Transalp laid up for 13 years - what to do?

[tangle]

I bought a new XL600V in 1997 but my job changed and I had to store it almost immediately.

I didn't know I was storing it for that long - I thought just a few months - so I didn't do anything special to it when stored except put it in a cool, dry garage under a dust cloth.

I've just got it back again and am desperate to get it on the road - but what do I have to do to get it back? It's done 680 miles and is in showroom condition.

btw - hello, great to find this place!

[StumpyFingers]

Welcome to the forum.
When you put it into storage, did it have any fuel in the carbs and tank?
If it did then they will need to be cleaned and new fuel used, The battery may need replacing too.

[tangle]

When you put it into storage, did it have any fuel in the carbs and tank?
If it did then they will need to be cleaned and new fuel used, The battery may need replacing too.

I'm afraid I just got off the bike, covered it up and didn't see it again for 10 years....

I'm testing the battery now, looks cream-crackered. I've ordered a the Haynes Service and repair manual and I'm anticipating having to replace oil and clean out tank (doesn't look rusty) and carbs.

Just wondering how other things like oil seals in forks etc will have faired.

[phil w]

Jeez how do people do it!!!! Good on you though

[tangle]

Jeez how do people do it!!!!

I know, I know. It's disgraceful and I'm embarrassed..........

I have a friend who's a doctor - when I told him he looked at me sideways and said "Do you know what Doctors call motorcyclists? Donors"

I'd better organise a refresher course I suppose.

[Sohoeasy]

Farkin' aye !




(There is a fair bit you should do before running it,but I'm in shock right now.No doubt some one will put you right in the coming hours )

[AIRWOLF]

My course of action on this would be;
Drain fuel tank and put in fresh fuel.
Presuming the fuel was switched off when parked up, leave carb's alone for now.
Drain engine oil, change oil filter and refill with fresh oil. ( yes, its supposed to be hot to drain under normal condition's)
Check coolant level.
Fit new battery.
Fit new spark plug's. ( just one on each cylinder you can reach easily for now.)
Turn fuel on, choke on and fire it up. (might take a bit of cranking).

Once its running, get it nice and hot and change oil and filter again, change coolant, change brake fluid front and rear.

If the carb's only had a float bowl of fuel evaperate there should'nt be much gummy coating in there.

Regarding seal's etc, just see how it goes.

Good luck.

Oh, . . . and welcome to the forum.

[Steve T]

Give up on it now and sell it to me as a project
Only kidding (wishing really)

Everything Airwolf said, plus maybe take a good long look at the tyres - even after 13 years of no use, I'd say they would need retiring (pun intended) and fresh rubber fitted - once you've got the bike running!

PLEASE let us see the beast once you've got time to take some pictures

Steve T

[StumpyFingers]

Fill the tank and add some REDEX it should smoke you back to your senses, it may help clear all the gum from the long stand.

[MCsanandreas]

i would also agree about the battery and not just the tires but inner tubes may well also need replacing .
good luck!