02 Suzuki MAruader- Sitting 2 years, Wont Stay Running

Howdy Yall

First time post, long time reader

I recently got a 2002 Suzuki Maruader, with 3500 miles on it, original everything, still has the safety sticker on the tank, never had any oil change or anything.

Put a new battery in it to see if it would start and it does, wont stay running without heavy throttle but will run, i changed the gas in it first.

A few Questions

1. Should you be able to hear the fuel pump when you turn the key? What noise should it make,

2. I know to remove the tank to clean the carbs, but can they be cleaned still attached or do they need to be taken off for a more thourogh job?

3. Any seals i should look at to replace or any other work i should do while the tank is off?

thanks, i like all the info that comes from you guys. keep on riding.  

Hi.  I'm no mechanic, but I think I can answer your question about whether or not you should be able to hear the fuel pump.  If I'm correct, Suzuki did not introduce fuel injection engines till 2005.  In those models you hear the pump building pressure (sort of a quiet hum) for about 3 seconds, then stops at which time you can go ahead and start the engine.  Otherwise, as in your case (you've indicated the presence of carburetors), you won't hear anything.  Cheers.  Herb.  

While most bike carbs *can* be cleaned with the carb body still mounted, it's a lot easier to just remove them first. Reassembling all those teeny parts is much easier when you can rotate the carb body into the most convenient position for each teeny part to just drop into position.

regards,
Joe