Hi, I have a 900ssie that has stood for a while (about 3 years, hasn't even turnover) is it true that I shouldn't start it until I have had the belts changed, they were done just before it was stored?
I would change them before starting the bike, rubber can perish, and being stuck in one position for three years. They would probably be okay, but get them changed ASAP.
i started mine just to check it as it had been stood for along time ,but changed the belts just after
I would change the belts, if only because it such a cheap easy job on the 2 valve motor. I'd also put a squirt of WD40 / GT85 / diesel down the spark plug holes just to ensure the rings aren't stuck to the bores (they almost certainly aren't though) Don't be alarmed at a puff of smoke on startup either. Even if you didn't change the belts I'd consider the chance of a failure very low. The belts are largely synthetic these days so don't degrade like pure rubber used to, and with no valve springs as such (only a helper spring on the closing rocker) the belts are under a fraction of the load they are in a car.
My SS was stood for a over a year We did start it and let it run for a bit My friend checked the belts and the belt that runs horizontal did have a kink in it from being stood. So I would just check and even change them as its been stood Prevention is better than cure
