Starting after winter storage?

[plehman]

The R850R has been sitting patiently in the cool garage. I changed the oil before winter storage and have periodically put it on the charger.

So do you just fire it up after sitting for 3 months? Feels like the oil will have drained out of the cylinders. Any tips or cautionary tales?

Thanks

[rambrookian]

I've ridden for over 30 years and have been forced to store my bikes due to severe winters, as well. Before firing up your bike, check your engine oil level, charge up the battery... inflate your tires to rcommended levels...check to make sure that all of your lights are working... and fire the bike up. Make sure to check for any oil leaks from the oil & filter change you performed last Fall. I've never encountered any engine issues by not fogging the engine prior to start-up in Spring. Good luck.

[GSfornow]

Check the bike as Rambrookian said, make sure it and you are ready to go and push the button. Go for a ride.

[nrpetersen]

Do it at least on a warmer day, or preheat the oil to minimize cold start damage if it has been sitting a long time.

[rambrookian]

I drive a 2000, R1100RT.

[GlobalRider]

So do you just fire it up after sitting for 3 months? Feels like the oil will have drained out of the cylinders. Any tips or cautionary tales?

One of mine sits for 10.5 months a year.

I disconnect the electrical connector at the fuel tank and hit the starter button for about 10 seconds and do that twice with a break in between. You need a good battery for that. :D

Reconnect the electrical connector and fire it up. Let idle for a few minutes.