Awakening Rip Van Sabre - Responses from usenet rec.motorcycles

I have a friend who is willing to sell me a Honda Saber that has
been sitting in his garage, unridden, for eight years(almost 9!).

My question is, given that I don't believe he has taken any 'storage'
precautions(hasn't drained the gas tank, etc), what sort of trouble
should I expect to go through to get it running? Any horror
stories I should expect?  Thanks!

Gummed carbs and leaky rubber (seals of all kinds) were the two things that
the bike I bought suffered from.  This bike had been sitting about 5 years. 
Before I bought it, the guy bought a parts bike and put (almost) new carbs in.
I noticed oil seepage from the head cover after riding it a bit, but the
seepage gradually subsided after running it about a month.  Since it's been
sitting for about two weeks at a time during the winter, i have seen this
seepage again, so I will replace this gasket in the spring.  Other than that,
all I can suggest is to change all of the fluids (see owner's manual) and
cross your fingers.

I'll send you the Used Bike Buying FAQ, but I would guess that after 8 
years of improper storage, the carbs will be gummed up, the tank may be 
rusty, it will need a new battery and probably new tires.  You will also 
need to replace the oil, filters, plugs, etc.  You're looking at say $500 to 
get this bike ready for the road after you purchase it.

Mmm I'd stay well away ...... four things that come immeadiately to
mind...

1.   The petrol will look like glue .... and the fuleing system will
have to be completely stripped before you consider starting.

2.   You will need a new battery since the other one hasn't been
disconnected and regularly charged.

3. The tyres will be completely shagged. Don't consider even thinking
about riding the Saber without new boots.

4.   The oil will have drained to the bottom of the engine .... 9
years off moisture will have eaten at the inside of the engine with no
regular runs to drive out the moisture.  Its likely that if two engine
parts inside the engine have remained in contact for that long rust
will have formed at the join and you can guess the rest....

That's before you even consider seized calipers, new pads, new chain,
electrical contact corrosion, service items, tax, and insurance.

I have just completed restoration of a 1972 Yaamaha RD350 which had been stored
for about 10-12 years without precautions.  It was stored in Melbourne which
enjoys temperate weather (no snow, moderate humidity in summer, etc), which may
have some impact on condition.

Previous owner had just put it in shed without cleaning off two-stroke oil,
gearbox oil leaks and chain lube which fortunately helped preserve chrome, etc!!
Otherwise major problems were related to:

- brakes badly corroded internally requiring replacement of all rubber bits,
and grinding and re-chroming caliper pistons;

- fork seals and dust boots perished;

- rubber drive-blocks in hubs perished;

- various leaks from oil seals which have been replaced;

- new battery and tyres (tyres had been flat for long time, but looked OK, but
I decided not to risk life and limb!)

There is some evidence of minor surface rust in the tank, but not significant. 

Carbies were stripped & cleaned but I've found more gunk in "active" machines!

Mechanically no problems (except some condensation in speedo & tacho) but the
motor internals in a two-stroke get liberal coatings of oil - may be of greater
concern for 4-stroke?  Started on 6th kick!

Hope above helps.  I've had loads of fun restoring, and now enjoy regular
"fangs". Good luck!

Expect electrical demons from Hell, a new tire or two, and a teardown of 
the carbs.  Check the oil for proper level, water droplets, grit, dead 
cats, etc.  Make sure the engine will turn over (reeeely important).  As 
always, expect to spend more money than you'd like.  If you'd be willing 
to learn all about motorcycle fundamentals, this here's THE bike for 
you... If not, or if you're gonna have a shop work on it, save yourself 
the hassle over the lower (up-front) cost and get a bike that has been 
run in the last couple of months or so.  No matter what your decision, 
always remember to treat everything as a learning experience, and you 
can't possibly go wrong (theoretically speaking).

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