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I've got a '99 Pegaso 650 which has been sitting idle for about 7 years. The carbs were quite bad shape when I got it.

The first time I cleaned the carbs I was able to get the bike started but it was running really rough, so I cleaned the carbs again using aerosol cleaner and compressed air.

I can get the bike running for a second or two if I spray aerostart down the throat of the carbs, but the engine quickly dies after this. There is plenty of clean fuel in the float bowls, and when I remove the carbs there is traces of fuel in the intake manifolds.

What do you think might be wrong?

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dumb question but did you put in fresh fuel? – DustinDavis Aug 30 '11 at 0:03
yes clean fresh fuel. – Ian Oakes Aug 31 '11 at 10:30
When you say you cleaned the carbs, did you clean the jets or maybe replace the jets? What happens if you hold the throttle while starting? – DustinDavis Aug 31 '11 at 14:44
Stripped the carbs completely, used CRC aerosol carb cleaner to clean all the passages. Applied compressed air after. I can hold the throttle in any position without any difference. Varying levels of choke also make no difference. – Ian Oakes Aug 31 '11 at 22:02
1  
turned the fuel spigot back on?! I forgot to do mine when i rebuilt my carbs – Mauro Oct 26 '11 at 7:34
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2 Answers

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Is your fuel filter clean? The lines could also be contaminated from sitting so long. Try flushing them with some gas. I've seen many engines that haven't run in a long time not work because of dirty fuel. Make sure the tank is clean as well. Also, check that the fuel pump is still working.

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Did you ever figure out what the problem was? I just cleaned out my carbs and reinstalled them today, and can't get the bike to fire up, although the engine is turning over... Gonna try some starter fluid tomorrow. Could it be the air screw settings?

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