Batrider Russ and Others;
Yup, you understand correctly, it has been sitting for 18 years. I didn't drain the oil (kind of obvious now that I should have, but I wasn't as smart then as I am now) but I was smart enough to put an old soup pan under it and there looks to be about a pint or so of oil in it. Kept the garage floor clean if nothing else.
Of course I'll do the new oil thing (and filter) as many have suggested, give the clutch plates some attention, clean the carbs, new battery, and I'm sure I will be dealing with a myriad of rubber and seal issues, not to mention front and rear brakes, new seat and ..... but mainly I just want to see if it will start.
Also, I peered into the fuel tank and there looks to be a very light rust formation in some areas, but doesn't look too bad. I have replacement petcocks, since the original levers broke off, so the filters will be replaced anyway. Any suggestions on how to give that a clean before fueling up?
Cheers, Nick