Bike laid up - what do I need to check?

[HeatedGrips]

I haven't been able to ride for the last three months due to illness and my bike, which was used every day, has been sat in the garage doing nothing apart from being wired to the Optimate.

It will be a few more weeks at least before I can get back in the saddle. Are there any checks/maintenenance I should be carrying out on it in the meanwhile?

Thanks

 

[Shep]

Check the tyre pressures and then go out and enjoy yourself, 3 mths isn't that long really

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Not if its just been stood for a few months.

 

[GSmonkey]

Don't be tempted to start it until you want to use it again.

When you're ready, pump up the tyres and off you go.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

I agree. Starting it for a couple of minutes then shutting it down again for an extended period just generates condensation.
If you're going to start it. Give it a good run out.

 

[gwigglesworth]

Start it... and leave it to idle (it will sound bad due to the oil having to get round) for a good 20 mins until there is no water coming out the exhaust...

Then once fully warm and not smoking or clattering rev it quite a bit to get it really hot....

Then switch it off.

I normally make sure I start mine and run it for 10 - 15 mins once a month to keep the insides well coated in oil etc..

Yes before you ride lube everything that has not moved and is lubeable! (OK I only have an F650 so I have to oil the chain)..

Then take it slowly on the first ride... After you check the oil level and the tyres... Brakes will be covered in crud...

 

[Kremmen]

Even though i have a centre stand, i place an old scissor under the angle drive to take the weight off the rear wheel.... lift it just enough to clear the ground, any more and the front touches down.

Lifting the rear wheel clear stops a "flat spot" on the tyre.

In addition i squirt WD40 into the silencer, and pull an examination rubber glove over the end.

Coat all the fittings with ACF50

Plug the battery into an optimised charger

Cover the bike in a dust sheet, or even better one of those vacuum bags, shut the garage door and count the days to spring.

Regards

 

[Pukmeister]

Start it... and leave it to idle (it will sound bad due to the oil having to get round) for a good 20 mins until there is no water coming out the exhaust...

Then once fully warm and not smoking or clattering rev it quite a bit to get it really hot....

Then switch it off.

NO...NO....NO.....

The engine is air cooled and relies on airflow through the oil cooler to cool the engine. Running it for 20 mins without air moving through the oil cooler isn't a good idea.

Likewise, do not rev it quite a bit then just switch it off.

 

[ianran]

Lob me the keys I'll ride it for you

 

[AdieL]

NO...NO....NO.....

The engine is air cooled and relies on airflow through the oil cooler to cool the engine. Running it for 20 mins without air moving through the oil cooler isn't a good idea.

Likewise, do not rev it quite a bit then just switch it off.

Absolutely!

 

[kbada]

Norway

We as wot livs a bit further norf - we park up each and every year for about 5 months - I (read the missus) washes and dries it, if it's quite a few kilometers since the last service I change the oil and filter, stick it on the center stand, remove the battery and thats it - turn the light out, wish it a happy christmas, go home and wait for spring.

Never had any probs and it always starts as easily as it ever did

 

[tonedef]

I work in Saudi so normally do three months away followed by two or three weeks at home. I'll use my bike until about 8pm on the day before I fly and then stick it in the garage, sometimes remember to connect the battery charger but forget more often than not, pull the cover over and then off to Manchester airport at 3:30 the next morning.

Three months later I pull off the cover, do the tyre pressures and then fire her up and I'm away, never misses a beat.

It's covered in ACF50 most of the year anyway cos it's simply too much trouble to clean it all off just to put it back on for the sake of two weeks riding but it does look nice and clean underneath when I occasionally feel up to the job....more like when BMW wash it at service actually!

 

[LivNorway]

We as wot livs a bit further norf - we park up each and every year for about 5 months - I (read the missus) washes and dries it, if it's quite a few kilometers since the last service I change the oil and filter, stick it on the center stand, remove the battery and thats it - turn the light out, wish it a happy christmas, go home and wait for spring.

Never had any probs and it always starts as easily as it ever did

Chicken!

Liv.

 

[kbada]

Chicken!

Liv.

Well, I did ask

 

[bose]

Start it... and leave it to idle (it will sound bad due to the oil having to get round) for a good 20 mins until there is no water coming out the exhaust...

Then once fully warm and not smoking or clattering rev it quite a bit to get it really hot....

Then switch it off.

I normally make sure I start mine and run it for 10 - 15 mins once a month to keep the insides well coated in oil etc..

Yes before you ride lube everything that has not moved and is lubeable! (OK I only have an F650 so I have to oil the chain)..

Then take it slowly on the first ride... After you check the oil level and the tyres... Brakes will be covered in crud...

why check tyres after a run derrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dahoum]

Start it... and leave it to idle (it will sound bad due to the oil having to get round) for a good 20 mins

NO NO NO NO

Do not do this. Read the fukcing manual

 

[Mr K]

Start it... and leave it to idle (it will sound bad due to the oil having to get round) for a good 20 mins until there is no water coming out the exhaust...

Then once fully warm and not smoking or clattering rev it quite a bit to get it really hot....

Then switch it off.

I normally make sure I start mine and run it for 10 - 15 mins once a month to keep the insides well coated in oil etc..

Yes before you ride lube everything that has not moved and is lubeable! (OK I only have an F650 so I have to oil the chain)..

Then take it slowly on the first ride... After you check the oil level and the tyres... Brakes will be covered in crud...

DO NOT DO THIS!

 

[Wrinkly]

Start it... and leave it to idle (it will sound bad due to the oil having to get round) for a good 20 mins until there is no water coming out the exhaust...

Then once fully warm and not smoking or clattering rev it quite a bit to get it really hot....

Then switch it off.

I normally make sure I start mine and run it for 10 - 15 mins once a month to keep the insides well coated in oil etc..

Yes before you ride lube everything that has not moved and is lubeable! (OK I only have an F650 so I have to oil the chain)..

Then take it slowly on the first ride... After you check the oil level and the tyres... Brakes will be covered in crud...

Others have said it,but i'll say it also DO NOT DO THIS.
There is a post somewhere on this site of a guy who started his bike up in the garage left it running went for a cuppa and returned to find the garage full of smoke,and his bike glowing red hot.

Steve

 

[Kremmen]

I actually think what you are suggesting is a first class idea ..... the motor trade is in the doldrums so any extra business is very much appreciated..