I'm picking up a bike tomorrow that has been sat unused, unstarted since 2011. I'm planning on recomissioning the bike, fluids, belts, plugs, filters etc etc. I will replace the in tank filter and rubber hose, maybe even the pump whilst its all apart. One thing I was thinking was the TB's and if they are likely to need stripping and cleaning with their being old fuel sat in them for a while. Anyone had a bike such as this sat for this duration and had to go through something similar?
My ST4 (916 engine) has had periods of being sat idle (from memory 2004 - 2007, 2009 - 2011, 2011 - 2013, 2013 - 2015) after these periods I only needed to ensure the battery was good and it fired up straight away (injectors have some advantage over carbs). I didn't even refresh the fuel. Turn it by hand to be sure and then just fire it up, if it starts then change fluids, belts etc and check valve clearances
Has it been stored wet or dry ? IMO, I would initially use a thin oil that will get to all the parts it needs to quickly rather than just an ordinary oil service. I would run the engine up to temperature 3 or 4 times and then put the correct grade in with a new filter. Overkill ? Maybe but I'm sure you want your investment to last, so why wouldn't you ? Hope it all goes well Andy
Yeah mine had been sat for 7 years unloved and covered in shite in a barn. Was a lot of work but I knew I going to do a full resto job. And I picked mine up mega cheap!!
this has just been stored in garage with some other classic vehicles. Its not too bad , just dirty and obv old fluids etc and not been started. Ideal winter project, priced accordingly at a price we are both happy with but not mega cheap
It was on a car engine granted, but I saw a petrol car that had been dry stored that they first put a little bit of diesel down the plug holes to soak for a while ( a few days) which them gave them time to make sure the other parts to start were ready, has anyone done this on a bike?
Only when the pistons have been seized in the bores. Diesel is good a releasing agent and a mild lubricant.
I have a crank tool you can borrow if needed and a few others, there's a place by Ikea that used to do injector servicing forget the name now but you can see it from the motorway see if I can find it.
My 748 sat for 6 years not being used. The throttle bodies & injectors were fine but the throttle valves had seized . Got them freed eventually with lots of penetrating oil
