i am going to be storimg a motorcycle for over a year and what to know the best way to store it?

Question

well i am going to be stroing my kwasaki 636 for over a year and what to know the proper process to store it. should i drain all the fuids or should i leave them in there. should i disconnect the battery. just stuff like that if you can give me some input i would appreciate it

Answer 1

Drain the gas, if it has carbs, drain them too, try to keep the tires off the ground (flat spots) put a oil soaked rag in the end of the can, give it a fresh oil change.

Answer 2

if you empty the fluids, you have more area for moisture to cause problems in. I store my Harleys for up to 6 months at a time, but would do the same thing for a year. First, fill the gas tank to the top. Then add the appropriate amount of "sta-bil" which you can get at any auto parts store. Then start and run the bike for 15 minutes to get it down into the carbs and fuel lines or injectors. Then with the bike warm, but not hot, change the oil and filter. If equipt, change out the tranny fluids, primary fluid etc and also top off the brake fluid. If water cooled, make sure it is topped off with antifreeze mix. Add tire pressure to the correct amount, if possible, but not a must do, raise the tires off the ground, but do not let the front forks or rear shocks sag to full extension. Next, purchase a battery tender. NOT a trickle charger, or battery charger, It must be a battery tender. The difference being a charger will overcharge the battery, most trickle chargers do the same. A battery tender, will top off the battery, then shut down and monitor the battery, adding a charge only as needed. These run anywhere from $30.00 to $50.00 bucks at most motorcycle shops or online at JC whitney, Dennis kirk or J&P cycle. Grease any zirk fittings and put a cover over it that is weighted down to keep critters and bugs out ( can be as simple as canvas with rocks around it, but don't use plastic as it traps moisture) keep it in a covered storage area, inside a garage is best. That's it. When the year or whatever is up, change out the oil and filter and your good to go.

Answer 3

I would say you have some good advice here!

I agree with fresh fluids, except for one:

The Gas! I don't think Sta-Bil will help for that long. I think you should completely drain the tank, remove it, and leave it sitting on it's end with the cap off, to prevent moisture from condensing in the tank. I would also leave the tank open in the sun for a couple of days, to prevent fuel vapors from getting trapped in your storage bin. If it is empty, then no varnish problem.

The tank can also be relined when you return, so a little rust won't be as big an issue as holes!

I have had a lot of very old bikes, and numerous storage problems. Anything can be fixed! Hondas are notorious for holes in the tanks, so I would say dryer is better with the tank. Kawis, haven't heard any horror stories on storing them.

The battery will likely have to be replaced after a year dormant, but they are cheap and plentiful. Keep it out of the bike during storage, they like to leak when stored.

Answer 4

I've never stored a motorcycle but I have stored several cars over the years, it should be the same. If you can get if off the ground on a jack stand that is best if not, SLIGHTLY over inflate the tires to avoid them flat spotting. Drain all fluids and replace with new, change all filters with new and remove the battery. Also, I like to give it a a good cleaning and a wax, be careful not to leave any wax residue on any of the chrome. Lastly invest in a good custom fit cover and when your ready to awaken your beauty she'll be ready for you.

Answer 5

For storage of any cycle/scooter it is best if it is water cooled to make sure you have the proper ratio of antifreeze and water (the antifreeze has anticorrosion compounds in it) in the cooling system(DO NOT DRAIN THE COOLING SYSTEM). Start the engine and run until engine stops because of lack of fuel (if gas is left in the bike it will evaporate over time leaving varnish, plugging up carb and lines). The battery will freeze if it drains, It is best to pull the battery and place in a open plastic container in a heated area away from any flames like heater, furnace, range, water heater, and where no children can get to it (acid in the battery will burn the skin and blind), every couple of weeks trickle charge the battery to keep it from going into deep drained state (very bad on battery). If the battery is not pulled trickle charge it every couple of weeks. The other fluids should NOT be drained for storage. Since you are storing it for a year you also need to turn the engine over at least every 2 months, check to make sure tires are still at the right pressure also.

After being brought out of storage replace the oil and gear lube and fill with fresh fuel, check for any small animal nest in the bike and clean air filter.

Answer 6

Do not drain the coolant, or brake/clutch fluids.
Change the oil & filter and go for a ride before storing your bike - the internals of the engine will be lubed with fresh oil, old contaminated oil will have been drained (you don't want that stuff laying in your engine all winter) and your bike will be ready to go in the spring.
Fill the tank to the top - any parts of the tank not covered by fuel, will attract condensation and rust.
Add fuel stabiliser to the tank and run the bike for 5-10 minutes - running the bike will get the stablised fuel into the fuel rails and injectors.
Charge the battery - then remove it and store it in a dry, warm area.
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maintenance/motorcyclewinterstorage.htm

Answer 7

Clean the carburator. If it hasnt been stared in years then there is probably varnish in the carb which will prevent the bile from starting or running right. Take it off and bring to a motorcycle shop, they should be able to clean it for about $60-80. I would also drain the fuel tank and replace the fuel in it, check for rust first.

Answer 8

Depends if you can have someone check up on it every week or so.

If you can, then that person, once a week, should:
-Start it.
-Let it warm up.
-Ride it around, maybe for half a mile.
-Put it up again.

If not, then:
-Drain all fluids. Everything. Gas, oil, hydraulic fluid, et cetera.
-Put it up on a jack or lift or something to take the weight off of the suspension and tires.
-Make sure it's exceedingly clean; you don't want any rust forming in your absence.

My uncle has a four-wheeler that he left at his parents' house for a few months. He had left it "ready to go". Now it won't start (last I checked, anyway.).

Answer 9

What the guys above said.

I'm saying, yes, disconnect the battery, and put it on something like a Battery Tender Junior.

Your storage area needs to be dry and free from condensation, otherwise any place that water condenses will rust and corrode.

Answer 10

Make sure you turn the gas off and run all the gas out of the carburetor and take the battery out and put a trickle charger on it.