Still looking - Dry stored bikes

[flytoolow]

Yep, Ive still got my eye out for an airhead for general mucking about with and a little spannering time

I've found one that fits the bike budget perfectly (i.e what Ive got stashed under the bed and SHMBO doesn't really know about and also about half the cost of the others..

But its been "dry stored" for about 6 years (Milage about 70K Km) - Is there anything serious I should watch for ( Gaskets / filters /Tank etc etc) before riding it home (500 miles). A Van & pick isn't "really" feasible at this point.


Cheers.

F2L

 

[VAL. H.]

Yep, Ive still got my eye out for an airhead for general mucking about with and a little spannering time

I've found one that fits the bike budget perfectly (i.e what Ive got stashed under the bed and SHMBO doesn't really know about and also about half the cost of the others..

But its been "dry stored" for about 6 years (Milage about 70K Km) - Is there anything serious I should watch for ( Gaskets / filters /Tank etc etc) before riding it home (500 miles). A Van & pick isn't "really" feasible at this point.


Cheers.

F2L

Riding the bike 500 miles is the iffy bit. Can we assume it currently starts and runs? ie it can be ridden and all gears select, brakes work to a degree etc.

Change the oils. Engine, Gearbox and FD (consider the drive shaft oil too if it's supposed to have any). Once you have done the oils, it could be worth checking the valve clearences. Also check the suspension, shocks and pivot points. Tyres could be your biggest problem. Look for perishing/cracks in the side wall and between the tread. Tiny cracks, the tyre might be ok for the ride home with a slightly lower pressure and a light load. Big cracks, you'll need to change them before the ride.

Basically you're doing the normal work before going on a long trip.

Ride it gently, like you are running it in, or pottering along looking at the scenery. Check the bike over each time you stop, looking for things that have come loose and listen out for unusual noises.

Cover youself for recovery insurance and enjoy the ride


Good luck Val.

 

[England-Kev]

Old stored bikes can be fun, I have a few that I use, including my ST, So some helpful hints...

Buy a new Battery, the old one Will be shot
Check the oil
remove the plugs.
Remove and flush out tank
Turn the engine over with plugs removed to circulate oil (watch oil light)
Fit new plugs, check for spark
clean float bowls
Fire it up if all the above are OK,
Clutch may be stuck on, so start it on the centre stand in gear with rear wheel free of the ground, and dab rear brake to release clutch.

 

[Benjamin M]

Just take a sleeping bag and an AA card. Leave the rest to chance

 

[Fanum]

I don't know about on an airhead, but I'd expect carb gaskets/seals to be dried out which may well cause some leakage until they expand again (if they aren't cracked.)

I think I'd be taking a metre of fuel pipe and a couple of fuel clamps with me as well......old fuel pipe gets porous when dried out but it's an easy roadside fix.

If a van hire jobby is out of the question, you could maybe stash it at a local tosser's place and check it over properly/run it locally for a few hours?

I'm certain there are lots of people who would help out

 

[Richard A]

Front brake hydraulic seals, especially willingness of caliper pistons to retract after use etc. is one area to watch for (barring bevel drive oil leaks (could be a prob with dried out brake expander cam shaft seals) the rear drum should be OK). Generally, though, if the front brake is still working and doesn't jam immediately you start using it, you'll probably be OK for the 500 mile journey.