Storing a bike for ~6 months in a mild climate

[UHOH]

Change the oil before you go ride next June.  No point in doing that now.  Fill the gas tank all the way to prevent rust (and add Stabil).  Drain the carbs.  Hook the battery up to the tender.  Don't worry about starting the bike unless you just want to hear it run.  Also, it dosen't matter if you put the bike on the side stand or the center stand.

agree this will get you thru in good shape.  I add Stabil to full tank and
then run it around block to get the stabilized fuel into at start of similar process.
only I don't drain fuel = good for you.  No problems for me, though.

[UHOH]

One other thing...
I think the belief that the tank must be full is a bit of an urban legend.  Air that condenses into water will simply sink to the bottom of the tank regardless of how much gas happens to be in the tank.  

yes, and that is (or was) the problem, bloop of water initiates rust on iron tanks; over many years this will grow.
That's why gas line antifreeze was a help in cold climates, it eliminated the bloop of water in bottom of partially full tank,
but the full tank helped more.   In southern CA, the OP should be OK.

Now, ethanol gasoline is delivered with dispersed water - can't be helped.
... used to work in a corrosion research lab.

[bluepoof]

In southern CA, the OP should be OK.

Northern actually, so we do get a little chillier than our friends to the south, but we generally don't hit freezing, so I think the point still stands.

[Andrew]

Northern actually, so we do get a little chillier than our friends to the south, but we generally don't hit freezing, so I think the point still stands.

Store it Not Needed, just have Peter ride it once a week  See wasn't that simple

[bluepoof]

Peter won't ride his own bikes, much less mine!  

[motomem]

OK so lets store your bike.
Run the bike with 1/2 cup of Marvel Mystery Oil to 1 gal of aviation fuel until blue smoke comes out the exhaust.
Then shake the tank to coat the inside - drain all gas from the tank and fuel system.
Change the oil to Purple whatever pure synthetic oil, run and then repeat.
Remove the plugs and put 1/2 teaspoon of Marvel Mystery Oil in each cylinder.
Wash it real good and blow dry.
Park in a garage maintained at a constant 80 degrees.
Raise both wheels off the ground. Place a 1/2 inch sheet of rubber between each tire and the floor.
Use only the finest grade paste wax - apply but don't remove.
Unhook all wiring connections and apply dialectic grease to each after cleaning them with 1/3 cup of vinegar in 1/2 gallon water.
Spray all wiring and rubber parts with silicone spray - never use WD40 on rubber.
Using an air hose set at 30lbs spray all wiring and rubber parts to work the silicone in.
Remove the battery and place on one of those new chargers that de-sulfide the plates. Be sure it is at least 4 feet above any concrete.
Using gun oil coat all exposed metal parts. Pivot points need a light coat of Honda Moly Grease.
Using 8 tie downs - anchor 4 to the floor and 4 from the ceiling.
Cover the bike with an electric blanket set on Medium and a oil cloth tarp on top of that.
Place 1 gallon of moisture absorb under the tarp setup.
Sprinkle a circle of moth balls completely around the bike.
You should then be good for close to 6 months.
 

[JReazor]

Peter won't ride his own bikes, much less mine!  

Drop it off here. I'll put some miles on it over the winter. (I'm only about 3000 miles away)

[birdrunner]

One other thing...
I think the belief that the tank must be full is a bit of an urban legend.  Air that condenses into water will simply sink to the bottom of the tank regardless of how much gas happens to be in the tank.  

Wrong,   less air in gas tank means less air to condense during temperature changes.  If the bike's in a heated area it's not an issue.  Keep the tank full.

Also,  I'd change oil/filter now, and just ride it in the summer.  With the crap gas you guys get in the states, draining the carbs is a good idea.  Center stand to unload tire is correct, though I think a pad under the from tire is overkill as there's so little weight on the tire.


That said,  all I did this year (and last) was park it.      me bad.

[Krellian]

That said,  all I did this year (and last) was park it.      me bad.

Me too, Bikes are tough!

[Andrew]

Me too, Bikes are tough!

I understand the bike cover, but whats all the white stuff??












 

[Bender]

I understand the bike cover, but whats all the white stuff??


It's rattle snake repellent....

It works great too.. never seen a snake crawling through it.  









 

[Meemuh]

I've heard of peeps putting sandwich bags over the ends of the pipes to keep Mickey out.  I think they just wrapped duct tape ON THE BAGS (no tape/pipe contact) tightly around the pipes to keep them secure.

[bluepoof]

I don't think rodents are going to be an issue.  I've never seen any evidence of them in our garage (including in the bikes that have been parked for, shall we say, longer than six months) and we have many outdoor neighborhood cats.  

[Meemuh]

Good - I hate mouseses.
They make me do girly dances.