I have a question for all you smart people out there. I need to know how to store my bike for about a year or a bit longer? I have just come down on orders to go back to the great sandbox called Iraq and don't want to sell my bike after making all my MODS so I need to find a good way to store it so it will start up again once I get back... So any advice would be great. Thanks all

 

Yo Gravytrian,

I'll make a few suggestions but let me start by saying I'm no expert. First off, let me advise that you FILL YOUR TANK and throw in some fuel stabilizer, rather than draining it. The reason I suggest this is that a full tank is far more resistant to corrosion, and these kawi tanks have been known to rust when left less than full. You might even want to put a little grease around the filler neck under the fuel cap. You'll want to drain your float bowl thoroughly, which is pretty easy to do either by running it with the fuel petcock off, or even better by opening the drain screw on the bowl. I would also suggest you fog the engine with any of the aerosol foggers which are pretty easy to find. When I store my sleds I like to put them on jackstands so the suspension is fully extended, thereby not leaving the springs in a compressed state. Those are the key points that I'd cover if I were in your shoes, I'm sure the more knowledgable guys here will have some other advice to add.

Best of luck over there and let me just say thanks for doing a difficult job, it is very much appreciated by folks like myself even if you don't hear about it on the news.

Take care,

Eric

 

Thanks Eric for all the help and the support....

 

GT,

Hey bro, Eric is right on with his technique. Sta-Bil, Seafoam or whatever you use is fine, just use it.

I would like to thank you for doing what you're doing. I spent my time in the military back in the late 60's. I fully appreciate what you are doing for all of us.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Another way would be to put some great sand tires on the bike, paint it OD or camo and take it with you. Great little light recon vehicle!

Good luck and God Speed!

 

For whatever it's worth, if you are going to go with the full tank w/ Stabil method, to use low octane fuel as it supposedly degrades slower than hi octane.

And most importantly, best of luck over there.

 

First off, good luck and be safe (as safe as possible in a war zone/police action/whatever they want to call it now) over there.

What they said, plus some other things to consider:


Most of the owners manuals should have some tips/suggestions for long term storage, check there. From what I remember from reading the various manuals I've had over the years, here's some suggestions:

Wash the bike completely and dry it. Wax the paint and apply a plastic protectand to the plastic components.

Change the oil and filter. Check/change/clean/oil the air filter.

Connect the battery up to a battery tender, to maintain the battery and keep the wires/connectors from corroding.

Some have mentioned disconnecting the clutch and throttle cables from the lever assemblies, bagging the ends up, in a vertical position, with some cable lube in them, so the cables do not sieze.

Also, I would flush out/change your break fluid, completely, to remove any water that has gotten in there, due to condensation, which happens during normal operation. Do this as one of the last items, and try not to ride it afterwards. This will prevent the fluid from getting heated and starting more condensation. Please follow all the directions/precautions when dealing with break fluid, in regards to paints/finishes, etc.

Store it in a cool, dry place, out of any contact with sunlight, so you don't get any bleached/faded body parts, dried rubber components, etc.. You may even see about storing it on a stable center stand, like one of those that are hydraulic, that have holes for attaching tie downs.

Finally, cover it with a sheet/bike cover, or what have you, perferably one that does not promote condenstation. You may want to put some air dryer packs, like those used for RV's, to prevent conensation/rust.

You may want to put a coating of vegetable oil or some other light lubricant on all exposed rubber components, long term rubber/vinyl stabilizers/protectors on the seat, grips, and tires, as well.

You may even want to consider cleaning and repacking your bearings.


That's what I can think of, off the top of my head.

Good luck,
CRT_Leech

 

Quote: "Wash the bike completely and dry it. Wax the paint and apply a plastic protectand to the plastic components."


That's what I'm talking about............sorry I couldn't help it.

 

GT, What unit are you with? I spent a year in the box myself (2004). If you have any questions on gear, I would be happy to pass on what I learned. Hit me off list.

 

Thank you all for the information... All of it will be helpfull, however, I have heard some rumors here that the Army wants the bike drained of all fluids and they will pack it away in a crate of some sort. Not sure if it will be a climite controlled or not. Dosent seem like they are to protective of motorcycles. I will do all the lube and the disconnects but the full tank might be a problem. What about putting something in the tank lake a towel to keep things dry and prevent rusting??

And most important thank you all for the support. I will be attatched to Delta CO. 101st FSB out of FT. Riley, KS. Then off to Sandbox for 12 to 18 months. I will be thinking of all you all riding and have'n a blast. And for the suggestion of putting a paddle wheel on the back and taking it with me... DONT THINK I HAVENT THOUGHT ABOUT IT!!!! I wounder how much it would cost to mail a motorcycle overseas??? things that make you go hummmmm!!!

 

Hey Gravy Train - I think you are just a few hours south of me. I don't have a very big garage, but I will offer to store it for you if you can get it up to me. No need to do anything special - with your permission of course, I will fire it up every once in a while and warm it up, take it for a spin around the block, and put it away. It would be well taken care of, just let me know. Also, if I have your e-mail address over there, I'll even send you a photo of it every now and then. The only think I ask in return is that you take care of yourself over there so that you can come back for it!