Not Started For A While!

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Iant187, Jun 9, 2015.

  1. The bike I'm restoring hasn't been ridden for a couple of years and I know there were electrical problems with it (immobilisoer etc.) when it last worked.
    There are a few more things wrong with it now i.e. no ECU and no keys and a bit of a chopped up wiring loom.
    Question is, once I've got those replaced, would you have a go at starting it to see if the engine / wiring loom / ECU etc. are all working or do I need to:

    Change the oil (I'm thinking yes!)
    Fresh Petrol (may as well)
    What about belts etc...??? is that necessary just to see if it will start - is it taking a risk if I don't??? I'd def look to change the belts once it was all up and running, but just wondering if it's necessary just to see if it will start.

    Is there anything else I should change or check before trying to start it?

    Cheers
     
  2. NB Reason I'd rather not change the belts initially, is I'm not sure if it's something I can do myself (or would I need special tools to do it)?
    Getting it to a shop to do it for me won't be straight forward if it doesn't ride!

    In my ideal world, I'm hoping I can change the electrical bits etc. start the bike and ride it down to the workshop where they can service it and change the belts etc. for me and then I go back to restoring the rest of the bike. But I don't want to take any risks if there's a significant chance it might bugger up the engine!!! just after your thoughts! What would you do????? :)
     
  3. It wouldn't hurt to have the belt covers off and do a visual inspection, if they look decent and in good shape (not cracked or frayed) I'd be tempted to go for it. Reason being that if a belt is going to let go, it's going to do so under heavy load imho, I don't think just trying to start it poses much of a risk.

    Good luck.
     
  4. Yeah good point, thanks Grey, may as well have a look see what they look like!
    Cheers
     
  5. I'd take the plugs out and turn it over until the oil light goes out.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  6. Stupid question coming up... What does that do? Show you've got oil pressure???
     
  7. As the bike has been standing for a couple of years it's a good idea to get the oil circulating and up to pressure before starting.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  8. Have a look on my website at Chris Kelly's instructional video's to get an idea...

    www.exactUK.com - DucatiTech Instructional Video's
     
  9. Thanks Exige, nice one! I'll def check those out, looks like a lot of vids there that will be useful to me.
    Cheers
     
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