Putting the bike away

[Sharribee]

Right, I need to put the bike away for the summer, don't like risking it by riding when the weathers like it is. All that sun just isn't good for the bike .

What kind of things do I need to be doing as seriously Twinkletoes isn't going to be ridden for about 3 - 6 months

[Lutin]

Well, give it a good clean, change the oil and filter, keep the tyre pressures up, regularly charge the battery (or even leave it on trickle charge) and err....

...something else, but it escapes me at the moment.

[HUDDERS]

3 to 6 months have you moved

Be lucky to see 3 to 6 days

[YEN_POWELL]

Wash it (can't believe I said that).Turn the fuel tap off and drain the carbs. Oil the chain.

[Annette]

What kind of things do I need to be doing as seriously Twinkletoes isn't going to be ridden for about 3 - 6 months

Sigh a lot................and let Jason do it

I'd say a really good clean to make sure there's no salt anywhere and if you have one, hook it up to an optimate charger to keep the battery topped up.

Would it be a good idea to empty the fuel tank, as doesn't unleaded "go off" after a few months?

[Sharribee]

3 to 6 months have you moved

Be lucky to see 3 to 6 days

nope just not able to ride from Monday



Annette, I have spilt wine over my keyboard now but I suppose after our conversation on Saturday, you could be onto something there

[sean]

no,no,no it wont do it any good at all, i tell you what if you can drop it down to hastings i'll look after it for you ensuring its used daily, and every thing is prevented from seizing and corroding. oh, and i'll be gentle.........ish

[Whealie]

I had an MZ 125 many years ago and I broke my leg playing rugby. Did not ride for four months and it sat outside my house in Lewisham untouched all that time. I turned on the petrol and the carb float was stuck, so petrol spewed out. I hit it with a hammer. It kick started on the fourth or fifth attempt. I rode it to the garage and topped up the old fuel with some new stuff. Sorted.
So here is the non-medical advice from Whealie.
Start saying you will be out of action for four months and you will be. Start saying you will be out of action for two months Maximum and you may even recover faster.
There is a lot of brain power and attitude involved in how fast your recover. It is not all medical (SteveC will be along to confirm this).
You already know all this but it is easier to encourage someone else than to encourage yourself. So if you need some cheer and support, I'll phone you every week if need be (every day if you won't get bored) and tell you how much better you feel.
Tell Mr Mabel and miniMabel that you hope to be back up and riding in two months and get them to remind you that you said it.
As for the bike, clean it so there is no salt on it. Have something handy to recharge the battery at short notice.
I'll be down in two months for a rideout. We can compare knees then.
And do as I say. I am now your MATRON!

[Sharribee]

I had an MZ 125 many years ago and I broke my leg playing rugby. Did not ride for four months and it sat outside my house in Lewisham untouched all that time. I turned on the petrol and the carb float was stuck, so petrol spewed out. I hit it with a hammer. It kick started on the fourth or fifth attempt. I rode it to the garage and topped up the old fuel with some new stuff. Sorted.
So here is the non-medical advice from Whealie.
Start saying you will be out of action for four months and you will be. Start saying you will be out of action for two months Maximum and you may even recover faster.
There is a lot of brain power and attitude involved in how fast your recover. It is not all medical (SteveC will be along to confirm this).
You already know all this but it is easier to encourage someone else than to encourage yourself. So if you need some cheer and support, I'll phone you every week if need be (every day if you won't get bored) and tell you how much better you feel.
Tell Mr Mabel and miniMabel that you hope to be back up and riding in two months and get them to remind you that you said it.
As for the bike, clean it so there is no salt on it. Have something handy to recharge the battery at short notice.
I'll be down in two months for a rideout. We can compare knees then.
And do as I say. I am now your MATRON!

Thanks sweetie, I needed that

[iswoolley]

Would it be a good idea to empty the fuel tank, as doesn't unleaded "go off" after a few months?

Probably better to top the tank up. I remember being told that the fuel in the tank will stop any chance of rust occuring. When it's time to start it again you can drain the 'old' fuel out and put some 'new' fuel in from a can. Having said all this over the years my bikes have spent many consecutive winter months without moving, with no preparation, and I've not had any problems restarting them again.