My '85 Spree Only Hits 20

[87spree70superbee]

I just put in a new oil pump because the old one pumped in too much. I just did a top speed run, and I couldn't get past 20. New CDI and coil because the last one crapped out. While I was driving, the motor would kind of "surge," the RPM's would kick up and push me forward a little, then come back down. Has a new air filter, carb is perfectly clean... Oh, and it's chugging gas like there's no tomorrow. I got nothing. Clutch feels good, it has a new belt. I know the motor isn't reaching full RPM, I've driven an '87 that was fine, and I know the motor has a higher-pitched "whine" and I don't hear it with mine. Anyone have any ideas?

Video of the acceleration test to come.

[Bear45-70]

Needle on the float is stuck open. Pull carb and clean the crap out of it.

[87spree70superbee]

Needle on the float is stuck open. Pull carb and clean the crap out of it.

Okay. I'll try that, but can you think of anything else? Just curious because I've had it apart about 3 times. I'm probably gonna run to the auto parts store and get a can of carb cleaner and just let it soak overnight. IDK if I told you, but I bought this bike running "meh" after being in storage for 20 years. And it only has 1500 miles on it.

[Bear45-70]

There is no such thing as running after 20 years in storage. It takes work to make them run after that long. Up to two years maybe, but 20? Never happen.

[87spree70superbee]

There is no such thing as running after 20 years in storage. It takes work to make them run after that long. Up to two years maybe, but 20? Never happen.

Should've been more clear. The previous owner took it to a bike shop and they got it running. I would be amazed if it fired up after 20 years with no work! I'm just happy that it runs, uh, somewhat, and it drives. LOL

Here's the video, as promised...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns8PzDH2Y1U

[87spree70superbee]

Just noticed. The bike shop replaced the vacuum line with a piece of clear line, is there supposed to be fuel in the vacuum line? It's not much, just a little bit. The tubing is slightly smaller than the barb it goes over, and there is a section 4-5" long that has fuel in it. Do I need a new petcock?

[patthesoundguy]

pull the vac line off and see if fuel comes out. And confirm all of the lines are going to the right places. I bet a new petcock in in your future if there is fuel in the vac line and fuel runs out of it.

[87spree70superbee]

pull the vac line off and see if fuel comes out. And confirm all of the lines are going to the right places. I bet a new petcock in in your future if there is fuel in the vac line and fuel runs out of it.

It doesn't happen when the line's disconnected. Only when the bike's running. Lines are all correct.

[Bear45-70]

There will be a small amount of "fuel bounce" into the lower end of the vacuum line when the engine is running. There should be no fuel above about half way up.

[abreen89]

There is no such thing as running after 20 years in storage. It takes work to make them run after that long. Up to two years maybe, but 20? Never happen.

not unless it went from the show room floor to the heat controlled storage facilty

[Bear45-70]

There is no such thing as running after 20 years in storage. It takes work to make them run after that long. Up to two years maybe, but 20? Never happen.

not unless it went from the show room floor to the heat controlled storage facilty

Yeah like that happens with a $400 scooter.

[abreen89]

There is no such thing as running after 20 years in storage. It takes work to make them run after that long. Up to two years maybe, but 20? Never happen.

not unless it went from the show room floor to the heat controlled storage facilty

Yeah like that happens with a $400 scooter.

Just saying

[paulpauly7]

i recently saved a nifty fifty (spree) from a barn that has been there since 1993 tank was clean inside i put gas in it a good batterey hit the starter after a few hits it fired up went for a ride and runs great hits 29mph and eveything works .So it can happen

[breaze]

i recently saved a nifty fifty (spree) from a barn that has been there since 1993 tank was clean inside i put gas in it a good batterey hit the starter after a few hits it fired up went for a ride and runs great hits 29mph and eveything works .So it can happen

If it was stored properly (gas drained from carb, etc.), seems like it could. But how is it possible the tank was clean. If it was left empty, it would be rust coated. If it was left full, even with stablilizer, it would be a mess, wouldn't it?

[87spree70superbee]

Well, I got lucky I guess. The bike had been sitting in this guy's garage for 20 years, side panels off, etc etc etc... Put it back together and threw an ad on Craigslist. When I went to buy it, the first thing I checked was the gas tank. Clean. Actually, the rustiest parts on the scoot were the muffler and the kickstand. Which I've already repainted.

P.S. Rust-O-Leum makes great primer! Paint too, but I really like the primer because it dries in about 5 minutes.

-Nick