About Rich Johnston Expertise I have honda repair experience on all vintage Hondas from 1972 through 1980. I worked in a Honda dealership while going to college and have experience in all types of honda motorcyle repair. I don't have any experience on other brands.
Experience
Education/Credentials BS degree in mechanical engineering, Honda technical school graduate of 1975
Rich wrote at 2008-11-26 05:33:52
The jets in the carbs on the Honda Shadow are really finicky as to debris. Since the bike sat for 2 years, more than likely the carb "varnished" over, thus plugging up the jets. but as the person in the first answer recommended, try laying a spark plug across the top of the engine (make sure that it is grounded out) ands see if you have spark (when cranking the engine over). If there is spark, then have the carb removed and send it in to have it cleaned. Also, make sure that you don't have gas in your tank that is at least 2 years old, because your fuel could have accumulated moisture in it. If the fule is old, then I suggest that you drain the fuel from the tank and replace with some good & clean fuel. While at it, see if the fuel filter is good. The fuel filter could also be the problem as it isn't allowing for fuel to pass through the line. now back to the spark plug. If the plug is allowing for spark to pass between the electrodes but is dark ont he insulator (black or very dark brown), then replace those.
