Starting an old bike?

[Bob_Defly]

Hey guys,

I have my Dad's old Speed Triple sat waiting for a restomod, I'm going to pull the plugs and get a leak down test done. Other than fuel, new oil & filter, and a new battery, is there anything else I should do before trying to start it?

Also if I get a leak down test, do I also need to do a compression test?

P.S. It's been sat for about 10 years.

[trickywoo]

Do you have a reason to want to do a leak down test?

I'd turn it over by hand first then a few cranks on the starter with the plugs out then start it.

Could also do with new coolant at that age.

The new Triumphs use HOAT which has the benefit of mixing with anything if you don't know whats already in there.

[Bob_Defly]

I just wanted to test the cylinders/valves/rings to make sure everything was still OK, I have no idea if it runs.

[moto_traxport]

Bob_Defly said:

I just wanted to test the cylinders/valves/rings to make sure everything was still OK, I have no idea if it runs.

I'd be tempted to pull the plugs out of it and spray WD-40 / small capful of engine oil down each hole. Wait 24 hours. Stick it in gear and turn engine via rear wheel a few times. Put a new battery on it and then turn it over a fair few times with plugs fitted but without caps attached to get the oil moving. Fit plugs and then start it up.

Editio to avoid air & fuel squirting out top of engine!

Edited by moto_traxport on Friday 23 February 20:30

[curlie467]

People have way more mechanical sympathy than me.

Fresh fuel, fresh battery, check oil and fire it up.

Turn off quickly if it sounds like st

[podman]

Ive heard of people removing the cam covers and oiling the top end before start up but I think your on the right lines with all the advice above anyway mate.

[curlie467]

podman said:

Ive heard of people removing the cam covers and oiling the top end before start up but I think your on the right lines with all the advice above anyway mate.

Except for mine of course

[Biker's Nemesis]

I make her a cup of Coffee in the morning.

[podman]

curlie467 said:

podman said:

Ive heard of people removing the cam covers and oiling the top end before start up but I think your on the right lines with all the advice above anyway mate.

Except for mine of course

Yours is probably what the OP will do and despite best intentions, what id end up doing anyway!

[Krikkit]

moto_traxport said:

Bob_Defly said:

I just wanted to test the cylinders/valves/rings to make sure everything was still OK, I have no idea if it runs.

I'd be tempted to pull the plugs out of it and spray WD-40 / small capful of engine oil down each hole. Wait 24 hours. Stick it in gear and turn engine via rear wheel a few times. Put a new battery on it and then turn it over a fair few times with plugs fitted but without caps attached to get the oil moving. Fit plugs and then start it up.

Editio to avoid air & fuel squirting out top of engine!

I'd do similar - little dribble of oil down each bore, leave for a few mins then turn the rear wheel to push it round a bit. After a few turns put everything back together and fire her up.

[curlie467]

podman said:

curlie467 said:

podman said:

Ive heard of people removing the cam covers and oiling the top end before start up but I think your on the right lines with all the advice above anyway mate.

Except for mine of course

Yours is probably what the OP will do and despite best intentions, what id end up doing anyway!

[Gunk]

My current Blade had been standing for about five years with fuel in the tank, fitted a new battery, cranked it with the choke out and it fired. It’s ran perfectly ever since.

[orangefzr]

orangefzr said:

Similar but one thing to remember is if it is carbs this bike is going to need them stripped and cleaned or if injectors at least dump the old petrol and put fresh in. Put some wd in the cylinders and leave overnight then turn over on the starter without plugs in ( it won't harm anything ) and have a can of easy start on stand by. You may find that the bike is very Smokey on start up but this is probably stuck piston rings ..... Be gentle and try to avoid aggressive revs until the smoking clears