Just thrown myself into a little (I hope) project. I have had many bikes over the last 7 years, none of which have ever really needed too much attention.

I bought a 85 NC21 as a non starter from a neighbour. It hasn't been used for 2 years and no surprise, it won't start. The battery has an unusual amount of grunt considering it's use. Just to make sure, I was using jump leads too.

It sounded like it was starting to catch a few times and may have actually run (briefly). I changed the fuel for some fresh super unleaded, bike electrics seem ok, getting a spark but there is a strong smell of fuel. I have followed advise from this forum to give NO throttle whilst starting, just choke.

Can anyone shed some light on this please. Had to convince my girlfriend that this was going to be a cheap project to get me back on the road. The bike only cost £400 and appears to be in good condition, but if I have to start spending serious money on it, that would be very disappointing.

Help!

Ben.

I'd suggest that after a 2 year lay-off you'll need to have the carbs off for a full clean. I'd suspect that the strong petrol smell will be because the floats are stuck and the bowls overflowing.

Have you changed the engine oil? Don't just jump start it, clean up all the terminals, probably the main earths too, check fuel and vacuum pipe as they can easily deteriorate. There'll be other things but that's a start

Good luck.

Ian

Thats quite an expensive price for a non running NC21.

I think you'll have to estimate how much money you'll need to spend on it, old bikes can be quite expensive, but to get it on the road as a cheap hack shouldn't cost too much.

If it's been standing long time i'd also recommend the strip and clean the carbs out.

Then give it a blast.

Usual service.. new oil, oil filter, possibly plugs and air-filter too.

How old / what condition are the tyres in too.

I used what little knowledge I have and changed the murky looking plugs, drained the carbs and tried again and then SUCCESS! She purrs like a little kitten. The oil definitely needs changing, Tyres are good and all the lights work as they should except for the neutral light stays on! Oh and the brakes needed some tlc with copper slip. She is so smooth and torquey.

Thank you both for your advise, hugely appreciate it. This is the first time i've even used a forum of any kind and it's great to get such a response. I will no doubt be posted more simple questions soon.

I think thats £400 well spent considering there is a spares or repairs one going for £650!

Again, many thanks.