Evening all.

At the TT last year I got knocked off my bike, managed to get it home. The solicitors/insurance dealings are only finally coming to an end. My bikes sat in my garage since the end of June/July time on trickle charge. I started it up around September and is started first time.

I went to start it today and no luck, the battery seems fine. The starter just seem to be spinning and not catching. Could just be dodgy fuel prehaps? Also i think the clutch has seized as when I put it in gear, pull the clutch in and press the started it lurches forward. Also when in gear and the clutch in its hard to move the bike backwards and forwards so bump starting doesn't seem like an option.

Any ideas on how to get it started or what the problem with the clutch is?

Thanks in advance. Phil.

Fiver says it's the fuel/carbs. Get them off, clean them up, wipe down the plugs and add some fresh fuel and I'm sure she'll fire up. At the same time, hoover out your air filter for any shit that might be in there.

As for the clutch, start with the easy things first, check that it's adjusted correctly.

I'm no expert but sounds like your fuel has gone off/lacquered carbs. Check for a spark at one of the more accessible plugs first before you start emptying the tank or cleaning the carbs?

Also if a bike's been left standing the clutch plates can stick together. You could to tie the lever back and leave it overnight to see if that works?

I'm sure someone of more experience will be along to help in a while... Edit: or even before I manage to finish typing. lol

Carbs may have gummed up.

I presume it was running before it was left seeing as you mention you got it home (or was it in a van)

If it was running then it's just happened by being layed up, so most likely bad fuel / blocked carbs.

Check obivous things like kill switch isn't on.

Put it in a high gear and rock it backwards and forwards with the clutch in, should free the clutch off.. sounds like the plates have stuck together.

You can also try starting it in gear with the clutch pulled in and the foot on the rear brake (but this is hard on the starter motor... not had a problem doing it before but i'd try rocking it first)

Crack the drain screws from the carbs and make sure there is fuel in there.. it does take a while to fill with fuel if it's evaporated so you might need to crank it a few seconds.. wait a few minutes and repeat.

Make sure tap is on too