Yamaha R1 or just about any manual bike I guess

[Funkycowie]

My sisters boy friend is out of the country for work and his R1 needs to be picked up for service... I have been asked to start it to make sure it does start, never started a manual before and I can't get in touch with him to find out.

What do I do?

[anonstarter]

Put key in ignition. Check kill switch. Turn key in ignition. Make sure the green light is lit. If not press left gear lever down a few times and then up once until green light appears. Press Starter. I think.

[BBvideo 560,340][/BBvideo]

[poldark]

Some bikes need the clutch to be held in to start.

Will only start on the sidestand if in neutral, which is how it must have been left I guess.

Should be run at tickover for at least 5 mins otherwise you're just putting water into the exhaust system. Should roll it about, without engine on, to move the tyre position unless it's on paddock stands.

[Ferret]

It may also need to have the side stand up ,due to switch on the stand .

[Dave Weller]

If it's an early model before 2004, it may have a choke/throttle lifter. Initially don't grab a handful of throttle, see if it starts under the control of the choke as you don't want to flood it if the engine does not catch instantly.

[rtfm]

Starr it up. Put into 1st, ride it like you stole it!!!

[Funkycowie]

Only have an auto license so no riding for me... especially as I have no clue how to use the bloody gears

[poldark]

Only have an auto license so no riding for me... especially as I have no clue how to use the bloody gears

Yeah but it'll have a quickshifter fitted so just flick your left foot up and next gear engaged for you without the left lever...... suppose gets a bit trickier when you want to slow down though, but I'm sure you'll sort something out!

[Dave Weller]

I'll come over and take it out, I specialize in de-coking laid -up vehicles.

[poldark]

I'll come over and take it out, I specialize in cocking-up perfectly good vehicles.

Just corrected your typo there Dave!