Bike unused for 3 years - what to look for?

[veenee]

Yes, as subject suggests, my friend thinks about picking up Honda NT 650 V Deauville which has not been used for almost 3 years.

What should you expect/check as we are going to go and have a look? What is the most common problem with bikes which have not been running for such a long time?

Any help really appreciated!

[atassiedevil]

1. Dump the fuel, and fill with fresh. All the aromatics will have gone. I generally use super unleaded of some description. Usually lots of detergents in those, so it will help clean out any crud if there's an issue.
2. Battery. Probably flat and completely dead by now. Expect to try to jump start it. Replacement battery would be a good idea.
3. Tyres/brakes. Check tyres will hold pressure, and there's no cracks in sidewalls or tread. Check brakes are not siezed.
4. Check all lights/switches work as expected, and the horn works.
5. Check steering is not notchy or rough, and that the wheels turn with no tight spots or roughness.
6. Exhaust. the Deauville exhaust is a pig, as the silencer has a 2:1 collector built in. They rot out, and fall apart regularly. Check the downpipes too, and that the studs aren't rusty dogbones, otherwise you're in for a world of pain.

Basically the most common items that would fail MOT.

C.

[Sid Squid]

Depending on how it's been stored, it could have weathered three years well or it could have deteriorate badly. Assuming it wasn't correctly prepared for storage, the battery will be knackered, if it's a carb model they will likely be gummed up, if it's injected the pump may be the same. The inside if the tank should be checked for corrosion. The rubber and chrome surfaces will have deteriorated, depending on how it's been stored this could be significant, so check the stanchions, the shock rod and the tyres very carefully. Even if they have good tread, carefully consider their replacement, and if you decide against that keep an eye on them for cracks or other signs of aging. Other than that it's the same as any bike purchase - does everything work as it should?

[veenee]

Thanks a lot guys!

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[mattSV]

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