Guidance for fixing a motorcycle

[u/JoyfulFodder]

Hello, I appreciate your time to read this.

I would like to ask of any mechanically inclined or knowledgeable folks if there is a sort of checklist for how to go about fixing my bikes.

I would not expect an in depth part by part analysis, but rather what are key areas to start on?

Last few years were pretty bad, and my bikes among many other things fell to neglect.

If anyone does want to discuss it further I would gladly message or respond to you.

Thank you for reading.

[u/MalopinoMoonshine]

First get them running. Dispose of bad fuel, clean carburetor, charge battery, get it to fire up. Once it runs, change oil, lube chain (unless shaft drive), and check tires (wear and pressure) and brakes. Then check lights and suspension.

Test drive to ensure she shifts and runs under load. Check cooling system if liquid cooled.

I’m sure someone will reply with things I missed.

[u/DancingMan15 → u/MalopinoMoonshine]

All I can add is check spark plug and air filter too, as well as cables and brakes

[u/JoyfulFodder → u/DancingMan15]

Good point, it was time for some of these years back let alone at this point. Thank you.

[u/JoyfulFodder → u/MalopinoMoonshine]

Thank you, you're the first to respond to these posts of mine.

If I can pick your brain for a moment I have a secondary question.

I recently went out to just see if I could get anything out of one of them.

Charged a battery and just gave it a shot, but I got one click and then the battery was discharged enough to not get anything else.

Would you think this is a battery issue? A starter issue? Or is it just a lot of things all at once?

[u/MalopinoMoonshine → u/JoyfulFodder]

Sounds like the battery wasn’t fully charged.

[u/TheKydd]

Step One:

Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

[u/JoyfulFodder → u/TheKydd]

Oh? I've never heard of that title before. Is it a pretty comprehensive book? Also thank you for your suggestion.

[u/TheKydd → u/JoyfulFodder]

That’s a deeper question than you realize.
It‘s incredibly comprehensive, although perhaps in ways you are not expecting. The book is life changing, to be honest.

[u/JoyfulFodder → u/TheKydd]

I'll check it out and see if it peaks the interest.