Bringing my bike out of hibernation

[rac3r]

The previous owner has left the bike sitting for a few months so just want to know what i should do before i start riding it. There is also some rust on the sprockets and chain i was going to use WD40 to get it off but i wasn't too sure. Thanks for any help

Oh and the bike is a 2000 RS125
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[Tango675]

Here are a few tips:

1) WD40 might not be safe on the chain if it is one with rubber '0' rings as it may eat the rubber. Best to get the proper stuff.

2) Check your tires for cracks and splits and make sure there is enough air in them. If the bike has been sitting on its tires for a while with low pressures it may have split or distorted, meaning new tires. As yours is a 125, its probably quite unlikely as they don't weigh much.

3) Give the battery a good charge. Its best to buy a trickle charger to keep things sweet. Esp if you plan not to ride in the winter.

4) Check for seized breaks, blown lamps, flappy chain,etc. basically your usual pre-ride checks.

Bikes are happyest when used. Even if you leave the bike for a spell, it can be worthwhile starting it up and letting it warm up as this prevents thigs sludging up and keeps the fuel going through the carbs.

Enjoy yourself when you get it going!
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Somebody give that windup merchant a torque wrench..

[ajacko]

As Goat said, don't use WD40 on the chain, the manual will tell you if it's an O ring type chain, in any case or if you're not sure use SAE80 or 90 gear oil on the chain, it's much thicker than normal motor oil so it won't all fling off the first time you ride it. Also, empty any petrol left in the tank and fill with fresh, petrol can lose it's punch if it goes stale and in some cases, depending how old it is, won't burn at all, (octane level drops over time).

[Ste]

Lube the chain, have a quick check over fluid levels and tyre pressures, then start it up and off you go.

Petrol isn't going to have gone off much in a few months, it'll be fine.

Assuming it wasn't falling apart when you put it away, it'll still be fine now. Bikes don't dismantle themselves.

[rac3r]

what do you recommend to use for the chain and sprockets then as in make, price etc. Thanks for the help so far!
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Bikes : 2006 CBR125R - 2004 Monster 620ie - 2004 ZX-6R B1H - 2005 Monster S2R 800 - 2011 Street Triple - 2009 Streetfighter 1098 - 2014 ZX-6R 636

[Wabby]

I use Silkolene chain lube - But I dont just 'spray it on'.

I spray it on, rub it in with a old towel/rag (To get into all of the joint immediately) and then spray some more on.

Might take a while for the chain to look ok again - and if its that bad, take it off and clean it in a bowl with parafin / petrol first.


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What restriction?