before I start striping my Mc18 completely, I was just wondering if there is anything else I can do to get her to start. She is a good looking 1988 model that has not been rebuild etc. and has been sat around for a while. I think she only ventured out twice last year. She last ran in November (just started but not driven), when she started without choke. I tried to start here this month and cannot get her to start at all. Got no response at all.

I asked a question on our Facebook group (I am using the Forum as it is easier to see replies etc.) and the consensus was to check the plugs for a spark, the cans for any gunk, took the tank off and splashed some fuel straight into the carbs, checked the wiring of the coils (one was swapped) and after all that still no avail, so I pulled the carbs off to have a look at the jets etc. I did not do a deep clean, as they looked clean to the naked eye. After I put everything back together still nothing, except after several kicks i had one massive misfire.

I was planning to rebuild the bike from scratch. However, I have a MC16 to rebuild first and I was hoping to run the 18 whilst I was rebuilding the 16. So any further suggestions, pointers etc. very welcome.

Thanks for your time.

It's worth putting in some new plugs and fuel, as that's a cheap and simple first step. Make sure that the battery is in good condition and fully charged. You should need some choke to start, but be careful not to over fuel.
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Why do things simply when you can complicate them

If it’s getting air,fuel and spark it should start. I’d say check the compression but if it ran ok recently, I don’t know if they suffer with the centre seal failing like the later bikes.

thanks for all the help - my MC18 is back on the road!

Nice clean 18, what was the problem ?
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Proud Father of , 05 ktm 400exc supermoto 2018 honda crf rx supermoto

Looks awesome Mr Adder 😆

Out of interest where was that pic taken looks like you live near a volcano

hahaha - no. Its only The Wrekin, a local hill here in the Midlands (England)

The issue with my 18 was rather simple - dirty carbs and old plugs - just swapped plus got a set of new coils. Now starts first kick cold without choke and first kick when warm.

Great result


Out of interest whats happened to your rear under cowl as you’ve no rear indicators
Looks clean and racy but obviously isn’t missing altogether as you’d have nothing to hang your reg plate on and you’d get a wet arse 😂

I've got a cut down inner mudguard if you need/ want one. Some MOT stations insist on a rear reflector. I did have a stick on one, until I found an uncut inner mudguard
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Why do things simply when you can complicate them