[FreeShadow1100]

So a little backstory, i work a moving job and a customer gave my friend a 86 shadow vt1100, he said it had sat for 6 years and needed a new battery and a tune up. The owner told my friend he would send him the title in the mail but ultimately it never came. He gave it to me since i still work the moving job and would have a better chance at getting in contact with the owner. Ive since put a new battery in there and it turned right on, it cranks but wont turn over. The gas tank wont close and is rusted pretty bad, as well as the exhaust. I checked the oil hoping it wouldnt have any but it did and it was pitch black. It shouldnt be too hard getting the title, the owner was considerably old though. Even with no title and its condition i think nothing beats free. This is my first bike so what all do i do now?

 

[swifty2014]

Probably clean the carbs since the gas was so bad in the tank.
If you spray some carb cleaner or starting fluid into the air filter inlet and it starts for a few seconds that rules out electrical at least. Make sure the kill switch is ON.

 

[D's Spirit]

Howdy FreeShadow1100!

Replace all fluids (including brake fluid). Probably replace the tires -- even though they may have decent tread, they have definitely aged out. Lube everything.

Download or buy a Honda shop repair manual and an owner's manual.

Have fun!

 

[BadBMWbrad]

New to me 1986 Honda Shadow VT1100

See link. I got a Honda Shadow like yours in early March. Its carburetor pilot jets were gunked up and it wouldn't start and idle properly until I cleaned out the pilot jets. Replace the brake fluid and clutch actuator fluid.

 

[Troy Jollimore]

I would work on getting the title first. Without that, it’s probably not worth the trouble to fix up. Replacing titles can get pricey.

 

[Big Shrek]

The title thing also kinda depends on where you live...
If you live in certain states like Alabama...it's easier.
Mechanic's Lien's are also a good way to get a title...but you have to create a biz first.
My particular bit was a Motorcycle Towing biz with Salvage Yard...used a Ford Courier
with a motorcycle stop in the bed and a big ramp...and a shed in my backyard...
worked great in Florida back in the day for doing Mechanic's Liens & then title apps.
Took about 90 days to get one that way back then with the proper paperwork.

The other trick is to get the engine running, then find a bike with a dead engine
with a good title & swap engines. Used to do a lot of that in the 80's & 90's...lol
Not real hard to find an 1100 with a dead engine these days.