We limit access by GUESTS to protect our members from spam, hacks and trolls. Please register to gain access to all our resources.
Posted by kw-retrorider
- March 20, 2018, 03:50:46 AMWelcome....battery and carb problems are not fatal. Bought my first 800 when it would only run on choke and would not take a load. Bike had been sitting. No amount of seafoam or similar that the previous owner tried over several months to get it running right so I could ride it, worked....although I certainly would drain the tank and try fresh gas with additive first as ratman suggests.
I bought the bike anyway and took it straight to a dealer, who rebuilt the carb. I have never touched it since. That was 20k miles ago. So, regardless of who does the rebuild, they can be rebuilt and cleaned out with good results. If I remember right, the tank petcock valve was changed as well.
You will enjoy the 800 once that carb is cleaned and set up right. Good luck with your choice.
What year is it?...and don't forget to post a pic once you get it home.
Posted by mittico68
- March 20, 2018, 03:35:23 AMWelcome aboard!
You'll see: the 800 is way cooler and smoother then the 1500... 
Don't forget to post some pics of your beauty! 
Posted by CDNRatMan
- March 20, 2018, 00:14:23 AM If that was the big issue that the bike just sat, then perhaps take the battery out have it tested for load and such on a bench and then replace it and if you are going to do an oil change then prior to the oil change add some fresh gas to the tank, add a couple of glugs of seafoam to the gas tank and shake it up good, you don't need a full tank for this, and then add a couple of glugs to the oil also.
Then take it for a nice ride and keep the rpm's up and shift through the gears. Then bring it home and then do an oil change. when you do the oil change, remove the screen from the side of the engine before the drain plug and the filter, allow most of the oil from the side drain and then remove the screen and see what is showing up on that.
Posted by Ernest
- March 19, 2018, 23:21:02 PMQuote from: CDNRatMan on March 19, 2018, 16:08:35 PMI purchased to bike over the internet. I'll figure things out when I receive it. in this day, so much purchasing is done over the internet, didn't have the opportunity to see bike in person. kinda made an educated decision on the information available.Welcome Ernest:
So battery is really easy to swap out. What is wrong with the carb? If the bike is running then a couple of glugs into a a fuel tank of fresh gas of SeaFoam just might be the answer.
800's are so much fun to tinker on and to ride....
Thanks about advise about Seafoam, it looks like the bike just sat, that made the battery and carburetor go bad....
Posted by Ernest
- March 19, 2018, 23:09:06 PMQuote from: Ogri on March 19, 2018, 10:54:31 AMlol 1500 can take over. the 800 is the prettier bike. seems to capture the essences of the old Harley rigids (hard tales), 45 cubic inch for sure.Hi Ernest, welcome to the group. It's good to see a fellow 800 owner, those 1500ers are starting to take over!
Posted by CDNRatMan
- March 19, 2018, 16:08:35 PMWelcome Ernest:
So battery is really easy to swap out. What is wrong with the carb? If the bike is running then a couple of glugs into a a fuel tank of fresh gas of SeaFoam just might be the answer.
800's are so much fun to tinker on and to ride....
Posted by Ogri
- March 19, 2018, 10:54:31 AMHi Ernest, welcome to the group. It's good to see a fellow 800 owner, those 1500ers are starting to take over! 
Posted by Ernest
- March 19, 2018, 10:14:03 AMHello, I'm Ernest from Houston, TX. This is more or less my first post. I've been following Forum Threads for a while.
Recently purchased my first Drifter (800) as a project. I'm scheduled to receive it tomorrow. The story on the bike is that it needs the carburetor cleaned and a new battery.
I hope you guys can help me bring this lovely back to its full potential, looking forward too communicating with the group.
Thanks!
Ernest