| Author | Message | ||
     Xgecko |
OK I got screwed and will have to Store my Blast for the next 3 years while I'm in Japan. I know the tires and battery are basicly toast when I take it out. Anything else I need to worry about??? Is there anything I should do to make the storage easier on my Blast. I know Stabil in the Tank...what about oil? Is Synth ok for a long idle period...I was thinking about a full fluids change right (100-200miles) before I box it up. Sound about right? Thanks | ||
| Tripp |
the easiest way to take care of that is to find someone u trust to ride it around the block once every couple of weeks, that sounds wacky but some people do have friends or relatives that won't ride it 4 pleasure, i "stored a bike for a couple yrs while i lived there and my brother ran my bike through the gears approx, once every 3 weeks (with no tune ups or anything, he only took it around the block mind u), and it was just like it was when i left it neaxt time i saw it! | ||
| Xgecko |
I can't get the bikes (both mine and my wifes EX250) from where I am (hawaii) to RI where my family is. They would like having the bikes (especially my Dad) but the Navy will pay to store them for me in Oakland of all places. | ||
| Loki |
You can't take them to japan or the Navy won't ship them? | ||
| Blake |
XG, Add Stabil to a full tank of gas, run it enough to get it into the float bowl, change engine/tranny lube, remove battery, cover, tuck in, kiss goodbye, try not to tear up as you bid your bike so-long. | ||
| Spiderman |
Every thing Blake said but add a few. After the fresh fluid change and stabil (I prefer to just drain all the gas) Run the bike till just warmed up about 3 to 5 min to get everything nice and coated. Take out the Plug and put a table spoon of oil in the cyl, or spray some WD40 in the hole, or they sell a product that goes in the plug hole to remove moisture. (the WD40 is cheaper) | ||
| Ralph |
WD won't last long enough. It's great for cleaning, but not preserving. All you'll be doing is degreasing the cylinder walls. After three years in Oakland, rust. I'd throw in about a table spoon of 30 weight and turn the motor over a touch to distribute it around the cylinder walls. Absolutly use full synthetic, it doesn't acidify like the dyno oil. Don't forget to do the same with the primary oil. When you get back, expect your clutch plates to stick together. Three years is a long time. You'll be a different person when you get back and may want something very different by then. I would honestly say the best thing to do is strip off your hi-zoot parts and sell it. When you get back you'll be able to pick one up cheap enough if it's still what you want. bighairyralph | ||
| Xgecko |
Stripping it and selling it would work IF I had the originals to put back on but I built this bike from engine, wiring harness, wheels, shock and fork (salvage from a crash) I don't have the originals and there is no way after I got it to this point that I want to give it up. Even if I get another bike (a distinct posibility) I do not want to give up my thumper. I have spent extended periods of time away from my toys before and been able to revert easilly this will be no different. The warehouse for storage is, supposedly, a controled environment. I do know that it's the largest household goods storage facility for the military. I know my clothes didn't get mildew nor did my snowboard rust the last time I stored stuff there so I doubt my bike will this time. | ||
| Blake |
XG, My take? It would be worth the experience to pay the coin to get her into Japan. If you do some research you might be able to reduce the cost significantly. Consider $3K over two years is only $4 a day. That's darn cheap in Japan. The memories and pictures will be worth it. I know, it goes against sensibilities, but so does riding a motorcycle in the first place. You're taking your wife right?  And consider this... You may have the ONLY Blast in all of Japan! You might-could (one o'them Texas words I've learned) charge $20 for a measely ride around the block at the local BRAG meets.  | ||
| Xgecko |
yes but I don't have the cash up front to do it. and that is when it is required. as soon as it's uncrated I would have to pay 2K to get the brakes certified (if they will do it) if not I have to pay the return freight to RI because at that point I couldn't store it and then I get to argue about emmisions. Yes I'm taking the Wife but not her bike either. We've already revamped out priorties and I'm not gonna flip flop on her. Rail Passes have become the new transportation. | ||
| Blake |
Your a good man. | ||
| Ralph |
Wait, I have it!! Ship it to Nebraska, I'll keep it in the dining room.....hm, no, that won't work, that's where I keep the S1. Living room, yeah, that's it...nope, other S1. Or maybe in the kitchen with Sarahs Blast. Nope, it'd get bacon grease on it. Uh, guest bedroom, tough to get it up the stairs but what the hell, it'd be a fun ride. bighairyralph | ||
| Hans |
Xgecko, all what is said already (I would prefer also to get rid of all gas. The old steel tanks were filled to have some protection against rust. It is safer without gas and not any chance of gum forming) but another item: Keep the bike on struts with the wheels from the floor. 3 Years is not that long: You can ride the bike then at least to the dealer for changing tires. And another: Clean and "wax" the bike meticulously before your last warming up. Some road dust will do no harm then. If you want to pamper it more: Seal it in with plastic foil and let N2-gas blow inside or seal a cheap de-humidifier in: That kind with a strong hygroscopic salt within a plastic container. Take the battery out: Sell or give it away. You can keep the battery probably three years in shape with an expensive battery conditioner but that is not worth the trouble IMO and electric current is also not for free (about 500 KWH in three years is my optimistic estimation). Hans | ||
| Xgecko |
Hans, I plan on steam cleaning the engine and then scrubbing the whole bike down . Then it gets crated up and stuffed in a wharehouse in Oakland California. I plan on draining the tank as well. Good Idea about the battery though | ||
| X1glider |
XG, even better...sell it. The saved cost of storage will get you a newer and much improved bike when you come home, or a new one in Japan. Also think of the cost of getting it back in good running condition when you do get it back. New tires, battery, fluids, possibly replacing dried up gaskets and seals, a rotted leather seat. It all adds up quick and immediate. Ok it's 2 am, now I'm hitting the sack. | ||
| Bomber |
Gecko Boat people have some stuff to fill the cylinders with that stops (or, at least, delays) bad doings there . . . . .you may want to check with them . . . .the term "fog" comes to mind, but I long since lost control of the database in my head, and that may, or may not, have anything to do with it | ||
| Xgecko |
X1 Glider I'm not paying the Storage you and every other taxpayer is...Military storage for personel stationed overseas. That said I is not selling my Blast. Tires are just something I get to waste down before it gets crated... |
