Posted this over in the touring section. Though I would post it here as well to get to a wider audience.

I am currently on active duty in the Marine Corps stationed in Southern California. I have received orders to Okinawa, Japan for 3 years. I have a 2008 street glide and will not be able to take it with me. I plan on taking the bike back home to my parents to store it but no one I know rides. What are some thing I can do to the bike to prepare it for 3 years of not being rode. I do plan on putting it on a battery tender and putting some carpet under the tires so they are not

 

I wouldn't sweat the tires. After three years, you should replace them regardless of mileage.

 

Fill her full of gas (almost all the way to the top of the filler hole if possible), add some stabilizer and let it run for a few minutes, shut it off and plug the tender in. You might want to slap a heavy coat of wax on it and leave it on until you get back. Maybe pull the plugs out and drop a little oil down in the cylinders then put the plugs back in. Strap it up on a bike stand to keep the weight off the tires. Buy a good quality cover and put on it. Put some conditioner on the seat/backrest. Probably other things that I cant think of right now

 

Stuff some 0000 ga. steel wool up the exhaust pipes/mufflers. Fresh fluids oil, trans, primary, change brake fluid when you get back. I suppose I would consider selling unless you have some high dollar mods. Then buy new 6 months prior to your return. Purchase through then NEX system, Give your dad POA to take care of any legal items.
Thanks for your service and good luck on your PCS to Okinawa.

 

You can put an entire bottle of Stabil in the tank, it's doubtful it's going to last the 3 years that the OP will be away.

 

Store the seat indoors somewhere. Mice like to chew them up.

 

Frankly, if it's going to be three full years, I think you'd do better to sell it for what you can get, and buy something new or late-model-used when you get back.

There may be some nice product developments by 2019 or so...

 

I'm with Fishrrman.
Unless there's some serious investment or attachment you are better off selling it.

However if you want to store it contact your local Harley Dealer and get advice from them.
They will likely advise you to:
1) change all fluids
2) drain the gas tank and oil the inside of the tank (check with dealer for material and process). Note that most fuel stabilizers are only good for less than 24 months.
3) tires- screw it you will want to replace them after three years of storage.
4) battery- screw the battery. Using a tender for 3 years is a pain in the *** and not worth the price of a $100 battery.

 

I'm in the Navy and was stationed in Yokosuka for 6 years. I loved it out there... Oki is much more pretty. With that being said, what are the restrictions as far as your PCS pack out? Are they no longer allowing POVs to be shipped? Are you planning on keeping it with family or are have you been offered long term storage with your orders?

 

Three years in Oki? Who'd you **** off? LOL

Good advice from others here on storage. The big thing is keep the tank full with stabilizer, but drain it when you get ready to run again. Fresh fluid changes, new tires when you return also. Maybe fog the cylinders?

Of course the best case scenario would be find another Devil Dog that can help take care of it while you're gone.

Semper Fi and good luck.