LONG term storage question

[RobH]

Hi, All. I've read the excellent posting by administrator on winterizing my bike, but I've got to go further than that, and am looking to draw on the wisdom of this site as to how to best proceed. I'm going to be leaving the country for just under 3 YEARS , and can either a) sell my bike or, b) store it until I get back. I'd much prefer "b", if I can manage it in a manner that won't cause damage/headaches for when I get back. I'd assume the process is similar, but with variations?

Thanks, as always, for your help!

Rob

[WingAdmin]

I think a lot of the procedures are going to be the same. I would drain the fuel tank and run the carbs dry, so that there is NO FUEL anywhere in the bike. Then fog the fuel tank to prevent corrosion.

I'd remove the plugs, squirt some oil into each cylinder and turn the engine over a few times to distribute it, again to prevent corrosion.

WD-40 is a great moisture/corrosion inhibitor (it's what it was originally designed for). I'd hose down the insides of the exhausts with it, then seal the ends of the exhausts with plastic wrap.

Change the oil of course before all of this, perhaps the coolant as well. Flush the brakes and clutch systems. Change the final drive gear oil.

Pump the tires up, and have the bike on the center stand with a small block of wood under the engine so that the front wheel is not resting on the ground.

Remove the battery, and if you can, put it on a Battery Tender while you're gone. If not, just plan to buy a new one when you return.

In three years, change the oil again, and fill with gas.

Anyone else have some suggestions?

[WingAdmin]

Oh...a cover would be great. Some moth balls and Bounce dryer sheets in various places to dissuade rodents from chewing the wiring. And make sure it's washed clean before storing.

[ct1500]

Slap some oil/grease on the exposed fork tubes to prevent rust.

[Maz]

Invest in a few cans of ACF50. Spray all the exposed chrome, alloy etc. It will evaporate the carrier liquid to leave a protective film. It not only prevents corrosion but also stops existing corrosion.
Maz

[RobH]

THANK YOU all who responded! Once again, the helpfulness and wisdom of this site is amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Rob

[flogger]

Do an Internet search for this... Looks like most recommendations here cover most of it but I have seen this on other motorcycle sites, maybe the CX500 forum or the Nighthawk forum or even the Shadow forum... But honestly I don't recall where... There are published guides and some may vary for where you store it... For example, my brother in Tucson AZ has packrats out there that will get into cars and eat/chew/destroy wires, rubber, molding etc that I don't need to worry about in Indiana... I am retired military and many military folks have stored all sorts of vehicles for long terms due to traveling overseas... Admin, maybe a good one to find and permanently post here? I'll look...