Digging my '02 SV out of storage (been there for 2yrs...)

[Jicko]

For some personal reasons, I haven't been able to ride my SV for the past 2yrs. The bike had been in storage. I finally dug it out yesterday. And certainly... PROBLEMS....

1) What do you guys recommend me to check before riding it again?

2) Battery... the battery is of course dead.... and after jump startinging it, the guages went all crazy.... but then, after a couple of jump starting, and running idle for a little while, it seems to have come back... yet... since I don't think I want to just go ride on it right the way, all I can do is running it idle and hoping the battery will charge, but that didn't happen.... so whenever I turn the bike off, it won't start anymore...

3) It seems to go overheat .... but it can be due to the weather and that I'm running idle with half choke

4) When I turn it off after maybe like 10min for running it idle.... there is a POP out of the exhaust.... may I know what may that be? Any idea??

ANY help will be greatly appreciated....

PS. HOW do I check if I have enough coolant?

[BILLY]

Firstly drain your tank and put fresh fuil in
drain your coolant and replace
drain your oil and replace + new filter
change your air filter
replace your spark plugs
replace your battery



After this everything sould be ok if not get your carbs balanced!!!!

[Red ones]

2) Battery... the battery is of course dead.... and after jump startinging it, the guages went all crazy.... but then, after a couple of jump starting, and running idle for a little while, it seems to have come back... yet... since I don't think I want to just go ride on it right the way, all I can do is running it idle and hoping the battery will charge, but that didn't happen.... so whenever I turn the bike off, it won't start anymore...


That's because the battery is flat - fully charge with an optimate for about 10 hours it should be OK. Teh guages are electronic and suffer if the voltage drops below 12v

[Peter Henry]

Jicko...I can advise that it's handling will still be sh*t despite it's long hibernation period! :P :P Only pulling yer leg mate. :wink:

[stewart-250]

Everything Billy said plus stripping the carbs and cleaning out with carb cleaner (not just blowing through with compressed air).

Overheating can be caused by a lean mixture, as can popping exhausts. Sounds like your pilot jets may be gummed up with crap as they've sat in stale petrol for 2 years.

Once you get the engine running right again check the brakes all work properly (you should change your brake fluid every 2 years anyway so consider doing this). I'd also think about treating yourself to a new set of tyres to celebrate getting the bike back on the road again.


cheers

Stewart