The Best Way To Store A Motorbike Outside?

[IanForbes]

What is the best way to store a motorbike outside for 7 months? Do you fill the gas tank or leave it empty? Do you drain the carb? Does spraying a little oil in the motor (through the spark plug hole) and give it just one quick crank to spread it? Do you keep it covered from the rain, or do you cover it with a tarp and make a nice home for all the ants?

I know I'm going to have to build a higher spot to store it because I don't want a repeat of last year's flooding. My two bikes sat in water for a month. The mechanic got the started pretty quickly, but I don't want a repeat. You can't trust the government to use a little prior planning to prevent the annual flooding.

[MaiChai]

Depends what type bike it is and how easy it is to get access to the carb, etc? For my nsr sp i close the fuel cock, drain the carb via the drain screw, drain the coolant and store it in a water bottle, remove the 2t feed from the oil pump and plug it with a cross head screwdriver. Then i put a bike cover over it and it gets stored out of the sun. When i come back and put everything back it will start on second kick start. Clutch plates may stick so warm up the oil and drop it into gear to unstick the plates. Battery will probably need a charge;I have a Yuasa battery and its really lasted and was worth the extra money.

Removing fuel from the carb will prevent it laquer coating the carb and thus a carb strip down. Removing the water reduces corrosion and blockages. Disconnecting the 2t will prevent it seeping into the gear oil. Not had tp strip down the carb yet.

Only other problem is the brake pistons. These will sieze from lack of use so I need to lube them a bit and work them in and out several times. Being gental will lengthen the life of the seals.

[IanForbes]

Thanks for that, MaiChai, I'll keep it in mind and print it out just as a reminder. All additional information is much appreciated.

[KRS1]

Dont you ride a fuel injected Dtracker?

[moe666]

Bring some anti-freez back with you next year that way your cooling system doesn't need anticorrosion

[IanForbes]

Dont you ride a fuel injected Dtracker?

Yes, but I also have a 4 year old Phantom. Both bikes will have to be stored. I sold my Honda 125 Wave.

[Semper]

Disconnect the battery, in case the mice/rats fancy gnawing on some cables. Put som extra air in the tires and keep the bike on the center stand.

[CGW]

Bike on Center stand, then get the back wheel of the ground also with ? (jack will work) fill petrol tank, add aditive for to keep gas in good condition, cant rememeber name, available locally, Apply ACF 50 to all electrical parts, wiring & Chrome (not available locally!) if you cant get apply baby oil to all chrome and paint, wd 40 to electrical parts. Disconnet battery and store somewhere cool, preferably on a trickle charger,

[wana]

Bike on Center stand, then get the back wheel of the ground also with ? (jack will work) fill petrol tank, add aditive for to keep gas in good condition, cant rememeber name, available locally, Apply ACF 50 to all electrical parts, wiring & Chrome (not available locally!) if you cant get apply baby oil to all chrome and paint, wd 40 to electrical parts. Disconnet battery and store somewhere cool, preferably on a trickle charger,

never heard of baby oil protecting paint b4 but if it worls it works

[harrry]

You could also consider suspending the bike from the ceiling or a frame. good for the tyres too as well as letting you go higher than a stand.

[IanForbes]

You could also consider suspending the bike from the ceiling or a frame. good for the tyres too as well as letting you go higher than a stand.

Good ideas from all of you... thanks. I never thought of suspending the bikes off a frame... good idea and cheaper than a bunch of bricks as a raised pad.

[MaiChai]

If you live in a condo, put it out of the way so people won't move it, fall over it, edge around it, etc. I park it behind my pickup that has fuses removed, battery disconnected, cover on, tyres over inflated, etc..

Edited March 7, 2012 by MaiChai

[smedly]

all very good advice and I will add this, the fuel tank is very important expecially if injected, fill the tank to the brim and add a fuel stabaliser - very important as fuel will deteriorate and attract mosture which in turn will promote rusting, spray all exposed metal with a good greasing spray including the chain, if you are going to cover it it needs to be a breathable cover as anything else will hold moisture again promoting serious rusting and as already mentioned keep the tyres off the ground