I have a 2002 Honda Shadow 750 that I haven't ridden for about 2 years. I did occasionally start it up from time to time, but haven't started it in about 2 years.
I tried starting today and have problems. I jumped it from my car and got it to start, but it will not idle. As soon as I let off the gas it dies. Also, if I disconnect the jumper cables it runs really bad, no effect from the throttle, severe backfiring etc. When I put it up 2 years ago I did put some fuel stabilizer in it, but not sure if it lasts that long. I believe the backfiring indicates bad fuel, but what does the fact that it won't run unless the jumper cables are connected indicate? The battery is almost brand new.
Basically, what I am looking for is a recommendation on what to do from here. I have a trickle charger on the battery now. Do I just try and get it running and take on the highway for a bit, do I drain the gas tank, do add octane booster?
Meaning what? That it was brand new the last time you rode regularly........3 years or so ago?? If so, that hardly qualifies as "brand new". 3 is about 70 in battery years !! :shock:
At any rate, the WORST thing you can do to a battery (without a large hammer) is to let it sit for long periods of time while it is NOT fully charged.
Before you do anything else, be sure the battery is still functional by taking it OUT of the bike to a battery store for a load test.
I predict that after you charge it, it will run fine (or much better) once or twice and then will be dead again.
P.S. If you had connected that charger for a couple of days every couple of months, you probably would still have a healthy battery now.
Thanks for the reply. I know I should have kept it charged, it's a long story on why I didn't. Basically I didn't intend to stop riding. Two years ago I didn't ride that much, but I did keep the battery charged. 1 year ago I was planning on riding very regular and bought the new battery and installed it. Right after I did that my twin brother was diagnosed very suddenly with terminal pancreatic cancer (at age 40) so things just got away from me and I didn't keep it charged and the bike hasn't really been ridden in two years.
Sorry to hear about your twin... that sucks big time.
Your battery is toast... best get a new one and do not get sucked into buying a cheap chinese one as to date they are worst than usless...tend to spew acid as well as let you down.
Get some carb. cleaner. Put about twice the recommended amount in 1/2 tank of gas.....THEN it will probably get better as you ride it. When you notice an improvement, fill the tank the rest of the way.
1) Seafoam is not the best cleaner for serious problems; it's good for maintenance but not serious cleaning. Original Gumout or Berryman's B12 are best for heavy duty cleaning.
2) You're having a fuel flow problem. What do YOU think? :roll:
If you put a new one on, do it AFTER draining out the old gas.