Storing a bike for 6-8 months

[Craig321]

I'll be picking up a Hornet in about 2 weeks time. It's been standing for a year, so I'll need to do the usual servicing stuff and check it over etc.

I'm off travelling for 6-8 months in February 2013, so the bike will be unused again.

It'll be stored in my parents garage for that time.

To keep it going, could they just start it up every few weeks, give it some revs, maybe wheel it around, operate the brakes etc. or would I be best off just draining the fuel and preparing it to stand? Do I even need to bother if it's only standing for 6-8 months? Would just unplugging the battery suffice?

Thanks.
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Sept 2012 - Current: Hornet CB 600 F4 '05
Aug 2011 - Sept 2012: CBF 125 '09

[Robby]

Fill the tank to the brim. Fuel won't turn to jelly in that time, but the tank could start rusting.

Change the oil before storing it.

Either disconnect the battery, or hook it up to an optimate with instructions to leave it turned on, or turn it on for a day every month.

I would probably drain the carbs.

[map]

I wouldn't drain the carbs but put some Putoline Fuel Stabilizer and run the engine to get it through.

That's what I'm doing with mine anyhow.

Oily rag stuffed into the exhaust. Stored in a garage so you'll have to watch out for condensation. Think about a cover.

Guy I know used to spray WD40 over the thing. Vaseline may also have been used. I think he also talked about cling filming the brake callipers. I think he may have dropped the pads too to stop them sticking to the discs.

When mine was at my parents my father had the battery out and did just turn on the optimate every week or so. You might just want to leave it connected to a weekly timer.

However, that said all this may be ott for some. I had a GT550 outside under a cover (or two) and there were no real issues. Would give the other bikes some tlc though.


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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[russell210276]

fill tank as stated as above but add fuel stabalizer in and again put battery on charge

[nowhere.elysium]

Good god, it's only being stored for a few months.

Fill the tank, remove the battery, drop the oil.

Job jobbed.

I'm not sure I'd even bother draining the carbs, in truth - it's not really going to be laid up long enough to make a major difference.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[dogwafter]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPnaDJkWav4&feature=plcp

[gandy666]

I would warm the bike up then shut the fuel tap shut to burn all the fuel out the carbs.

may or may not make a difference, but would be a pain in the arse to have to take the carbs out and get them cleaned out when you come back if leaving fuel in them did cos a problem. just in case really. minimal effort as well.

In the manual for my bike it says that I should fill the engine up with oil to the filler hole, tho this is obviously for a bike that is not to be started at all and probably stored for years.

if you;re off travelling, you might not come back when you think - plans change.

[P.addy]

Loan the bike out.