Hitchcocks Forum

Hello. So I've got my hands an 1947 RE 125. She seems to have been kept indoors, as all signs only point to moisture/age effects, rather than straight rust. Otherwise, I've dusted her off a bit and she actually has compression. Does anyone have some insight how I should go about attempting to start this little gem? Needless to say, despite having a plug in her, the tank is bone dry and it really looks as if it hasn't been run since 1947. I'm in the U.S. and sadly, the only history I was able to find via the club, is that it was shipped to New York in it's birth year. I found it through a seller across the country in Colorado (I'm in Pennsylvania). With approx 4,000 miles showing on the old Smiths odometer, I can only assume it was ridden there ha.

Usual stuff I'd say, check for spark first (good luck with that, ignition system is marginal on these,) drain crankcase of any excess fluid, check gearbox oil, check carb not gummed up, add petrol with appropriate 2 stroke oil (use modern oil at stated ratio, probably 32:1 thereabouts) and give it a good hoofing. Instruction manual is available from our Hosts here if in doubt. Good luck and let us know?

REgards, Mark