Long term storage advice needed

[adrfrom1953]

Because of health problems, I had to give up riding my K bike. I was planning to give it to the grandkids in about 10 years when they're old enough to ride and have gotten some experience on smaller bikes. How do I store the bike for a long time? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
Bob.
Member #7152
Victorville, CA

[PGlaves]

This is a real challenge. I'll probably miss a few things so others should feel free to chime in.

1. It needs all fresh fluids when put away. Brake fluid, oil, filter, trans oil, final drive oil, fork oil, coolant.

2. I would get some Fogging Oil and follow the directions to fog the cylinders.

3. Remove the battery - it will be junk in 10 years anyway.

4. I would remove the fuel pump - run it briefly in a can of alcohol based cleaner or Iso Heet in the red bottle. Then wrap and store the fuel pump out of the bike.

5. Drain the fuel tank completely to dry - leave it open till all fuel is gone. A splash around rinse with carburetor cleaner will evaporate quickly and leave little residue.

6. The tires will be junk when you go to revive the bike. I would take them off now and store the bike without tires. 10 year old tires are often very hard, and difficult to remove - risking rim damage.

7. The last time it is run - the gas should have a very stout dose of Stabil fuel stabilizer in the fuel. This MIGHT keep the injectors from gumming and sticking during storage, and should also protect the fuel pressure regulator. If I could think of a good way to flush the injectors with alcohol before storage I'd do it. I suppose that removing them and cranking the engine with only alcohol in the tank might do it but I'm not sure how much cranking that would take to thoroughly flush the lines. I think Stabil is probably the best shot.

I suppose there is a real attachment to that specific bike, but if I were in your current position I would at least strongly consider selling the bike now and buying another in 10 years. The bike will require a lot of work to put away - and more when it comes out of storage. Just a thought!

[deilenberger]

Bob - tough one. Bikes don't actually like to not be used.

Top of my head thoughts - from bringing bikes back to life:

All the rubber components will tend to harden up - things like seals. Dunno that there is much that can be done about this. Whoever brings it back to life has to consider replacing all the seals.

Fluids obviously should be changed. I'd be tempted to drain the brake systems, or if not - fresh fluid, then put sealed plastic bags around the master cylinders (to keep them from breathing in moist air.)

Fuel should be drained out right down to the injector rail.

Bike should be stored in an area where there are no brush-type electric motors (create ozone which eats rubber up..), covered for dust.

Cylinders fogged with oil.

Battery removed and disposed of.

Tires inflated - and figure on these being garbage when the bike comes back to life.

Steering head/wheel bearings will likely need replacing when revived.. the grease will have turned to the consistancy of concrete. No way to avoid this.

You might consider putting the entire bike in one of the big sealed plastic storage bags popular with the great American Brand bikers - with silica gel packets inside to absorb the moisture.

Be interesting to hear other people's thoughts..

[moose738]

A couple years back I acquired an R100RT that been in storage for about eight years. The piston rings had attached themselves to the nikasil cylinder walls. The nikasil coating was pitted in those areas, and the cylinders needed replacement. The carb floats and diaphragms were bad also, and most of the metal surfaces on the bike's exterior were looking bad.

Selling the current bike and purchasing a 'new' used bike in ten years time is good advice based on my experience. It will likely save you and your family many headaches.

Good Luck, John

[lostboy]

I agree that selling the bike would be the best choice. Put the money in a dedicated account for the kids.

If you must keep the bike, in addition to Paul's and Don's advice, I would find the cheapest oil I could and fill the engine and gearbox as high as possible, then attach a note that won't disappear to that effect to the bike.

[zoridog]

I bought a K100 that had been stored in a garage for 7 years. It looked like a good bike without any glaring problems.

The final bill to get it in excellent mechanical shape was about $3500. That was shop time and parts doing no work myself. Tires, brakes, steering head bearings, water pump, airbox, rubber parts that are dried up, plugs, filters, tightening every bolt on the bike, etc. It adds up quickly.

That is probably what 10 years of neglect will cost the grandchildren.