What to do

DocC said:

I am about to come into position of a 2004 TW200 the bike has been sitting for a least 2 years with gas in it, being now to MC's I am going to keep this and ride it, what should I do, change the gas & oil, tires (how do I drain the gas?) I just read a report on changing the oil, what else? I am new to the forum, and have read a little, any and all help will be appreciated. Thanks Doc

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Start reading carburetor threads. If it's been sitting for 2+ years with gas in it, the carb is going to be really gunked up. Change the oil, gas, and dismantle/clean the carb and you'll most likely be ready to roll.



There's a thread over on ADV that swears that Pine Sol is a great degreaser/cleaner. I haven't tried it, but it sounds interesting.



http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=560117



As time allows, things like brake fluid, greasing the swingarm, tires, etc are all going to need attention as well.



Good luck,



trey

DocC,



Start by downloading the Owner's Manual and Repair Manual.



http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/75-service-and-repair-manuals/



Do all the recommended maintenance.



Then you will probably need to take apart and clean the carb. There have been several threads on carb cleaning. See if you can find them.



To drain the tank, remove the fuel hose from the carb, put the end of the hose in a container, then open the petcock.



Or you could remove the tank and turn it upside down. ;-)



You can drain the carb bowl by opening the screw at the bottom/side of the bowl. Gas will flow out of the tube on to the ground. Make sure the petcock is off or the tank will keep feeding the carb.



You may get lucky by just draining all the old gas, put in new gas with a fuel treatment/cleaner. I use Seafoam, available at auto parts stores or Walmart, but there are others..



Since you are new to motorcycles, it is probably best to start with draining all the old gas and put in fresh gas before tearing into the carb.



Good Luck.



jb

First, read the owner manual cover to cover.



Second, while prepping your bike for service (doing the full and complete list of chores listed in the owner manual and described in the shop manual and supplement) take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course.



Third, check the water in the battery and put it on a small charger, about 0.5 amp is enough. A car charger will boil the battery.



Fourth, siphon the old gas out of the tank. There is a ridge that runs down the middle of the tank over the frame which will prevent all the old gas from draining. I use a piece of clear plastic hose as a siphon. I clamp the hose to a wooden dowel so I can make sure it goes in the deepest part of the tank.



Fifth, drain the carb. Generally, one cycle of fuel evaporation won't gunk up a carb. Add SeaFoam to a gallon of gas and fill the tank.



With a bit of luck it will start and run just fine. If the drivability issues are minor, keep SeaFoam in the gas for a few hundred miles and see if they go away. If not, or if the bike won't start, you'll need to go through the carb, either to clean and/or to re-jet. The stock jetting is way to lean for any location except high up in the mountains.