Running on very old oil after storage - problem?

[stef25]

My 650GS Dakar was in storage for 2 years and unused during this time. I got it running again, ready to take to the garage.

Main issue is oil change - can’t do it myself. Impossible to get the bolt on the bottom of the bike to move, seems like a common problem.

When I started it up the first time I just let it idle and a bit of blue smoke came out of the front somewhere. I turned it off immediately.

My question is - is it a problem to limp / ride the bike as it is for around 2 miles / 15 min to the garage? The oil that’s in the bike is pretty old.

Any idea what the smoke could have been? If it comes back I guess I should absolutely not ride it anymore?

 

[JJH]

If there was nothing wrong with the bike when you parked it there is probley nothing wrong with it now. Make sure that the level is ok and start it again. Oil doesn't go off sitting there. A bit of blue smoke from someone could be some oil burning off the exhaust. If it wasn't making any strange noises it's ok. JJH

 

[stef25]

Thanks for your reply.

Re the level - should I add oil to the bike even though they'll do a full oil change once I reach the garage 15 min later?

Thanks again!

 

[flatdog]

Can you check the oil level?

if it's low then top it up as it's not worth shagging the engine for the sake of a bit of oil.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

The oil is already 60 million years old. An extra couple wont hurt it.
Check the level. If its above minimum then ride it to the garage.
If its below minimum then top it up to at least minimum.
Check tyre pressures and test your brakes.
Set off slowly. As much for you as the bike. If you haven't ridden for 2 years you will be rusty.
Good luck.

 

[Beemerboff]

A few things might have happened, you might have condensation/ water in the sump, and , the oil in the header tank might have drained down into the sump, your coolant might have seeped away somewhere, you petrol will be stale and as AA has just said there will have been rust, probably on the bores and exhaust valve stems.
Not much you can do about the rust now, but have a look in the oil header tank and see if there is a brown foam, which is a sign of water in the oil, and if you can check the coolant level.
There should not be smoke coming from anywhere , and I would want to find out were /why it is coming from before I contemplated riding the bike.
Probably best to call the guys who will be doing the oil change/service for you and ask their advice- they can probably have someone pick up the bike for a reasonably figure, even if it is just for peace of mind.

 

[DrFarkoff]

My question is - is it a problem to limp / ride the bike as it is for around 2 miles / 15 min to the garage? The oil that’s in the bike is pretty old.

That should be okay as long as you have oil in it

When I started it up the first time I just let it idle and a bit of blue smoke came out of the front somewhere. I turned it off immediately.

Any idea what the smoke could have been? If it comes back I guess I should absolutely not ride it anymore?

Okay so here is the crux of the matter out of the front could well have been electrical Maybe mice / Rodents have gnawed wires

The question is did it smell of burning plastic or an oily smell?

Plastic smell would require investigation ASAP and not to use it

Oily smell could be a lot of things! Maybe you sprayed the exhaust with an oily substance before parking up? If so this could be that oil burning off Or the famous water / oil pump springing a SMALL leak dripping onto the exhaust when hot (which would be okay to limp around to the garage with providing its not pissing out)

Sorry but you will have to figure this one out yourself or maybe you can just get a transport company OR maybe the garage can collect from you

N.B. Make sure that they know that they must NOT Overtighten the sump plug!!!

it will strip the threads from the casing leaving you with an even bigger headache !