Leaving Bike for 6 Months

Hi all,

Haven't been on for a while due to working away. Anyways, I'm off out of country for six months starting next week and my SV will be stuck in the garage the whole time. My dad will be turning it over whilst its on the rear stand, he will put it in first and let it tick over for about 10 mins each week.

What do I need to do to make sure all will be well when I get back? I'm looking for simple things unfortunately I don't have alot of time between now and when I'm off to start taking it apart and lubing up everything.

Much appreciated guys and have a nice winter while I'l be out sunning it up (working ) in Kenya mwhahaha

[maviczap]

I'd change the oil before you go

add some fuel stabilizer

Make sure the tyres are off concrete

[Mr Speirs]

If it was me. I'd brim the tank with fuel. Remove the battery and store it indoors. Lube any parts that need lubing. Make sure the bike was totally dry after giving it a good wash and then put a cover over it. And go have fun in Kenya.

Upon returning. Change the oil and filter refit the battery.

I personally would rather leave the bike still than starting it up every week.

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by megs

My dad will be turning it over whilst its on the rear stand, he will put it in first and let it tick over for about 10 mins each week.

Don't do this.

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by Mr Speirs

If it was me. I'd brim the tank with fuel. Remove the battery and store it indoors. Lube any parts that need lubing. Make sure the bike was totally dry after giving it a good wash and then put a cover over it. And go have fun in Kenya.

Upon returning. Change the oil and filter refit the battery.

I personally would rather leave the bike still than starting it up every week.

+1 Get a front and rear paddock stand lift it up and leave.
Up the PSI in the tyres to about 40 as the loss of air will add up

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

Don't do this.

Done it results in a totally f***ked battery and moisture in the engine oil

Fuel up to brim, lubricate everything you can (moving parts), you could also spray some acf50 over a metal parts (stay away from brakes with this), get your self a battery optimaser and connect it for all time. Don't start it every now and than like you planed because you will kill your battery + your bike wont like it. It should be a decent ride or nothing. You could give her a good service (all filters, oil, coolant, brake fluid) so it will be ready to go when you come back

Thanks for the replys everyone.

I'm going to get a front stand, brim the tank, disconnect the battery and lube the chain. I hope this should be enough, if there is anything else essential or highly recommended I'd appreciate it.

Cheers

[andrewsmith]

if its for 6 months do a oil change too.
A bottle of HG is 25notes

[Winder]

My bike has been sat for 5 months with half tank of petrol. Will my tank be rusted up or something? I did change the oil and give everything a good clean and lube.

Originally Posted by Winder

My bike has been sat for 5 months with half tank of petrol. Will my tank be rusted up or something? I did change the oil and give everything a good clean and lube.

You should be ok as it has been sat through the warmer part of the year, it is mainly cold weather that causes the condensation which in turn causes the problems.


Back to the OP, it's been covered really but really make sure the bike is not run every so often unless it is taken for a good run, 1 hour+ to be sure its thouroughly warmed through (in winter the oil will take ages to get upto full working temperature)