How do I get my motorcycle to start?

Question

I have a 1984 Honda Nighthawk 650. Its been sitting for while (a long while). I charged up the battery, and everything works, it just won't start. It kinda sounds like the gas isn't getting up (it has a full tank) but I don't really know....any suggestions?

Answer 1

ok the fact that these other folks are using the singular (carb tells me they dont know your bike. I do,had one ,but give props where props is due they are right you need to dump your old fuel from the tank change fuel lines and pull the bowls, needles , and main jets out of your carbs this will requier removal of the carbs. clean everything check air filters for mice nest and reassymble . happy motoring

Answer 2

The gas has probably gotten old and gummed the carb and gas lines. I would replace all the gas lines, replace the fuel filter, clean the carb very throughly, change the oil (including the filter), change the air filter, and replace the spark plugs. After all of that is done, try starting it. If it turns over, but won't start, take the plugs out, make sure its getting gas (the plugs will be wet), wipe the plugs off, and then spray a little WD-40 or a LITTLE gas in the plug holes. Try to start it again. If the engine doesn't even turn over, then the piston most likely seized over storage. (Thats why you fog the cylinders people!!) If that happened, you will need the engine rebuilt. (get the pistons out, hone the cylinders, and put in new pistons that match the new cylinder size. If you have to do this, you will need to break-in the bike again. To break-in the bike, just run the engine for 5 hours without going WOT [wide open throttle]). Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I fear the carburetors have gummed up. Gasoline will turn gooey after about six months if it is not treated with something like "Stabil". That prevents it from seperating. The gas can't get through because the gummy junk is plugging up the little holes it has to pass through on its way to the engine.

If you are not skilled in such repairs I suggest you take it to an independent shop because the dealers are usually more expensive, although their mechanics ARE more skilled, usually.

They will most likely remove the gas tank and give it a complete rinsing then dunk the carburetors in a solvent bath to thoroughly clean them out before rebuilding them. It might cost a bit but think of the fun you will have riding AND you should get about 35-40 miles to the gallon with that baby.

Ride safe, ride longer....

Answer 4

Your fuel lines or the fuel tap (valve) may be gunked up. Also, some of these bikes have a rubber diaphragm in the carbs, which may have split from old age. Remove the carbs and spray a little starter fluid - AND I DO MEAN LITTLE! - into the cylinder ports, and start it up. It should run for about 5 secs, then stop. If this happens, its the fuel system. If it doesn't start, it's the plugs or points (yes, some of these oldies still had points in them!)

Good luck!

Answer 5

take out the carb. letting a bike sit is not good for the carb. old gas sits in there, and gums everything up. the carb will have to be cleaned before the bike will start.
replace the hose connecting the tank to the carb, and then give it a try.... should start up fine.
also replace the spark plugs when you have it apart....

Answer 6

take the carb apart clean it out drain the gas put the carb back on put new gas in, twist the thorttle a couple times se if she fires uppppppp...

Answer 7

carb is gummed up. Take it of fand clean the floats and everything.

Answer 8

if it has not been use then the fuel will gum up, drain the fuel and put in some new gas

Answer 9

go to www.autozone.com