Quote:
We've got a Harley Davidson Sportster 883. It's the 2002 model.

It was bought brand new. It was driven twice, then garaged for two years. It's still in the garage. We are selling it.

My question:

What is the correct procedure to safely start up this motorcycle for its new owner or potential owner? Do we have to do anything special to the fluids or doodads or doohickeys to prevent damage to it?


If it has been sitting for 2 years, it is probably fine. Check the rubber bits and make sure they don't look cracked or anything - all rubber: hoses, tires, rubber that's part of the engine, etc. I don't think 2 years would be enough time for the carbs to gunk up from the gas... I'd just check to make sure stuff looks ok, fill the tires with air, and fire it up.

Of course, the battery is probably dead. You can use a car and jumper cables on the original battery safely. I'd done that a dozen times. You may need a new battery if the current one doesn't hold a charge...

- Jon