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I just aquired an 02 Bonneville America that has not been started for nearly two years. This is one of those "barn finds" and I can't believe my good fortune. It has 3100 miles and after spending about 12 hours of cleaning off the grime of time, its absoluty beautiful.

I got it from a cancer survivor, who lost intrest in riding and I basically got the deal of the century.

I've not attempted to start it yet, of course the battery is dry and dead and will need replacing. What is the best method to "wake up" this beast from it two year slumber?

The tank is bone dry, but I'm not sure how much fuel was left in the carbs. Will I have to rebuild the carbs?

I don't have a clue to what type oil has been used, the guy I got it from was the second owner and he only rode it for about 150 miles and parked it, so he doesnt know as well. Should I go with a synthetic or not?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated, I'm buying a new battery tomorrow, all the local bike dealerships are closed on Monday's here...so it's anothe day of waiting!!

Bill

Hi Bill and welcome, you do not say where you are in the world, but I would try dropping the float bowls and or just try putting in some fuel with I think the guys on here call it seafoam or something like that. then if no joy then pull the carbs off. You may also want to pull the plugs and clean them as well.

I am sure someone will churp in with other suggestions as well.. There is plenty of info on here to cover your bike so fill your boots...

Welcome Billy.Most definately synthetic oil and while you're at it a new oil filter.I would also check the fuel bowls.Simply check the tech section.It will have all the info you'll need.Any other questions we're here to help.Charlie.

Oh and one more thing NEVER twist the throttle when attempting to start the bike.This can cause a small explosion under the seat which will blow the airbox apart.

Welcome to the site, Bill. Happy for ya and your deal of the century! These bikes are pretty bullit proof and I'll wager you won't have any problem getting it going again. Two years is not that long of a time for an engine to sit. Make sure to give a good look at the tires, checking for dry rot. Keep us posted!

There are a lot of things to check on a bike that has sat for awhile...
Check all the rubber bits for cracks and such - tires, hoses, fuel lines, manifold rubbers, drain lines, vent line, squirrel condoms, etc.
Check inside that bone dry fuel tank for rust. Also the older TA's had a problem with paint flaking off on the filler neck under the gas cap. - Check that out as well.

Pull the seat and check the air filter and air box for critters or their debris.

Does the previous owner have any maintenance records? That would help too.

Hopefully, you won't find any problems with anything, but if you do - ask.

And welcome - let us know where you are. Someone might be near enough to lend you a hand.

Thanks guys! I have given it a good going over, checking all the rubber and fuel lines etc. It basically looks like its been pulled from a time capsule, I'll post pics in a couple days.

If you have a way to jack up the bike -- Before starting, & with your fresh oil in place, jack up the bike, strap it in place, and pull the plugs. Put it in 5th gear, and rotate the rear tire a dozen or so turns in the direction of travel. This will pump oil throughout the engine, and get everything lubed up inside. Many believe that a great deal of engine wear is during the first few seconds after starting, before any oil pressure is present. I'd be inclined to agree with that theory. When I hear someone rev up a dry engine in any vehicle, it kinda makes my skin crawl.

Per your oil question, there is a specific Mobil synthetic oil bottled exclusively for Triumph that is very good, but it is pricey. IMO, the Mobil 1 for V Twins is probably just as good, but cheaper in price. I've seen this V Twin oil at auto parts chain stores for around $8 per quart.

Before turning the engine over, dribble a little penetrating oil such as Liquid Wrench down the sparkplug holes and let it soak overnight. There isn't much oil in the area of the compression rings and this will help avoid problems.
It was probably parked with gas in the tank, and that leaves behind a lot of nasty residue when it evaporates. You should flush out the tank, then pull the petcock and clean the screen.
First turnover should be done slowly by rotating the rear wheel in top gear. Stop if you feel a clunk and the turning gets hard, as this probably means a valve is stuck open.

Keep an eye on the tires. If it was stored in a dark dry place they may be OK, but replace them if the sidewalls start to crack.

Once you get it going, you will find that the bike rides just as nice as it looks.