The Army is sending me overseas for three years and it looks like i am not going to be able to bring my bike with me. Anyone have an tips for long term storage. I am going to drop it off at my dads not sure it i want him to ride it. i think i would have to kill him if he droped it! He said he would start it every few weeks and let it run for a little bit. i know fuel will go bad even with stay-bil but anything else i should do other then change the oil before i put it in storage?

 

I can see not taking the bike on deployment, But a 3 year tour you should be able to take your bike. I took mine to Germany, Hawaii and Korea. Even as a E-2 they shipped my ride many many moons ago. But if left for 3 years man I don't know what to tell ya. Never had to deal with that.

 

Talk to a mechanic but I would 1) Run all the fuel out of it, 2) Tell Dad to check the tire pressure if I could not put it on a lift at least keep the tires inflated 3) Battery Tender to keep the battery up and the computer working cause it works all the time when your not riding 4) Yes change the fluids 5) Cover it with a ready good soft quilt

When I got home I would 1) Clean it 2) Carry to mechanic and let him change fluids and crank it. Let him crank it because he may know a secret to get the oil to the moving parts faster since all the oil is drained down 3) May have to change the tires see how they look if any flat spots 4) May change battery 5) Ride

I am sure I forgot something but someone else will add to this I am sure.

 

I'd say remove the battery.becuse in 3 yrs the battery going need replaced anyway.run all the fuel out and add stay stabil to the tank.change the oil/trans/primary. pull the plugs and add little oil. get it off the tires if you can and cover it

 

Starting the bike periodically is not a good idea for a number of reasons.

Here is what I'd do;

Wash, wax & detail

Change all fluids & oil filter

Store battery inside on a Battery Tender

Top off fuel, stabilize fuel and fog tank, fog intake until the bike stalls

Clean & oil air filter

Remove spark plugs, clean, inspect (replace if necessary) and check gap
fog cylinders, apply anti-sieze replace plugs

Fog mufflers

Inspect and service (clean) brake calipers and pads

Put bike on lift (if no lift over inflate tires by a few #s)

Cover with breathable cover and hang a Goldenrod or lightbulb to the frame

Come back safe and thank you for your service.

 

Most of this sounds good for mid-term storage (5-7 months) over a winter. I'm not sure I would store the bike with fuel, even with stabilizer for 3+ years. I would probably do everything above except drain all fuel.

I just went through this a few years ago. I was PCSing to Germany. Wasn't sure if I wanted the bike since I didn't know what my storage options would be until I found a house (I'm a DA civilian this time around so no Gov't housing for me). So, I took the bike to a dealer that I trusted (no family in the area) and they gave me a very good on the 3+ year storage since this was an Army move. We (the dealer and I) discussed what would happen if I found a place where I wanted the bike and had storage for it. They agreed to release the bike to the Army shipping company if I so chose. So, before I left the states, I went to JAG and had a POA drawn up authorizing the dealership to ship my bike on my behalf (I did this because the shipper usually wants the owners signature or a power of attorney before they will accept the bike). I got to Germany, found a house with a garage, contacted the local transportation office and they made arrangements to have my bike shipped (at no cost since it did not exceed my weight allowance) as household goods. The bike arrived just in time for spring riding.

Bottom line: Prep the bike for 3-year storage; but, have it accessible in case you get to your destination and start to suffer withdrawal symptons and decide to have it shipped to you where ever you are going. I don't know where you would go for 3 years that you can't take the bike. Germany is no problem and I have friends that have taken their's to Korea for a two year tour and other friends that have taken them to Japan.

 

Would it really be worth the trouble to store a battery for 3 years on a tender?
When you get back you will still have a 3 yr. old + battery!

 

Thanks for all the info i guess i left out a few details after reading the replys. I am heading to Japan for 3 years. The rule on post is each household can only have two cars or bikes. So dad will keep an eye on it for me. It will be stored inside his shop with ac and heat. i plan on puting it on a lift to save the tires. What does fog mean i can guess but have no clue.

 

Think I'd let him ride it, rather than having the bike laid up for 3 years...

 

My advice would be to sell it.3 yrs is way too long to allow anything to sit w/out expecting multiple problems later.