hi all

just got a engine thats been stored for about eight years. i'm going to use it now, but before i do
should i:
1) just run it hope it runs and don't mash anything up or

2)clean carbs, drain and prime engine.

what would you guys do

Clean the carbs.
Use some 3in1 spray oil down the plug holes and turn the engine over by hand a couple of revolutions.
New oil, filters and plugs. New fuel too.
Charge the battery and if you can connect it up with some jump leads to another battery.
Now, with the spark plugs out, turn the engine over on the starter until the oil light goes off.
Put the plugs in
With the air box off and the fuel connected lift the carb slides and spray some carb cleanerinto the carb bodies.
Now crank the engine with the choke on - keep on cranking and move the the choke in and out ... the engine with turn over faster and faster although it probably won't catch, keep the starter button in and keep spraying the carb cleaner into the carb mouths. The engine will spin fast enough for you to open the throttle a tiny amount and then it should run on the throttle.
It takes a while and your mechanical sympathy will be screaming but it will go eventually

Welcome to the forum

thanks evil. i'm not actuall new to the forum.
Just forgot my original login details,

Strictly speaking, after that length of time you ought to strip the engine and put back together using assembly lube before turning it over.

That said, personally I'd do what Evil has suggested, as it'll work fine and will be a lot, lot less hassle.

If the engine's out you could take the camcover off and squidge some assembly grease on the cam lobes and around the journals ... it wouldn't hurt.
You can have a look at the cam cover gasket too - might be an idea to replace it if theres any doubt.