Carburetor/gasoline question

[guywheatley]

Obviously the best bet is to start it once a week or at least month and run it to operating temp.  This won't help the battery unless you actually ride it but it should save the carbs.

I let mine sit WAY too long this year and now, after a few strong doses of seafoam in 'small' tanks of gas (have run maybe 3 gallons through it a gallon at a time) it starts easily when cold.  BUT if I ride it somewhere and get it all warmed up then stop for about 15 min it does not want to start.  I am not sure if this is carb related or battery related.  If I start it back up within 5 min it is not a problem.
Last time it did this it I tried so much to start it the battery did start getting weak.  I then put it in 2nd and pushed it as fast as my short little legs will go and jump started it.  It fired right up.  oops, sorry to get off topic.

Sounds just like mine right before I replaced the battery.

[lragan]

Well, I keep battery tenders on both bikes, so the batteries are charged when I open the trailer door.  Well, not the last time, because somehow I let the switch on the older tender get into the "6V" position, so naturally my 12V battery was dead.  Took the seat off, jumped the battery to my pickup, and it fired right up. 

In any case, I have resolved to use some seafoam in the "gasohol" (all one can buy around here now... don't get me started on this topic!) and run it regularly.

I appreciate the benefit of everyone's experience.  Thanks much.

[lragan]

Well, I have completed week one of the new regimen.  Started and ran both bikes today until they idled without "choke" (bypass) and would increase RPM smoothly with advancing throttle.  After a trip to town to buy fresh gas, doctored with Seafoam per the label +30%.

Didn't take long -- just have to do it -- even on cold days when it is not real comfortable.  At least in the trailer, in the barn, it is not too bad.

[LIMagna]

Sounds like a good start and a better way to spend some time than I got to enjoy today ... had to remove 20" of snow from the driveway ... and yes, that little dark spot in the pile near the curb is the top of my mailbox. 

[lragan]

Wow, Charlie

Do folks really live there when there's not a war on?

[L J VFR]

Speaking of cold, it's suppose to get down to 0 degrees tonight, brrrr. 

[LIMagna]

Wow, Charlie

Do folks really live there when there's not a war on?

Very funny Lawrence  ... we normally don't see a lot of snow on the Island but the past two seasons have been exceptions.  I'm still waiting for that global warming everyone is talking about to kick in    I did finally break down a buy a snow thrower a few years ago (already had one surgery on my back) and its more than paid for itself now. 

If this keeps up it's going to ruin my streak of riding at least once in every month of the year.