This is an embarrassing question

[dublinfred]

I purchased a Cafe Racer and I have never operated a bike this old.

It arrived today, I am told the battery is brand new and charged... but I have no idea how to start it.

The guy I got it from drained all gas for transit, and so i put a gallon in.

What do I do to start the thing?

The key has three postions... off and two others (at least one of which I assume is on... I have tried both)

There is a red switch on the right handle that has two off postions and one run.... I assume thats some sort of electrical switch? I have it to run

The gas is open... but no lights come on and when I kick it there doesnt even seem to be a spark.

Is there some sort of electrical kill somewhere that I am missing?

This is a bit humiliating... I am not an idiot. Honest.

 

[chilli]

Hi Dublin

Key positions are generally steering lock/ignition off/ignition on in a clockwise direction
The red switch is your engine kill switch.
Check the bike is in neutral (green light on dash if it has one)
Some bikes have a clutch switch that means you have to have the clutch pulled in to start, although yours probably not.

Have you checked that the battery is connected? It could be something that simple...

You may want to give some more details on the make year of the bike (and maybe a photo or two) so people here (who know WAY more than me) can see what you're talking about.

Good luck!

 

[swan]

You have a Honda CB350/4.

Turn the red switch on the right hand side to "on" or "run". Turn ignition key to the right on click and turn on your lights and as noted check the bike to see if it is in neutral (green light on dash if it has one). If you are not getting power to your lights, check the battery connections and test the battery. It should be more than 12 volts with the headlight on after one minute, if not recharge or replace. Your battery may be disconnected and it looks like yours is under the hump of your seat.

Once you have confirmed power, put bike in neutral, turn the switch to "on" again, turn key one or two clicks to the right and try starting it with the starter button if equipped. Try with clutch lever in and out as noted. If not, try to kick start it. If it still does not turn over, pull one spark plug, lay it on the cylinder, kick the bike over and look for a blue arcing spark to confirm power to the ignition and plugs. If not, it is an electrical issue and you will need to find the fault.

Like everything, it is easy if you know how to do it. Good luck.

 

[dano]

did he drain the oil too?

 

[Redbird]

Have you checked that the battery is connected? It could be something that simple...

+1
A buddy had a bike shipped and that shipping company required that the battery be disconnected. They said it was due to insurance reasons (loose connections causing shorts/fires). But they also informed him that it was disconnected when it was delivered.

Congrats on the new baby
And remember, while there's no such thing as a stupid question (well, sometimes there is ), you will catch flak from your buddies anyway