First start for 10 years...help!

[V4Spook]

Hi there, Newbie Spook here.

Just happily purchased a Rothams NC24, which has been in storage for 10 years.

I'm paranoid about starting her up and doing damage as she may be running dry. I was thinking about draining oil, removing sump and cleaning it...then refitting (+ new filter) and removing rocker covers (carbs already off for cleaning..they are bogging inside!) and pouring the fresh oil over the cams so it gets everywhere needed before starting. Also thinking of a bit of WD40 inside the bores before fitting the new plugs.

Does this sound right to all you knowledgables?? I'm just guessing here...any help would be very much appreciated.

Spook.

[VFRkieran]

Definatly change the oil, filter and sparkplugs, id drop a teaspoon of oil down the bore before you fit the plugs rather than wd40, once your ready to start it flick the killswitch off and spin the engine over for a few seconds on the starter motor, that should distribute enough oil up to the top end to save you pouring a load in there.

If the bike has been stored well then you shouldnt cause any damage by doing the stuff i listed, my main worry would be the seals getting all dried up but again if its been stored well you shouldnt have any major issues.

[Tim400GB]

Do what he said but turn the motor over by hand first too

[Neosophist]

The bike will crank over with the killswitch on (no spark) so it wont start but turn over.

After changing the fluids crank it over for 10 seconds at a time with 2 mintues rest for 3 or 3 times to fully circulate the new oil.

If its been standing 10 years, get a new battery on it, check the charging system after you fire it up as they are notoriously shit, if its reading high stop the bike or it will fry your new battery.

replce the fuel tap vaccum hose as it will be past its best and come back to bite you in the arse if it hasnt already died.

apart from that it should be ok.

[Morespeedvicar]

Hi, i'd crank the engine over without the plugs in, it'll blow out any crap thats in there then. Deffo change the oil, maybe even for cheap stuff while your sorting it out, then put in some good stuff when its been run a few times, and maybe change the filter again. Change the coolant aswell, again maybe just flush out with water for first couple a runs then change for proper coolant.
You may have to take carbs off and clean them out aswell, and prob wount do any harm anyway.
Cheers
Ian

[johnnie5]

no big deal really unless its been left outside for 10 years

carbs off , strip and clean

you could dump the oil and refill with some cheap oil then an oil and filter change after
you have been on a test tun up to full temps 10-20 kays

while you have the carbs off and plugs out crank the motor a couple of times for 10 secs at a time to lube the motor through

coolant change after hot test ride

brake fluid flush and i would pull the pads and pump the pistons out a little and good scrub with brake cleaner
as from past experience brakes get sticky after sitting around for so long and you will find youself 3 kays from home with calipers stuck on

if the tyres hold air then ok for test ride but be aware you need to change em as 10 year old tyres wont go round corners too well so be careful

dont worry about removing sump or filling rockers with oil

[V4Spook]

Thanks for all your help guys!

Have installed new filters, oil and poured oil down bores. Turned her over by hand (Cheers Timon!) Then spun her over with killswitch off with plugs out then put the new ones in after a few cycles.

Eventually she fired up (already cleaned carbs out) and ticks over fine. Not run her above 4,000rpm yet, need to sort out sticking brakes first. (Absolutly right, Jonnie5!)

I'm running around on a '93 ZZR400 at the mo, the NC24 feel like she's half the weight, yet as the power ratings are the same she's going to be a lot more entertaining methinks!

I love me old '87 RC24 (VFR750) too. ("Claudia Viffer") Had her 6 years and put half her 82,000 miles on her. She'll be returning to the TT this year, who else is going??

Thanks again for your help all....

Spook

[VFRkieran]

Glad to hear its going smooth so far, im sure you wont have any real problems wth it tbh. Have you ever ridden a VFR800? Ive heard that the earlier 750's are the better bike and im beggining to think that they probably are!

Wish i had the money to go over to the TT, think i may finally get a chance to next year though all depends how much more i spend on the rebuild.

[V4Spook]

Hey Kieran,
Not ridden an 800, but I've heard the 750's are more manageable track/fast road bikes too. Something to do with the vtec..

I wish I had the cash to go to the TT too. But still going!! Many tins of Aldi beans and a camping gaz stove help! And an understanding bank manager. /

[VFRkieran]

Well i have the pre VTEC model but its a lardy old bus, early fuel injection and MPG is shocking if you spend any amount of time in town its suprisingly nimble though and mines got 50k on and feels tight as a drum.

Id have been going this year if it wasnt for rebuilding the NC30, if i get this new job though i may take a trip over to the manx gp and do the TT next year.