Harley Storage?

Question

Due to a death in the family, I have come into ownership of a 1978 Harley Lowrider (I think?) ... Well, I'm not too big into riding or showing bikes, but being's it was my dad's I'm gonna keep it around in the family. I was just wondering the best way to store a bike to where in say 10 years of sitting it will come out as close to looking as it does now (environment, cosmetic care / how often?, etc) Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Sorry for the lose. I had the same happen 12 years ago. What's been done in this situation, because I'm from a riding family, the 1968 FLHX was finished. Dad was in the process of having it 'totally' restored. It was his last scooter and he was the originally purchaser. He wanted it ridden and enjoyed, so that's what is done. It's like he's there with you when out on a the road, at least for me.
Anyway, back to your question. If you plan a deep storage, such as you suggest, the engine will need to be torn down when you bring it out. Along with replacing the tires, cables and complete brake system service. If you purchase the air tent that's on the market, the bike can be stored w/o damage to paint and chrome. It's a hermetically seal containment unit, that operates with electrical blower motor that inflates the 'bubble' and filters the incoming air. Drain the fuel from the system to prevent varnishing caused by old fuel, drain the oil from tank, engine, primary and transmission. Refill all EXCEPT fuel. Remove battery from the bike and make note of the type and physical dimensions, this will be vital information when you bring it out to run. It may not be an easy find to replace. You could find a replacement now and not add the acid to activate, thereby saving it for the revival. Remove the spark plugs, spray a light weight oil into the cylinders to keep the piston rings free and inhibit rust from forming on cylinder walls. Throughly clean and polish the bike before placing it in tent.
If it were me, I'd start the scooter at least a couple times a year. The rubber seals in and on the machine will dry rot over the lengrh of time you are speaking of. Another thing to do would be to have the gas tank sealed. The older bikes will corrode with rust. You can do this youself with a kit avail. from JP Cycles.

Answer 2

Covers, costly, all-climate, breathable - all different than cotton breathable (canvas) are plastic - nylon, polyester, despite - plastic compounds and the so-noted as vents do little or no yet act as balloons that capture moisture/condensation. They reason your aluminum aspects to corrode/oxidize at sped up costs too. So this bubble used exterior may well be a good sized water distiller that could desire to offer you a rain typhoon interior it, quite if image voltaic hit it. you would be greater effective off utilising a canvas tarp, ideally construction a "lean-to" supported by way of poles and stakes.... or another trend in case you do no longer opt for something contacting your bike...

Answer 3

put it on a jack drain the fluids get a motorcycle storage kit it has a clear tent and some of those gel packs that absorb moisture theres a link to go see how to do it all

Answer 4

Long list of things to do to store it for that long, you would be better off if you simply rode it around the block a couple of times every month or so as, if it isn't used, it "rots" (Sorta)

As above, sorry for your loss.