Carb question and for sale bikes

[buckeyemike]

I have been on site reading awhile and want some opinions. When someone finds a bike for sale. This is with bike turning over and not frozen. What do you guys think the probability of such a bike running great after carbs are cleaned correctly. From my reading and experience with two bikes it seems pretty high. But was wondering about what some of you guys that actually work on them alot.

Not sure posting in right section but seems general tech question?

[erw]

I have been on site reading awhile and want some opinions. When someone finds a bike for sale. This is with bike turning over and not frozen. What do you guys think the probability of such a bike running great after carbs are cleaned correctly. From my reading and experience with two bikes it seems pretty high. But was wondering about what some of you guys that actually work on them alot.

Not sure posting in right section but seems general tech question?

If you have compression and have spark. I would say the chances are high, maybe like 80%. Compression + Spark + Good Fuel Mixture = Basically has to run.

[Jesse002100]

if the engine turns and has compression most likely it can run with some TLC. every gs i have ever had started out sitting for years and not running with the help of the fine people on here your chances go up even higher

[hampshirehog]

I always use the formula:
A running bike is worth what it's worth. If it ain't running it's worth half and if it's in bits it's worth half again.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes, the vast majority of these GS bikes can be revived with a good carb clean/adjust, valve adjustment, fluid change, intake boot and O-ring replacement, new tires, etc. All the "regular stuff" as indicated in the "Top 10 Common Issues" and other tips the mega-welcome.



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[67fire]

Very good assessment, Hampshirehog! And as others have said, if it has compression and spark it should work!

Eric

[mistercooldust]

carb question and for sale bikes

You can get real lucky in the New England area with low mileage bikes because they aren't ridden that much with the snow on the roads and the bikes sit for months. The carbs gradually get gummed up from neglect, the battery dies from neglect, the gas tank rusts and plugs the petcock with crap, and the bike fades in its owner eyes because of age so it sits in a garage or gets pushed outside.
Finally the owner puts the bike up for sale at a low price just to get rid of it because he doesn't ride that much anymore and it's taking space in the garage.
That is where you can step in and buy the bike for cheap money, clean the carbs, tank, grease everything, change oil and brake fluid, visit the GS resources forum for tips and then go out and ride the bike for years.