How to store away a bike if it is going to be unused for a long time (say 2 years)?

Question

I am referring to an ordinary 100cc 4 stoke indian motorcycle. I have removed petrol, oil, battery etc. Is there is anything else that needs to be done?

Answer 1

fill the engine with fresh oil, and the gas tank with gas/stabil/oil combo.to prevent rust, also cover all metal parts with grease to prevent rust, bleed the brakes to get any rust out , lower the tire pressure to 20lbs., cover it good, your biggest enemy is rust :)

Answer 2

Why did you take the oil out? Anyway it sounds like you are off to a good start. Put the bike on a stand to get the weight off the wheels, make sure it has a good coat of wax on it. You can fog out the engine(this covers the cylinder walls to prevent rusting in storage) with fogging spray (get it in boating stores, maybe auto stores). Charge the battery every couple of months. Try to keep it in a garage and covered, including the tires. First answer includes Stabil. Thats good stuff but will not last for 2 years and your gas will still turn to varnish. Check your local auto parts store for a long term storage fluid. I have used them in outboards for years.

Answer 3

seriously... i think u should sell it and buy a newer and better one after 2 yrs... b'coz storing a bike in indian atmosphere is difficult because af all the rain/moisture/humiditiy... there is bound to be a lot of rust formation. moreover ur bike may be a little outdated by then...

but if u just bought ur bike... or if u r very Emotionally attached to it.. then do all the steps u said.. plus.. apply oil/grease on mettalic parts to avoid rust. Better keep indoors if possible. do not drain engine oil... if oil is old... u may wanna change the oil too...

ONE MORE option is tht u can give it to a friend or relative who can keep it in good running condition for u till u return from ur hiatus

Answer 4

No1 drain the carbs,then flush with carb cleaner.
No2 3/4 fill fuel tank with 25to1 2 stroke fuel
No 3 turn motor over with plug out till on tdc both valves closed then fill cylinder with preservative oil, replace plug.
No4 fill crankcase with preservative oil .
No5 pour preservative oil into muffler,then put cork in end
No6 remove rocker cover and fill with preservative oil,refit cover
No7 place bike over tray in case of leakage on main stand, then you can deflate tyres but not completely.
No8 spray bike liberally with lite weight protector oil, then cover and store in dry place
No9 you should use a small bulb and competely flatten your battery, and if its a good quality one it should be able to be recharged in 18 months to 2 years but must be stored in warm dry place off the ground

when you return you can drain all the oil etc fluh everything out ,put in fresh oil and fuel, recharge battery or replace if it has oxidised,ie white coating on some plates.
then you can start off again.

Answer 5

1. Leave oil in the engine. Dont let it go completely dry.
2. put antirust on all the exposed metal parts
3. cover the bike with a tarpaulin to reduce dust and grime collection in the chain and sprocket and on the seat.

Answer 6

hey arun if ur keeping it aside for reall long time then make sure that it gets properly seviced and then clean some parts which nhave some moisture like inside chain set covers and rear shocks ,there is no need to remove engine oil and then offcourse plzzzzzz my friend cover it with proper cover because u sound as if u dont want to ride it again and say bye to ur bike .

Answer 7

First answer sounds good. You may as well let the pressure out of the tires, and keep the bike out of the weather -- both sun and rain will cause damage.

Answer 8

First answer is good, but if you want to save the tyres, take the weight off them.

Answer 9

I agree with the other two. Be sure it is not hummed and well ventilated.

Answer 10

Read all about it
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maintenance/motorcyclewinterstorage.htm