Long term storage

[Pat Kelly]

I'm looking for suggestions on storing a bike long term. Not for the winter but to be parked for years or even decades.
Anything different to be done if the bike is new as opposed to one with many miles on it?
Seeing the MNS on Ebay with 30 miles on it got me thinking.
I know the battery should be removed and some kind of lube to coat the cylinder walls.
Gas should be drained but how to avoid rust in the tank?
Also, should the oil be drained?
This isn't going to happen to either of my XS's. They remain on the road.

[BLUEJEEPLAB]

You would need to consider the environment too. Ideally, a temperature/Humidity controlled room with no UV. This would minimize issues with rust and dry rot. The bike should be on some sort of stand so the tires are not in contact with the floor. Periodic checks and rotation of the engine, tranny, and wheels would keep them from freezing up. I'd say proper oil and drive fluid levels are essential.

A good coat of some sort of wax on all glossy will help preserve appearance. Likewise, armour all or other protectant on vinyl and exposed rubber. A good fitting cover helps shield the finishes from scratches and what not.

What about effects of the long term storage on brake lines and such? What does brake fluid do with periods of no activity?

My two cents...

[DiverRay]

Pat,
I would use a "fog" spray oil on all the surfaces. Marine grade oil would be best. If you are going to just "put it away", look into the "shrink wrap" option. I think they are now using nitrogen to remove most of the O2. This would probably be the best option for long term.

[desert1]

I gotta ask

Storing for decades. Must be going on a real long vacation......anyway put the bike somewhere warm, no condensation, run it every couple of months, keeps the seals lubed, battery on trickle charge......I couldnt be without my 11 for a year!
Bruce

[fredintoon]

Long term storage

Dontcha just love those movies where folks resisting alien invaders discover a military stash that's been hidden for centuries and the tanks and planes still work? For long term storage, clean & wax, drain all the fluids and coat all the innards with inhibiting oil, remove the battery, prop the bike up on a stand so niether tire is touching the ground, store at a constant 60ºF in the dark in a dry nitrogen atmosphere.
So, whatcha storing & why?
Fred Hill, S'toon.

[HobbyMan]

nothing is better than cosmoline. How many rifles have I discovered that were packed away in perfect condition. Since I am going away to college, this thought has been crossing my mind. Use something like the marine engine fog. I would drain the tank and place the whole bike in a sealed bag. I read an article one time about a car that was found in a barn. I can't rember the type of car it was but aparently in the 60's some dude bought a brand new car and put it in a large sealed bag. It had the original break in oil in it. The interior still smelled like it did rolling out of the factory. I wish I could find that article again.

[MartyA]

BLUEJEEPLAB says "...You would need to consider the environment too."

Keep it away as best as you can from barns, cement/metal buildings, shelters that naturally have extreme environments. Barns can have a long term supply of ammonia.

Cement and metal buildings get cool in the evenings and warm up during the day. I saw a buddy's bike dripping from that type of environment in the early spring following a long winter nap.

A secure wooden garage with a wooden floor that has no windows or sunlight exposure is a good thing. Temperature extremes in a wooden garage are not too bad. It would be the most cost effective method, as you would need minimal environmental controls.

Cover the bike on top to keep dust from settling too much, but don't enclose it. Cover the holes, the gaps, the little caves! Exhaust pipes, air cleaners, intake ports, handle bars, under the seat are all little living quarters and little storage caves for little animals. Store the seat off the bike.

[HobbyMan]

The manual has talks about a special plug you can get that goes in the spark plug hole that emits a gas that protects everyting.

[mason79]

for a good long term approach; ride it daily!!

[nubee]

Hey Pat Kelly & HobbyMan,

Maybe this is the way to go:


Anti-Rust Motorcycle Storage Bag