Getting bikes ready of a bit of a lay-off

[Zebedee]

Well, after months of leaving you good people in peace and quiet, I've got a question or two for you.

I've got a couple of bikes, one oil head and one airhead, and unfortunately, I'm going to have to leave them parked up, in storage for anything up to six months.

So, what should I do to make sure that they are as fresh as possible when I get back to them?

I should say that they will be parked up in a barn belonging to a very busy but more than technically competent non motorcycling mate.

All replies gratefully received ... even the “typical” ones.

Cheers

John

 

[GPLongford]

Here in Norway we are well used to put the bikes in for storage in late october and just dream about it until late april.

What I do:

Clean well and wax the bike. Change the oil. Fill the fuel tank completely. Disconnect the battery. Cover the bike with textile cover.

During storage, I charge the battery (one hour) some times.

I know others apply grease on chrome and stuff like that, but I dont...

 

[pomm001]

If its not too dirty i would leave it as it is, problem with a severe washin and parking staight up does more harm that good .
Spray up bright parts with WD 40 or silimar, i would have little or no fuel in the tank as unleaded goes off quickly, or put some 'fuel presever' in with the fuel.
Remove spark plugs and put a couple of pumps of oil with an oil can down the bores ,turn engine over by hand a couple of times.
I would take the battery off the bike if thats practical and store indorrs in the warm somewhere.
as an extra precaution i would just ease the pads away from the discs once parked on centre stand, its easy enough.
Cover bike with cloth based cover

 

[Zebedee]

Cheers guys,

Just what I needed reminding of ...

Unfortunately for me, I'm leaving the bikes over Summer down here in the southern hemisphere, and in any case freezing temperatures aren't too much of an issue in northern New Zealand.

However, thanks for the advice.