Old 1940 Motorcycle start up?

Tight Squeeze told you correct.

Your 1940 Indian is worth some cash. I know you don't plan on reselling it, but it is best to have a professional mechanic give it the once over. You do not have to have them fix it, just have them do a service inspection to see what is broken, missing or needs replacing. Since they are familiar with the bike, they will be able to go through it very quickly. If you talk nicely too them, show them that you are enthusiastic about restoring it and offer to purchase them a six pack and a pizza. They may look at it for free* - *price of beer and pizza.

Seals and bearings in the engine will probably need to be replaced. Not running an internal combustion engine is the worst thing you can do to it.

The simple answer is:

1. Change the spark plugs.

2. Clean the air filter.

3. Clean the carbs, carb jets, carb ports and float bowls.

4. Change the oil with a good synthetic oil like Mobil 1 V-Twin or T4.

5. Check the fuel tank for sediment and rust. If the tank is clean, put in fresh premium fuel.

6. Replace the points and condensers.

7. Bike should fire right up.

Old Indians, just like old Harley's were made to last. Anything mechanical build before 1950 was build like iron.

Locate yourself a shop manual before you start any work. Make sure you have a digital camera with you. Photograph as you work, this way you will have the photographs to fall back on. I always keep a plastic bin next to the bike I am working on and put the small parts I remove into the plastic bin.

Good luck and have fun.

Did you ever see it run? The old dog may have obsessed over it, but it doesn't mean it worked.

Starting it may cause damage that makes it worthless, kinda like firing an old gun that has become a hand grenade.

If it's worth it to you, then it's worth taking to a pro and let them give it a clean bill of health and even it start it up for you and train you on the basics of that machine. Else, you're going to ruin it, as you have no experience.

Nothing we tell you is going to change that.

After I did the MSF classification I located a `82 Virago 750. It has been superb for me, I wouldn`t go any smaller although. A lot of getty-up and relatively cheap. There are a ton of `94`s and older available in the market, handy to experience and control exceptional. Have fun.