Long term storage

[aarongs1100]

Since im 18 and have been left with my fathers old 83 gs 1100 e that i dont think ill be riding any time soon how can i prep it for long term storage

[tom203]

Has it been sitting since your dad passed away last November? Should be a few members on here sorta in your area who could offer a hands-on opinion. These critters don't like sitting! Check out gas stations ( and marinas) who might have ethanol free gas still cuz this will help.

[BigD_83]

Long term storage can be a real killer for any kind of machinery.

Depending on your situation, you want to:

a) drain the carbs, or
b) fill the gas tank, add some stabilizer to the gas and run it for awhile to get the unmixed gas that was in the carb full of the stabilized gas, then top up the tank
c) take the battery out if you live in a freeze-susceptible area or leave it in the bike if you don't and hook it up to a battery tender
d) fog the cylinders
e) coat the metal bits with something that will stave off rust
f) plug up all of the access points (holes) that critters love to nest in (e.g. exhaust pipes/airbox)
g) it's nice to get the bike lifted off the cold ground, if possible
h) cover with a breathable, soft cloth that will keep the dust off
i) clean and oil your chain

I'm sure I'm missing something...somebody else will chime in

[tkent02]

Before you store it, have someone take it for a ride to get everything hot. Find a GSR member that rides big bikes to do this, or an experienced rider that you trust. Any moisture in the exhaust pipes from short runs or from washing the bike will cause them to rust from the inside out. Same with any moisture left in the oil. A good long run will get rid of all the moisture.
If it doesn't run now, just drain the oil and put in new.

I would always remove the battery. If it's old now, toss it. If it's fairly new, charge it once in a while or better yet use it in another bike. It probably won't be much good in a few years either way. Add stabilzer to the gas in the tank, keep the tank completely full, but drain the carburetors anyway. That gas will evaporate with or without stabilizer, leaving goo behind to clog the jets and passages. Disconnect the fuel line, so a seeping petcock can't refill the carbs or fill the engine with fuel. Put it on the centerstand, with no wieght on either tire if you can. If the tires are old now, disregard this, leave them alone, just plan on replacing them before you start riding.. Leave it on the centerstand anyway, it's better for the springs.

I don't think Long Beach is a real humid environment, but fogging the cylinders can't hurt.
I have seen cylinders rust up in a few months (South Carolina), and seen bikes that have sat for decades with no cylinder problems (Colorado).

Don't use WD40 to prevent rust, it has the opposite effect.

If you cover it, use a sheet or something light and airy. Covers tend to keep moisture in. I don't cover them, it is easy enough to blow the dust off later. Not so the corrosion from moisture uder the cover.

I think it's really smart of you to realize this isn't an appropriate bike for a teenage kid to learn to ride on. That 1100 will be great when you are ready for it.

[tbirdhd]

Hey guys,, may i ask what is best to use to fogging the cylinders ??

[tkent02]

Might try fogging oil.

[chuck hahn]

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/GSR_Greeting.html

Just read the directions from the service manual.

[Brendan W]

Since im 18 and have been left with my fathers old 83 gs 1100 e that i dont think ill be riding any time soon how can i prep it for long term storage

Don't know if this will be an issue where you are but the biggest problem around here is letting the bike get too cold. We can go from three or four days of near freezing to +15C and 90% humidity in an hour. There will be condensation on the outside of unheated garage windows and large lumps of metal and tools will be dripping with condensation , quickly followed by corrosion.

[tkent02]

Long Beach doesn't do near freezing much.

[Charlie G]

Long Beach doesn't do near freezing much.

A cold day might be 50F. Maybe be a bit of coastal corrosion from the salt air and fog?

cg