Picked up a new-to-me bike :)

His garage was very dark, and I picked it up at 10:30 at night so it was dark outside too. I knew upfront that it didn't run. Didn't even have a battery in it. The PO was honest that it hadn't been started since 2006.


Based on your excitement the seller could have got more out of you. Shame on the seller for not being like other bike sellers. The bike was probably not stored properely.
 
Based on your excitement the seller could have got more out of you. Shame on the seller for not being like other bike sellers. The bike was probably not stored properely.

I wasn't all excited when I went to see the bike. Gotta remain chill, wear a poker face when buying used bikes. ;)

It sat in an unheated garage all that time. It is what it is. At least it wasn't sitting outside in the elements.
 
Put in a new battery last night, fully charged up. I figured the engine should at least crank and want to start. Nope. It sounds seized. Click, half second wrrrr noise and then nothing. Looks like I'll be tearing into it more than I had hoped I would need to.

Could just be a messed up starter or the connection between the battery and starter could be corroded/loose. Put it on the stand in 6th gear and see if you can rotate the engine by rotating the wheel.
 
Does that gen of 250 have 17" wheels? If not tires are going to be a problem unless you switch to curren gen rims.
 
I understand that it is a Gen2. Gen1 went up to '99, IIRC? I could be wrong...

If someone knows where I can download the full repair manual, please, PLEASE link me!
 
Put in a new battery last night, fully charged up. I figured the engine should at least crank and want to start. Nope. It sounds seized. Click, half second wrrrr noise and then nothing. Looks like I'll be tearing into it more than I had hoped I would need to.

Try turning over the motor by bump starting. If the rear wheel locks, yeah you may be looking at a seized motor. That would be at least a top end rebuild, or a messed up transmission which would suck.
 
This is nasty. The petcock wasn't turned off for 5 years. The oil sight window was showing empty. Upon pulling the drain plug/filter combo, the oil coming out is loaded with gas.

EDIT: It lives!!! Changed out the oil, refilled it with some fresh stuff and little bastard started right up. With 5-year-old gas in it no less. Wow!
 
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Woooohoooo congrats on the new track bike:) Can't wait to see it next season!!!
 
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