I've got an old 2008 Honda CB500 that's been sitting in the garage since November. Just took it out and the carb is completely gunked up, it barely starts and spits out weird stuff from the exhaust. Is that normal or do I actually have a problem? Any tips for cleaning it without taking everything apart?
It's totally normal after a long break, especially if gas has been sitting in the carb all winter - it thickens up and leaves varnish deposits everywhere.
The easiest thing without taking it apart is to dump a good carb cleaner in the tank (you can find them anywhere) and let the engine run for a bit, but honestly on an old bike like yours, if it's really gunked up, you're probably gonna have to pull it out and soak it with specialized cleaner or pure gas. It's not that bad to do, just a bit of a pain. Otherwise ask a mechanic - it won't cost you an arm and a leg for that job.
Log into answer.
