Went & picked up an '04 TTR last week that I had found on Cragslist here in Vermont. The sale was being handled by the owners in-laws as the bike had to be left behind due to space limitation when the owner moved south.
Buying it was a bit of a protracted process as the bike had been stored for about 2 years, wouldn't start, but was over an hours drive away. I made a couple of trips to look & try to get it running but we only got it to catch with some starting fluid. When we drained the tank on the second visit, it was apparent the old fuel had gotten VERY bad but after studying up here I decided to take my chances & just take it "as-is".
So I'm pleased to report that after cleaning the carb (using Brian's excellent tutorial & also with advice from Matteo) I put the carb back on, set the air screw a turn & a half out & the bike started as soon as the float bowl had filled.
The main jet & float valve were CAKED & completely blocked with fuel residue, no way it would have ever started. I had to remove the float to get to the valve & was really careful about getting the pin out after reading Brian's warning.
Now it's time to re-assemble the airbox, etc. & the chain needs to be removed soked & cleaned before I can even take my first ride!
Since these were sold as off-road bikes here in the US the next steps are getting it street-legal & registered (hopefully). Brake light, horn, mirror, etc. so I am following Matteo's threads closely.
