We've got a Harley Davidson Sportster 883. It's the 2002 model.

It was bought brand new. It was driven twice, then garaged for two years. It's still in the garage. We are selling it.

My question:

What is the correct procedure to safely start up this motorcycle for its new owner or potential owner? Do we have to do anything special to the fluids or doodads or doohickeys to prevent damage to it?

If you could easily drain the gas I would. I park my bike every winter and drain all the gas. If not, it does not run very well come spring. And, a "missing” motor to a potential buy would not be good.

If it has carburetors drain the fuel from them as well, if not too hard. That will make the first startup a lot easier. Hopefully you’ve kept the battery charged..

Do a basic check-out for fluid levels, tire pressure, and functionality.
Oil and brake fluid shouldn't need any special attention, but the old gas might not be optimal (as suggested above).
If the tank is already low, then just add a full tank of premium and run it a while. With this strategy you'll be able to avoid fiddling with draining fuel at the carbs. I agree that fresh gas would help out with the first start, though. A can of ether is helpful in that department, too.
If you've just let the bike sit with no attention at all, you might need to keep the charger on the battery while attempting to start.
If it's possible to ride it a few hours, do that.

T. Fabris- a Hog owner? Never would I have suspected. Good luck!

It will be fine. If it gets cold where you live, you might need to replace the battery. You should definitley charge the battery so it has the best chance of starting for the prospective buyer (it IS a Harley, after all, so nothing is guaranteed).

Seals and rubber parts, etc are all much better nowadays. Same with gas and oil. I think a Harley will burn kerosene, anyhow.

Congratulations.

Jim

Sounds nice, how much are you selling it for?

Matthew

Did some googleing and ran across this web page.