuild kit and replace them.

[whitey]

Drain the fuel from tank and carb. Remove the float bowl and clean it with carb cleaner and if you realy fill good about the project to this point pull the jets and squirt them down with the cleaner and blow dry with compressed air.
Make a point to always run the bike out of fuel before storing for extended periods of time or make a point to run it every few week in the shop or take it for a spin around the block. I run all my bikes evry chance I get.
Good luck.

[turkeyfeather]

I'd like to think I am somewhat mechanically inclined. I do have a 36 year old truck that runs like a champ. Do you clean the carb out with it still on the bike or take it off?

[pd]

Before you get too excited, try my method.

By the way, I have a 2003 XR650L, which is stored outside all year long (under covers).  Do not use gasoline blended with alcohol!!!  The alcohol attracts moisture into the fuel tank, and also causes seals to deteriorate.  Find a CENEX station that sells pure gasoline.  Also, just before you arrive at your driveway switch the fuel nozzle from the main tank to the "off" position, and let the engine die (starved of fuel)--this will eliminate any fuel between the switch and the bottom end of the carb.

You are going to have to learn how to start your bike (all bikes are different, at least those still with carbs).  Because you can't start it now, first turn the fuel switch to the "off" position.  Open the fuel screw (on the bottom of your carb), and drain what little fuel is in the fuel line (between the tank and the carb).  Please don't drain the fuel onto the grass!! 

Unless your float bowl is stuck or fouled, you do NOT need to remove the carb to clean the bowl.

Next, open your fuel line.  Pull your choke full back, and crank for 2 or 3 seconds.  Stop, and do it again, until it starts.  Do not crank the accelerator!

Make sure your battery is well charged.

[Rider]

I have a 2006 Yamaha Roadstar with 104k miles on it. I have never had this problem, but I also ride all year around and commute on my bike. I perform most of the maintenance on my bike. She is just happy with 87 octane regular gas. I also use StarTron about every other tank.

imho, first buy a service manual.
Me personally, I'd drain the tank, carb, fuel line, fuel pump. I have plastic parts in the fuel bowl on my Roadstar so I'd have to pop the carb off and check the float. I'd at least clean the jets with some carb cleaner. Verify the needle moves freely. Verify the condition of the diaphragm and manifold. Don't remove the manifold, just inspect with a flashlight and mirror. Looking for cracks.

Put the battery on a Battery Tender until the light turns green.

Add StarTron to your tank then the recommended fuel for your bike. (Startron first, fuel second - this mixes everything).
Put bike in neutral, open the petcock, open enricher circuit, key on, verify lights are on, master cutoff switch to on, listen for fuel pump to emit a series of clicks. Wait for clicks to stop. Depress started button for no more than 5 seconds. If bike doesn't start try again. If after 3 tries the bike doesn't start - shut everything off. Verify fuel, air, spark.

You may (should) give a Suzuki mechanic a call for their opinion. Having a good relationship with a decent shop is like have a good relationship with your local pro shop. Both are invaluable.

[Sandberm]

Seems like all the new bikes, generators, anything with a motor cant be left for long before they wont start. I have have  some old farm bikes(trail 110's) that can sit outside all winter and fire up after a few kicks. Same goes with all the old wheelines I have with old(40 years old) briggs and straton motors on them that will start nicely also.

But if I go more then a couple weeks without starting my 2007 Yamaha ttr 230, then I have to drain the float bowl and go through a precise starting ritual. Same goes for a couple of new Honda 2000 generators I bought. Better start em once a month or its pull pull pull on the starter rope. Frustrating to say the least.

The carbs must be so choked back because of air polution standards that the fuel/air mixture has to be perfect for them to run correctly.

I went to non ethanol gas last year with a fuel stabilizer additive....maybe it helped a little. I dont know.