I've had my bike for less then a year and I'm new to this. I did not winterize my bike properly according to the mechanic and it won't start now. My friend recommended that I drain the old gas and put in new gas. Did that, but it still won't start. Mechanic said I have to clean the carbs because the old gas probably stuffed the carbs.
Is there anything I can do or use any kind of cleaning fluid to flush the carbs?

Mecahnic wants $250 to clean the carbs, but I want to try doing something if possible to save the cash...

Please help.

Originally posted by pilot_R1_2004
I've had my bike for less then a year and I'm new to this. I did not winterize my bike properly according to the mechanic and it won't start now. My friend recommended that I drain the old gas and put in new gas. Did that, but it still won't start. Mechanic said I have to clean the carbs because the old gas probably stuffed the carbs.
Is there anything I can do or use any kind of cleaning fluid to flush the carbs?

Mecahnic wants $250 to clean the carbs, but I want to try doing something if possible to save the cash...

Please help.

Your profile says you have a 2004 R1, which has no carbs. If you didn't know your bike doesn't have carbs find a friend who can help you. Provided it turns over it could be:

1) Dead battery
2) Bad gas

If it even turn over?, you're half way there.

:beer

BTW, please tell me you're not treating a brand new R1 like this. And I hope an '04 isn't your first bike. Oh and if your "mechanic" thinks an '04 R1 has carbs, get a new mechanic. He's over charging you anyway even if you had a carburetted bike.

:beer

Had the same problem on my 01. Here's what I did, one reccomendation came from this forum so cheers for that. I also had old fuel in the carbs. First I bought a can of carburator cleaner (spray), starting fluid and did a refill with new fuel. Charged the battery in advance for about 12-14 hours. Then took off the air box and sprayed directly into the carbs. Just remember dont overspray with the starting fluid as it can cause engine damage. That did the trick for me, once it starts sucking in the fresh fuel you should be good to go. Also check if your fuel lines are not cramped or pinched, also check the fuel pump (check the filter if it is pushing fuel through it) $6 compared to $250 - its worth a shot.

I know the bike has a fuel injector. The parts guy at Northshore Yamaha here in Cleveland told me exactly what I wrote. I was surprised myself to hear this but being a biginner I consider these guys professionals and rely on what they say (they are a Yamaha R1 dealer). But I guess they are not professionals :( .

It turns over, but won't start. I'll try switching spark plugs.

Oh yeah, thats only if your bike is CARBURATED, yours sig says its a 04. I guess in that case you would have to get a fuel injection cleaner.

Originally posted by pilot_R1_2004
I know the bike has a fuel injector. The parts guy at Northshore Yamaha here in Cleveland told me exactly what I wrote. I was surprised myself to hear this but being a biginner I consider these guys professionals and rely on what they say (they are a Yamaha R1 dealer). But I guess they are not professionals :( .

It turns over, but won't start. I'll try switching spark plugs.

Listen, I can appreciate your situation, we were all new to basic maintenance at one point. I'll spare you my thoughts on an R1 as a first bike, but if you think that an '04 R1 needs new plugs because it won't start, step away from the bike, find a new mechanic/friend who can help and get it started.

I'm also assuming your bike is charged up fully since it was sitting so long?

:beer

I talked to a service mechanic at another dealership this morning, he said that it's possible that I fluded the spark plugs... I have no clue if this is is the case, but according to him it's very possible.

Dump the gas, put in new plugs, and be sure you turned the fuel petcock back on.

Originally posted by Jeff
Dump the gas, put in new plugs, and be sure you turned the fuel petcock back on.

Where is fuel petcock located?

Originally posted by pilot_R1_2004
Where is fuel petcock located?

Check your owners manual.

:beer