Long-Term Storage Questions
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 32
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Long-Term Storage Questions
I must store my 97 Low Rider for 3 to 5 years and would like some tips. I've heard when you winterize a bike you fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer but the movers say I must empty my tank and carb completely. Won't this cause rust? Coating the tank is not an option because I only have a couple days to prepare.
-Should I coat the entire bike in anything such as WD-40?
-Is merely putting on a thick coat of wax sufficient?
-How do I drain the carb?
-Tires at max air pressure?
-How long will my battery survive unplugged?
Appreciate any advice.
-Should I coat the entire bike in anything such as WD-40?
-Is merely putting on a thick coat of wax sufficient?
-How do I drain the carb?
-Tires at max air pressure?
-How long will my battery survive unplugged?
Appreciate any advice.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
No surprise that movers require tank to be in empty for transport. When bike arrives at its destination, can you ask someone to fill the tank, add STA-BIL then run the bike for a few minutes?
Consider stands so that tires are off the ground and will not get flat spots (although might be time for a change 3-5 years later)
Consider a battery tender for your battery (not sure if it will be ok to do so for 3-5 years straight). Then again, might be due for a change also 3-5 years later.
Consider stands so that tires are off the ground and will not get flat spots (although might be time for a change 3-5 years later)
Consider a battery tender for your battery (not sure if it will be ok to do so for 3-5 years straight). Then again, might be due for a change also 3-5 years later.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
3-5 years. Forget the stabil its only good for 6-12 months. Drain all fuel from the tank, carbs, lines etc.
Buy some fogging oil (you should find it at the autoparts store). Spray the inside of the tank, spray the carb and intake (while cranking the engine), remove the plugs and spray the inside of the cylinder.
Fresh oil and filters. Remove the battery, I'd plan on getting a new one in 3-5 years.
Buy some fogging oil (you should find it at the autoparts store). Spray the inside of the tank, spray the carb and intake (while cranking the engine), remove the plugs and spray the inside of the cylinder.
Fresh oil and filters. Remove the battery, I'd plan on getting a new one in 3-5 years.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
3-5 years. Forget the stabil its only good for 6-12 months. Drain all fuel from the tank, carbs, lines etc.
Buy some fogging oil (you should find it at the autoparts store). Spray the inside of the tank, spray the carb and intake (while cranking the engine), remove the plugs and spray the inside of the cylinder.
Fresh oil and filters. Remove the battery, I'd plan on getting a new one in 3-5 years.
Buy some fogging oil (you should find it at the autoparts store). Spray the inside of the tank, spray the carb and intake (while cranking the engine), remove the plugs and spray the inside of the cylinder.
Fresh oil and filters. Remove the battery, I'd plan on getting a new one in 3-5 years.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson, TX
3-5 years. Forget the stabil its only good for 6-12 months. Drain all fuel from the tank, carbs, lines etc.
Buy some fogging oil (you should find it at the autoparts store). Spray the inside of the tank, spray the carb and intake (while cranking the engine), remove the plugs and spray the inside of the cylinder.
Fresh oil and filters. Remove the battery, I'd plan on getting a new one in 3-5 years.
Buy some fogging oil (you should find it at the autoparts store). Spray the inside of the tank, spray the carb and intake (while cranking the engine), remove the plugs and spray the inside of the cylinder.
Fresh oil and filters. Remove the battery, I'd plan on getting a new one in 3-5 years.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
Harley tanks are painted onthe inside, drained is much better than full. Make sure to run the carb dry. Pull the spark plugs put a squirt or two of Marvel Mystery oil or similar in (don't fill the cylinders). Remove the battery and give it away to someone who needs one. A tractor supply will have cans of high pressure lubricant. After cleaning the bike well, spray a nice coat on the bare aluminum pieces and nuts and bolts and spokes and nipples that might corrode. I wouldn"t worry about the painted sheetmetal.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson, TX
I don't know if I would spray the whole bike down with WD-40. That stuff is not that good anyway. I would spray the exposed aluminum parts like the cylinder fins with a preserative. I forget the name but the bike shop should be able to point you in the right direction.
Don't forget to leave yourself a note to change the brake fluid when you pull it out of storage.
Don't forget to leave yourself a note to change the brake fluid when you pull it out of storage.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson, TX
Harley tanks are painted onthe inside, drained is much better than full. Make sure to run the carb dry. Pull the spark plugs put a squirt or two of Marvel Mystery oil or similar in (don't fill the cylinders). Remove the battery and give it away to someone who needs one. A tractor supply will have cans of high pressure lubricant. After cleaning the bike well, spray a nice coat on the bare aluminum pieces and nuts and bolts and spokes and nipples that might corrode. I wouldn"t worry about the painted sheetmetal.
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