Storing a bike?

**Robbie_** · 23rd August 2011, 22:14

hey Guys,

Never needed to before. I'm off overseas for a year and will put my FXR in storage. I've got a mate who's kindly offered to store it in his locked garage. He's not a biker, but he is mechanically minded. And is more than capable of doing basic jobs etc.

What's the best way to go about storing it? I.e I will get him to run it for 20 mins or so every month. But what else? It probably won't be ridden in this time. I've heard all sorts of things like pumping the tyre pressures right up, having the tank filled to the brim to prevent water etc.. Cheers!

**Flip** · 23rd August 2011, 23:25

Fill the tank, you could add some fuel stabilizer if you like.
New oil and filter.
Use the main stand, so the tires don't flat spot.
Take the battery out and put it on a battery minder.
Oil the chain and cables before storage.
Store the bike clean and use a sheet as a dust cover.

In the old days we used to put a squirt of oil in each cylinder (down the plug holes) to stop the rings sticking, but the oils in those days were crap. A short run each month will probably do more harm than good.

**ducatilover** · 23rd August 2011, 23:27

Fill the tank, do the tyre pressures, drop it off to me to use for the year you're away...

It'll be serviced, WOF'd and Rego'd and gets to play in the garage with my 600.

**Captain_Salty** · 24th August 2011, 07:42

my manual also recommends filling to the top of the crankcase filler hole as part of the oil change and oily rags over the air intake and muffler outlet

**Robbie_** · 24th August 2011, 09:34

Okay cheers, what should I pump the psi to in the tyre pressure?

**Dodgy_Matt** · 24th August 2011, 09:55

Originally Posted by ducatilover

Fill the tank, do the tyre pressures, drop it off to me to use for the year you're away...

It'll be serviced, WOF'd and Rego'd, dented and fucked within days and gets to Sit in the garage with my 400.

there fixed it for you

**Parlane** · 24th August 2011, 11:10

Originally Posted by Dodgy_Matt

there fixed it for you

Don't worry though, it will have nice (read: different) forks on it when you get back! And a beautiful (read: different) seat made out of plywood!

**Parlane** · 24th August 2011, 11:15

Originally Posted by Robbie_

Okay cheers, what should I pump the psi to in the tyre pressure?

Depends on the bike apparently. But you won't go wrong with ~30 psi in each. Less in the front I have been told. So maybe 29/32 for front/back. Playing it safe you can just do 30/30. (Check the max psi on your tyres just in case though...)

**ducatilover** · 24th August 2011, 11:25

Originally Posted by Dodgy_Matt

there fixed it for you

Originally Posted by Parlane

Don't worry though, it will have nice (read: different) forks on it when you get back! And a beautiful (read: different) seat made out of plywood!

I don't have a plywood seat to put on it...But that's a good idea! My plastic base and foam is so last year. The forks would weigh it down, I'll wheelie it everywhere.

**ducatilover** · 24th August 2011, 11:26

Originally Posted by Robbie_

Okay cheers, what should I pump the psi to in the tyre pressure?

Keep the wheels off the ground mate. Put it on stands, or in my garage

**Parlane** · 24th August 2011, 11:32

Originally Posted by ducatilover

I don't have a plywood seat to put on it...But that's a good idea! My plastic base and foam is so last year. The forks would weigh it down, I'll wheelie it everywhere.

Just head down to mitre10 and get some nice timber and cut it to shape! So much less hassle than plastics!