Having to store bike-any suggestions

[Charles S Otwell]

Nice pic, much better than avatar .

[Jumbobret]

Put a cover on M/C

This will sound strange but, put antifreeze on tires.  This will keep them from dry rotting, it really works. Told ya it would sound strange! oh get them (tires) off the ground so they don't flat spot. Centerstand and a block of wood.

Had heard about this,but have a dog and worry about him licking it and getting sick,if not watched well enough.

[dgc67]

A cover won't stop a determined dog.  My sister had one that would eat through the wood fence to get out.

[lragan]

I know it is not an officially approved activity, but today, I retrieved the owner's manual on my '96 from its stored position under the seat, and actually read it.

On page 99 is a "storage guide".  They recommend:

1) Change the engine oil and filter
2) Make sure the cooling system is filled with a 50-50 mix of ethylene glycol and water.
3) Fill the fuel tank, and (duh!) replace the cap.  (I am allowed a little paraphrasing here, OK)
4) Check that fuel valve is OFF
5) Drain the carburetors

If storage will last more than one month, carburetor draining is very important, to assure proper performance after storage.

(Editor's note:  I don't think this would work on my bike.  The fuel valve leaks a bit in the "off" position.  I think I would remove and drain the tank, and leave it open so condensate would not accumulate inside it.  Then draining the carbs would work.

6) Remove the spark plug wires, and tie them away from the engine and spark plugs (so you don't get zapped in the following steps, I presume)
Remove the spark plugs from the engine and store them
Pour a tablespoon of clean engine oil into each cylinder through the spark plug holes
Crank the engine several times to distribute the oil.
Reinstall the plugs and wires.
7) Remove the battery and put it where it won't freeze.  Keep it charged with a trickle charger, or charge it once a month.
-8) Wash and dry the bike.  Wax all painted surfaces.  Coat chrome with rust inhibiting oil.
9) Lubricate the chain.
10) Inflate tires to recommended pressure.  Then block the bike up so the tires are off the ground.
11) Cover the bike and store in an unheated area, "free of dampness" with a minimum of daily temperature fluctuation.  Not in direct sunlight.

(As I mentioned before, I place a small light -- 15 watts -- under the cover to make sure the temperature under the tent is higher than surrounding ambient air, thus preventing condensate from forming on the bike.)

--Whew -- maybe I need a scanner!!

[KTC]

just drive the bike to my house and when your knee is better come get it!!

[ezrydr]

Pull the battery and now and then hook it up to a trickle charger.  Don't let it sit around and go dead for any length of time, that's very bad for it.

Or just pull the battery and figure on replacing it when you're able to ride again.  If you can afford it, that would be a lot less trouble and one less thing to worry about.