Advice on bike storage

Robbknoll

Hey guys, Ill be storing my 600 bandit at the end of the month until January because im heading outa the country for awhile.

Ive read a bit on storing motorcycles lately but there seems to be conflicting ways, i.e. emptying the tank completely of petrol vs filling it up completely, charge the battery fully to take the battery out or leaving it in with a trickle charger?

I was looking for more personal experience in laying up motorcycles for a sustained period. Is there any do's or dont's that I should be aware of?

Thanks guys.

Wossack

imo

tank full and with some fuel stabiliser in it (so that condensation doesnt form on inside of tank, and cause it to rust). Fuel stabiliser will stop the fuel going bad over time.

If possible, set the fuel tap to off, and run the bike till it runs out of gas (stop petrol going gummy in the carbs/lines). Can do similar by removing fuel pump fuse.

battery charged, and kept in doors, so it doesnt go flat with the cold. Perhaps give it a top up every few months. Leaving the bike on a trickle charger for 6+ months seems a bit excessive imo. Electricity bill for the 6 months would probably cover a new battery

bike on stand, with wheels off the ground if possible; helps avoid flat spots, and if they do loose air over time, the weight of the bike wont flatten the tyres, and potientially cause that little cracking

for a very long period (year+), Id be tempted to remove spark plugs and dropping a teaspoon full of oil in the bores - just to keep them corrosion free. But prob not necessary in this instance

CJhaughey

Good advice^^ I would also say that its a good plan to buy a can of Aspen fuel and run some of that through the system before you run it dry.
Aspen is very clean and doesn't leave deposits like pump fuel.
I do this on my 2 stroke machinery before winter and it makes a huge difference to them restarting in spring or when needed.
Tanks are definitely better filled to the brim, dont forget to drain the small bowl if there is one on the fuel tap.
If that has water in it it can cause problems as it sits.

Robbknoll

Thanks for the input lads much appreciated. Wossack, would you recommend any fuel stabiliser in particular or would any generic one do?

Steve.N

All good advice!! Also get yourself a can of AFC50 and spray all your metal parts (except brakes of course). This stuff is amazing and will prevent any rust over the winter.

Wossack

fraid I dont know of specifics of it.. I'd be tempted by a brand name over a generic one personally (stp and putoline do some, from a quick google), but it might be down to what you can find - and without having to buy gallons of the stuff, as you only need a very small amount really.

galwaytt

As above but I'd take the battery out completely and keep it in the house.

Robbknoll

I've the plan worked out. Thanks for all the advice, ill drink a few pints for ye in Canada