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Is leaving my bike stood for a while going to do any harm?
#1
My biek has now stood in my garage since june last year, and it's looking likely it'll still be there in spring 2013. I don't hvae any inclination to mot it for this season with the weather being so pants. So, the question is, what sort of damage could it be doing? I think there's a bit of fuel in there, but probably not much. Ta.
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#2
I'd certainly take the weight off the tyres, fill the tank to the brim with petrol, block the air-intake to keep mice out, and apply a liberal amount of ACF-50 or similar to the whole thing. Battery should be attached to an optimiser too, ideally.
QUENTIN TARANTINO - HALLOWED BE THY NAME!
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#3
I'd clean and lubricate the chain too.
QUENTIN TARANTINO - HALLOWED BE THY NAME!
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#4
It's going to need at least one new tyre when it goes back on the road, so that shouldn't be such an issue. Lol@mice. Mice stand no chance here, I have a world class mouser ;-) It was acf'd last year and I've hardly used it since and it's always garaged. I'll lube the chain Smile  Anything else? Thanks Smile
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#5
Thought you were supposed to drain the carbs to stop them gunking up.
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#6
If the level in your fuel tank is low, beware of rust developing in your tank and choking fuel lines when you do put it back on the road, and make sure pivot points / cables etc are lubed.
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#7
can you fire it up once a week? that would prevent any fuel problems.
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#8
I'd disconnect the battery if your going to lay the bike up for over 6 months instead of putting it onto a optimizer, I personnaly think they cause more harm than good.

and clean the battery as well, if a battery is dirty it will discharge (all batterys self discharge but no reason to make it happen quicker) via the grime on the surface of the case.

If you have somewhere dry, like a garage, then stick the battery on a shelf and charge it up every couple of months for a couple of days max each time, remembering to disconnect the charger ever time.
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#9
(13-07-12, 05:11 PM)caretaker link Wrote:can you fire it up once a week? that would prevent any fuel problems.

DO NOT DO THIS!

While it MAY prevent carb/fuel issues it will (unless you run for at least 20 mins, get it properly up to temperature, and run it through all gears with the clutch out) :-
  • Create condensation in the oil, leading to emulsification and rust on non coated parts
  • Create condensation in the exhaust, leading to rusting from the inside
  • reduce charge in the battery (although the optimate as suggested, will alleviate this one)
  • foul the plugs
As MaddogMcQ said, brim the tank up (so no rust can develop), weight off tyres (unless you're prepared to sacrifice them, sounds as though you are), and either an optimiser, or take the battery off the bike and keep warm (ideally not in the house though, in case it leaks fluids (which you'll see) or fumes (which you won't)). And do not be tempted to start it to "turn it over".

Me, I wouldn't worry about the mice issue, but sounds as though thats well covered Smile


That's what I've done for the last 14 winters with my 1998 FZS600, and it's always fired on the button come spring. There is not a hint of rust in the tank, and its still on the original downpipes (yeah, those ones that are allegedly made of cheese) despite being ridden on salted roads a number of times.
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#10
Some good advice already given although I think optimisers arn't a good idea over the long term (I'm also sure they ruin batterys). And of course starting it up occaisionally doesn't do it any good at all.
If I'm laying up a bike I usually top up the tank and add fuel preserve tablets/fluid, drain the carbs, get the weight off the tyres, oil the chain and put the battery indoors -and charge it up every couple of months, if I remember lol. I also cover the bike in a cotton sheet, (plastic encourages condensation) And that's it.
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#11
Stretch a condom or a surgical glove over the exhaust outlet.

I tend to keep any little silica gel desiccant bags that I find packed in with shoes, handbags, kitchen utensils etc etc, and pop them in the trays and drawers of my tool boxes, to help keep the moisture away. Might be worth your while popping a couple inside some poly sheet and loosely wrapping around your brake discs.
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#12
As this list grows it might be easier to just use the bike? :lol

Andy
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#13
I'm now seriously considering mot'ing it and getting out on it!! Lol! Thanks all x
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#14
(13-07-12, 08:13 PM)Ben Diesel link Wrote:Stretch a condom or a surgical glove over the exhaust outlet.

Why on earth would you do that? let the air flow freely...

(13-07-12, 08:13 PM)Ben Diesel link Wrote:I tend to keep any little silica gel desiccant bags that I find packed in with shoes, handbags, kitchen utensils etc etc, and pop them in the trays and drawers of my tool boxes, to help keep the moisture away. Might be worth your while popping a couple inside some poly sheet and loosely wrapping around your brake discs.

WTF? Brake discs rust a touch when left wet, they get cleaned off first time you use the brakes, no fecking drama.

Mountains out of molehills, high drama where there's not even a fecking bad version of Coronation St

(13-07-12, 08:38 PM)Andy FZS link Wrote:As this list grows it might be easier to just use the bike? :lol

Andy

Well if you believe half the shit thats been written on this thread, then yes!! Although its obviously a sensible idea to use the bike, as everybody knows they have a soul and get very upset if you don't go and stroke them at least once a fortnight. Everybody knows that, right?
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#15
I appreciate all the comments. I've decided to mot i and give it a blast so it's not going to be detrimental to it's health. It's always stood over winter with no problems before, it's just been stood a bti longer this year :'(
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#16
Remember to take the condom off before starting it up!  :lol
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#17
What I wanna know, is how big are YOUR condoms?? Lol
QUENTIN TARANTINO - HALLOWED BE THY NAME!
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#18
Double XL!
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#19
With all the agg I see here - wot about  -  SELL IT - AND BUY ANOTHER BUGGER WHEN YOU WANNA RIDE AGAIN!!
THat way the bike will go to a good home and be loved up and you can start a new and exciting affair we you have the inclination !

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#20
It's not going anywhere. I didn't ride last year as I broke my elbow. I didn't ride this year as it's been too damn wet!
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