Getting divorced for a year
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 164
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From: USA
Getting divorced for a year
I have to go on a tour for a year and can't bring my beloved softail with me. I am storing it in a climate controlled garage for a year. I have read the storage suggestions in other threads such as;
1 Put on lift
2 Battery tender
3 Oil change
4 Fuel stabilizer with a full tank of gas
5 Something about pulling the plugs and putting oil in the cylinders
6 Draining the carb
7 Putting a rag in the exhaust to keep out animals and bugs
8 Clean wash polish all metal and chrome
9 Putting a cover on it
The question is there anything that missed? is there anything that other members on here have done for a year storage? Is changing the oil a must? Is this a good process for a stage 3 motor or does it not mater if the engine modified ? Should have have people start it or should i not really worry about it? Thanks in advance any help would be appreciated.
1 Put on lift
2 Battery tender
3 Oil change
4 Fuel stabilizer with a full tank of gas
5 Something about pulling the plugs and putting oil in the cylinders
6 Draining the carb
7 Putting a rag in the exhaust to keep out animals and bugs
8 Clean wash polish all metal and chrome
9 Putting a cover on it
The question is there anything that missed? is there anything that other members on here have done for a year storage? Is changing the oil a must? Is this a good process for a stage 3 motor or does it not mater if the engine modified ? Should have have people start it or should i not really worry about it? Thanks in advance any help would be appreciated.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 36
From: Four Corners
Looks good. My only worry is to let it sit that long with gas that has ethanol in it. I'd try and find pure gas or add an additive that negates the long term negative effects that the ethanol could have on the rubber components.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,970
Likes: 900
From: Omaha
With a fuel stabilizer mix I wouldn't worry about whether or not the gas has ethanol in it or not.
However I would agree, why not fill it up with straight gas and eliminate the possibility of an ethanol issue.
In an area where-as there is low humidity such as the Southwest or areas such as Western South Dakota, there shouldn't be any issues related to internal tank rust.
That's all a moot point seeing that you apparently are storing the bike in a climate controlled environment.
If it only sits a year, you should be able to come back in a year unplug the battery tender and go for a ride without any issues.
However I would agree, why not fill it up with straight gas and eliminate the possibility of an ethanol issue.
In an area where-as there is low humidity such as the Southwest or areas such as Western South Dakota, there shouldn't be any issues related to internal tank rust.
That's all a moot point seeing that you apparently are storing the bike in a climate controlled environment.
If it only sits a year, you should be able to come back in a year unplug the battery tender and go for a ride without any issues.
Last edited by Bluraven; Oct 10, 2013 at 11:22 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 54
From: Mansfield, MA
Mice will eat a rag and then use it for a nest. Steel wool for the exhaust is a better option.
And yes, I have fired mice and their nest clear across my back yard after start up in spring..
Full tank of gas, and a battery tender.
The rest seems like over kill to me.
And yes, I have fired mice and their nest clear across my back yard after start up in spring..
Full tank of gas, and a battery tender.
The rest seems like over kill to me.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Check into something other than Sta-Bil.. I've heard, not read that their product has the same effect on the gas lines as Ethanol..
Sea-Foam may not, I don't know, maybe worth checking.
I do know I SELDOM ever use Ethanol gas, but I did use Sta-Bil for storage and after 4 yrs and 30k I had the pin hole in the gas line problem and had to replace them.
Last winter was the first time in 7yrs I didn't add anything to the tank. Non Ethanol gas is still easy to get here and I usually use Sta-Bil, but I tried it without putting it in and I didn't have any prob this spring.
I will add that I took 3 or 4, (30-45) min rides during the last winter.
Also check U Air filter upon return, Yrs ago when I had GW, I started her up one spring and she didn't want to idle right.. turned out I had a mouse nest inside the air filter, little sucker ate through the filter and nested there plus she left a couple dead little ones. Not good on those 4 carbs back then.
If someone will be around Ur bike, have them set and check some traps..
Also may God be with U and protect U, and thanks for Ur service to our Country.
.
Sea-Foam may not, I don't know, maybe worth checking.
I do know I SELDOM ever use Ethanol gas, but I did use Sta-Bil for storage and after 4 yrs and 30k I had the pin hole in the gas line problem and had to replace them.
Last winter was the first time in 7yrs I didn't add anything to the tank. Non Ethanol gas is still easy to get here and I usually use Sta-Bil, but I tried it without putting it in and I didn't have any prob this spring.
I will add that I took 3 or 4, (30-45) min rides during the last winter.
Also check U Air filter upon return, Yrs ago when I had GW, I started her up one spring and she didn't want to idle right.. turned out I had a mouse nest inside the air filter, little sucker ate through the filter and nested there plus she left a couple dead little ones. Not good on those 4 carbs back then.
If someone will be around Ur bike, have them set and check some traps..
Also may God be with U and protect U, and thanks for Ur service to our Country.
.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 875
Likes: 10
From: Corp of Discovery trail, Missouri
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 3
From: Central Jersey
Use a cover that breathes.. like a set of old bed sheets or something.. I understand that it's climate controlled, but it's the condensation that builds up under covers that makes things rust
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Not sure where its gonna be stored, or what type of climate control is going to be used, but here in az, or anywhere in the south west, it may be a good idea to set a bucket or two full of water in the storage area. helps keep moisture in the air (especially if climate control is A/C) as the A/C will dehumidify and dry out all rubber and cable sheathing. Heat as well will do the same. Just my .02 cents.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I stored a bike for a little over three years in a climate controlled garage. It was set for 72 summer and 65 winter.
Double dose of StaBil into a full tank after running it a few miles to get the mixture through to the injectors.
No problem with the tires on the ground. Tire technology has gone past the flat spotting many years back.
On a 1.5 amp tender.
Not covered and no other strategies.
It fired instantly after three years of storage. No component on the bike from rubber to what not was harmed. I do take it out once a year now for 1K and put it back.
In essence all 12 of my bikes are stored for roughly 48 to 50 weeks a year. I pull one out ride it 2K and put it back. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it!
Double dose of StaBil into a full tank after running it a few miles to get the mixture through to the injectors.
No problem with the tires on the ground. Tire technology has gone past the flat spotting many years back.
On a 1.5 amp tender.
Not covered and no other strategies.
It fired instantly after three years of storage. No component on the bike from rubber to what not was harmed. I do take it out once a year now for 1K and put it back.
In essence all 12 of my bikes are stored for roughly 48 to 50 weeks a year. I pull one out ride it 2K and put it back. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it!
Last edited by lh4x4; Oct 10, 2013 at 10:00 PM.