Storing the bike

This may have been answered before, but...

I need to store my 2000 SV for about 6 months - i know i need to drain the fuel from the carbs, but how do i actually do this? (my knowledge of bikes is fairly limited , but i'm a good follower of instructions ! )

Also, what else do i need to do to ensure the bike remains in good condition - is there anything i will need to do to when i start it all up again? I won't be in the country for 6 months, so i can't come back to it from time to time.

Any advice much appreciated...

Thanks

[Richie]

Disconnect fuel pipes from the tank to the carb feed and block them off, Start the bike and run it dry is the simplest way.

After that, take out both spark plugs and squirt a little oil into the bores. two squirts from a small oil lub can is enough. then replace them finger tight

Disconnect the battery. Important..... Neg off first, then poss off... on reconnection Poss on first then Neg on last...

if you have any mean to lift the bike off the ground so the tyres don't square off, then do it. try not to leave to on the side stand

oil the chain,
and leave the bike covered in a dust blanket. wipe the tear from your eye, turn off the light and lock the door behind you.

[embee]

The battery probably won't last 6 months unattended. They need to be kept fully charged.

You have 2 options really, either get someone to keep it charged for you (I wouldn't really recommend leaving it on an Optimiser charger for 6 months straight!), or just leave it and expect to need a new one when you return.

Whichever option, don't leave it on the bike.

There are drain screws towards the bottom of the sides of the carb float bowls (small allen screws) which are just accessible with the airbox removed using a normal allen key. They are in the gap between the 2 carbs from what I recall. Just slacken them a turn or 2 and the fuel will run out of the bottom (catch in a tin/jar or soak into a rag).

After 6 months you'll want to start off with some fresh fuel in the tank too in order to get it to start easily.

I would change the oil and filter just before you lay the bike up so it's nice and clean. Don't bother with overfilling it as is sometimes recommended, providing it's stored in a dry place during reasonable weather.

Make sure it's ventilated if possible and any cover you use is breathable.

Pump the tyres up a bit higher than normal if it's going to stand on them, say 36/40 or so.

Some Scottoil FS365 would probably do a good job of warding off any corrosion.

Wash and dry it thoroughly first, and give it a coat of wax polish.

Thanks for the advice - there will indeed be a tear in the eye...