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I'm glad you posted this.I ran into the same issue with my Sporty project,when I started the teardown,to pull the motor.I figured it all drained to the sump,but was unsure how to drain it after that,and/or startup.
So,if the oil is in the lower end now,how do you drain it,and start fresh?
I plan on replacing the tires and getting a bike lift at harbor frieght...
I'd do that before trying to ride it. Check the tire dates, probably older than that 13 year sit. Even if they look ok, you'd be risking a sidewall blowout trying to ride on tires that old. When you pull the wheels, might pop the outer seals off the wheel bearings and check inside; those are old enough they're probably good American made bearings, but they're easy enough to check.
Adding oil can not HURT anything with the exception of a possible oil overflow out of the tank. I personally would not chance cranking/running with NO oil. But to each his own.
+1 - you want some oil in the tank. I would also pull the plugs and squirt a little oil into the cylinders.
You'll want new plugs anyway and you will need to rebuild the carb after sitting dry this long.
I would pull the spark plugs and crank the engine over for 10-15 seconds a few times.
Then I would check to see if any oil returned to the oil tank.
I plan on that and let it sit for 24hrs then put it in gear to make sure its not siezed.....also I just bought a 30. Gallon air compressor. ...just for good measure
Here is what I would do. Step one pull the plugs and spray a little WD40 into each cylinder. Leave the plugs off. Spin the engine with the starter for 10 to 20 seconds. Check the oil tank level. I strongly suspect that you will find your missing oil. I would drain it all then refill with new. Put Techron/Seafoam or what ever your preference for carb cleaner is into the tank and fill with a gallon or so of gas, With your plugs back in start the engine. I just may fire up with some effort. If it runs okay ride around the yard or block.
If that is successful you will know about the suspension and running gear. Now it is ready for a full service and detail and decisions on what else my be needed.
In my incredibly winter salted area a bike can look like that real quick. Sad to see bikes with every exposed bolt head rusted, rusty spokes, pitted aluminum but I've also seen them looking that way after several years parked outside where there was no salt. I've bought a bike with completely rust coated cylinders, but the rust came off easy with a wire brush, got lucky on that one. Lot of nuts and bolts replacement, though. I replace with stainless when it's not a high strength requirement.
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New pics!!!!!!!
