Free 95 Road King...but it sat for years!
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Stage III
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Bristow, VA
Free 95 Road King...but it sat for years!
Hey all,
I own a 2008 Nightster all black, and was recently given (yes given, my father is not a young man anymore and wants to keep the bike in the family) his 1995 Road King. This bike has been garaged and covered, and was dusted with an ostrich feather duster...just to give you an idea as to how much care was given to this beast. This bike hasn't been started in over 5 years due to his failing health, so I have a simple question.
What kind of cleaning/engine work should I have done to this thing before I even crank it over? I am hauling it up from Florida (to Virginia) but I want to know what I should expect in terms of what needs to be done, and what the cost might be. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Oh, and the Nightster is staying so my honey has her own bike now. This was all part of my master plan, mmuuuuuaaahhhaaaaahaaaaaa.
I own a 2008 Nightster all black, and was recently given (yes given, my father is not a young man anymore and wants to keep the bike in the family) his 1995 Road King. This bike has been garaged and covered, and was dusted with an ostrich feather duster...just to give you an idea as to how much care was given to this beast. This bike hasn't been started in over 5 years due to his failing health, so I have a simple question.
What kind of cleaning/engine work should I have done to this thing before I even crank it over? I am hauling it up from Florida (to Virginia) but I want to know what I should expect in terms of what needs to be done, and what the cost might be. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Oh, and the Nightster is staying so my honey has her own bike now. This was all part of my master plan, mmuuuuuaaahhhaaaaahaaaaaa.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
Fresh gas. Fresh oils (including brake fluid). New battery (try charging old one just in case it may be good.....I'd opt for new). Check tires for dry rot.
Dust it with ostrich feathers. Crank it up. Thank your old man for giving you life (and a sweet RK).
Chuck
Dust it with ostrich feathers. Crank it up. Thank your old man for giving you life (and a sweet RK).
Chuck
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 13
From: Texas Hill Country
Not started in that long, I would change the fluids, and pull the spark plugs and crank it over for a while to let the oil circulate before actually starting it up and putting everything under a load.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,280
Likes: 3
From: Portland Oregon
precisely
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Fresh fluids for sure. Check the tires and all rubber lines for cracks. Wouldn't hurt to check the belt as well. Get a good battery.
I'd expect the carb will need to be cleaned, maybe rebuilt.
Get some new spark plugs. Put a little oil in the cylinders (I'd use Marvelous Mystery Oil) and turn the engine over a few times without the plugs in. It wouldn't hurt to let the oil sit a couple days.
Might be as little as $200 if you do the work yourself.
I'd expect the carb will need to be cleaned, maybe rebuilt.
Get some new spark plugs. Put a little oil in the cylinders (I'd use Marvelous Mystery Oil) and turn the engine over a few times without the plugs in. It wouldn't hurt to let the oil sit a couple days.
Might be as little as $200 if you do the work yourself.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
From:
themensh gave good advice. I would start by buying a service manual and giving it a thorough inspection. I would also check the plugs (maybe turn it over a couple of times with the plugs out) and be sure to check that the exhaust isn't plugged in some manner. I would let it heat cycle a couple of times after changing the oil and then change it again. Probably a pressure check.
Your father has done a great thing there. If it were me, I would get it up and running and as soon as I could, ride it down to see him. Let him know that we all think that it is an awesome gesture.
Your father has done a great thing there. If it were me, I would get it up and running and as soon as I could, ride it down to see him. Let him know that we all think that it is an awesome gesture.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
What the heck is it with '95 Road Kings being given away? A friend of mine's father did the same exact same thing last year for him. Didn't even have 2,000 miles on it. His old man even took it to the dealer and had them go over it for him. The only thing I ever got from my ol' man was an a$$ kicking.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 1
From: Heart of Missouri
I agree with others and mentioned all in the new members thread to you. The bike has to be pretty special since it was your dads. If you can't or don't feel comfortable doing it, since it was free take it to your tech. Be sure to look the tires, cables anything rubber for dry rot. Some good advice given. Post pictures, we like pictures.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 1
From: Oak Park, IL
Everyone is spot on, oil in the cylinders, kick it, let it sit for a bit, all new fluids and a start. Then check every nut bolt and piece of rubber.
Then whatever it is your Dad likes best, get him some, steak to scotch and let him know his baby will be cared for. Pretty darn cool ~ !
Then whatever it is your Dad likes best, get him some, steak to scotch and let him know his baby will be cared for. Pretty darn cool ~ !