Wanted: Cruiser Maintenance Help

[OneCheekRider]

I inherited my dad's 2004 Honda VTX1300. It's in pristine condition with only a few thousand miles on it and rarely gets ridden. I started it this morning, it ran for approximately 1 minute, died, and would not restart. Fuel is approx 1 year old and was treated with Stabil. I'm thinking either fuel has gone bad or carb is gunked or combination of the both. I have zero experience with carburetors and looking for some help in exchange for money or beer or both.

Other than oil, the bike has original fluids: coolant, brakes, and final drive. Should change these out as well but I think the tank needs to come off for coolant swap and not sure about final drive fluid. I can do the brakes.

If anyone is willing to lend a hand, please let me know! I'd be open to shop suggestions as well since I am pressed for time. Thanks!

[aldend123]

What is the fuel petcock set to? Might be shut off. You may have burned up whatever was in the bowl, and no more fuel is coming down from the tank.

If it was off, then you'll need to set it to prime, wait a few seconds, and then start it. Don't forget to switch it to ON afterwards.

[Stromper]

If the tank was not filled to the brim then tank was filled with water

[OneCheekRider]

Tank was filled to brim with stabilized fuel. Fuel petcock was set to "on"

[number9]

I don't have time to dig for parts diagrams right now, but the carbs should have little drains on them. On my Ducati, they were actually bolts on the body of the carb. I would try finding those drains and opening them up. If they come up dry you obviously have a fuel supply issue; on a bike of that age with so few miles I would wonder if your carb's floats are gunked up.

[Stromper]

If its carburetor then petcock on will gum them up

Gas evaporates leaving gum then new gas fills in evaporates and leaves more gum.... repeat

[OneCheekRider]

I'm almost certain the carb is gunked. I'm so clueless with it though and pressed on time with my move. Know anyone that can help?

[aldend123]

If its carburetor then petcock on will gum them up

Gas evaporates leaving gum then new gas fills in evaporates and leaves more gum.... repeat

Are you talking about the vacuum-operated valve? If so, wouldn't putting it on Prime "fix" that by forcing it open?

Maybe the carbs are gummed, but a few thousand miles on a bike that sounds like it was cared for well seems slightly less likely. Also, only one attempt to get a bike started that sat for a while seems like premature defeat. Spray a little starter fluid down the air intake, put it on prime, and give it another shot and then you can come back and tell me I'm wrong. I'd also try draining the bowls (petcock off) if they weren't drained when it was put away. Why do you suspect a clogged up carb, was it running poorly before?