long term storage
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 11
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long term storage
I am moving to Japan for the next 3 years and will not be taking my bike with me. I will be storing it in my parents non-climate controlled garage in Ohio for all 3 years. I bought one of those motorcycle bubbles to put my bike in and am wanting to know if there is anything else I need to to? I will be changing the oil and draining the fuel just before storage.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Heres a couple good reads to help Ya..
http://cdn-3.psndealer.com/e2/dealer...csem/jan10.pdf
http://motorcycles.about.com/od/moto...er_Storage.htm
If U want more click here
http://www.google.com/search?source=...805l2.8.2l12l0
http://cdn-3.psndealer.com/e2/dealer...csem/jan10.pdf
http://motorcycles.about.com/od/moto...er_Storage.htm
If U want more click here
http://www.google.com/search?source=...805l2.8.2l12l0
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
DON"T drain the fuel. Store it with a full tank of gas and some STABIL. Don't forget to run the engine for 10-15 minutes with the STABIL in the tank so it will get in the entire fuel system. The gas tank could rust if you leave it empty. I would also remove the battery. Might as well chuck it or sell it to someone. Clean the bike real good and put on a coat of wax.
Say hi to Godzilla for me when you get there.
Say hi to Godzilla for me when you get there.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Lockport Township, IL
This is true, but I would still store it with a full tank and stabil to prevent rust from forming in the tank. After three years storage, I'd drain and dump the old gas and put in fresh gas before running the bike.
Is the bubble you got heated/ventilated? Every winter I cover each of the bikes with a breathable cover, and I put a 25 watt light bulb underneath each of the bikes. (NOT ONE OF THEM NEW flouresent bulbs, but a good old fashioned bulb that puts off a little heat.) The light bulb provides just enough heat to prevent condensation from forming on the bikes. In my unheated garage, as temps rise and fall, condensation is a big problem, but with the 25 watt bulb under each bike, there is never any condensation on the bikes.
Is the bubble you got heated/ventilated? Every winter I cover each of the bikes with a breathable cover, and I put a 25 watt light bulb underneath each of the bikes. (NOT ONE OF THEM NEW flouresent bulbs, but a good old fashioned bulb that puts off a little heat.) The light bulb provides just enough heat to prevent condensation from forming on the bikes. In my unheated garage, as temps rise and fall, condensation is a big problem, but with the 25 watt bulb under each bike, there is never any condensation on the bikes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: USA
I would remove every nut from every bolt, tension from any springs, tires from wheels, & etc. Soak all of my steel parts in oil, have all of my aluminum surfaced (heads, cylinders) & wrapped in plastic wrap...basically have everything removed & put into tupperware & plan on one really good drunk when I get home--something along the line of..'honey take the kids to your Mom's for a few days', kind of thing.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
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Lift the tires off the ground, if possible. I would not store it without oil. I agree on not keeping Sta-Bil for more than a year-drain the tank. Lastly, take the battery out. Don't get a Battery Tender (nothing wrong with them, I use them myself, but not for a three year duration. Safer just to remove the battery).
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,415
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From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
I would remove every nut from every bolt, tension from any springs, tires from wheels, & etc. Soak all of my steel parts in oil, have all of my aluminum surfaced (heads, cylinders) & wrapped in plastic wrap...basically have everything removed & put into tupperware & plan on one really good drunk when I get home--something along the line of..'honey take the kids to your Mom's for a few days', kind of thing.