Question on long term storage
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Earth
Question on long term storage
My 93 Softail will be going into long term storage. I am well aware of making sure you change the fluids and have fresh oil in the motor, primary, trans, and even fresh brake fluid for that matter pushed through the system. My question is do you store it with a full tank of gas and the stabilizer ect. OR drain all the gas out of the tank and the carb. Then use a fogging oil inside the tank, carb and each cylinder? I am concerned about all the seals drying out in the petcock and carb and then leaking when I reintroduce gas to years down the road. And the possibility of rust in the tank as well. With the two Ultras both my son and I have barely put 100 miles on the softail this year. We would like to keep the bike but put it away for a while.
Has anyone stored a bike for several years? And what steps are needed for an extended period like this?
Has anyone stored a bike for several years? And what steps are needed for an extended period like this?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
The factory manuals cover what they call long-term storage, but I suspect that is really only over winter. All I can suggest is prop the bike up so the wheels are off the ground, lower tyre pressures to roughly half, plus the things you mention.
A friend of mine uses a sealed bag to keep his bike in over winter, so it is well worth looking into them. The bike is enclosed along with dehydrating stuff, to keep it in good condition. They are also available for autos, used for classic cars and the like.
A friend of mine uses a sealed bag to keep his bike in over winter, so it is well worth looking into them. The bike is enclosed along with dehydrating stuff, to keep it in good condition. They are also available for autos, used for classic cars and the like.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,260
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From: Back woods of Maine
I don't think that I would leave modern gasoline in that tank. It will turn to sludge in a very short period of time and gum up or degrade anything it is in contact with. I think I would siphon out the tank and run the bike until it stalls out so that the fuel system is empty. Then I would fog the inside of the tank and down the spark plug holes. in my opinion, I would do this and not worry about seals and gaskets "drying" out.
If it was me I would go out of my way to find non ethanol gas and fill the tank.I would also mix some 2 stroke oil in with the gas...Call me crazy..I have a 46 Indian,and a 49 Harley and this is how I store them..I ride them on occasion,and yes they may smoke but this is what works for me..
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Earth
If it was me I would go out of my way to find non ethanol gas and fill the tank.I would also mix some 2 stroke oil in with the gas...Call me crazy..I have a 46 Indian,and a 49 Harley and this is how I store them..I ride them on occasion,and yes they may smoke but this is what works for me..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,205
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
For a year or less use Captain Itches method. For long term get all the gas out as you described. You might even consider filling it with fuel/stabilizer and swapping the fuel out with fresh every 6 months, maybe even a short ride?
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Ihrugby
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Sep 13, 2014 01:13 PM
