Out of hibernation

[Guest]

I am bringing my 1000 and 1100 out of hibernation after sitting for 2 years due to health reasons. Besides charging the batteries and cleaning the carbs, I was wondering whether I should drop some oil thru the spark plug holes. If so, what type of oil should I put, quantity and how long should I let it soak before the first start. Thanks for your comments.

[Nessism]

I don't think you need to put oil in the cylinder after only two years.

[Guest]

Sure be nice to see that 1000 being ridden again. Glad your finally up to it again, enjoy. Do you think the carbs need to be cleaned after sitting for only 2 years? I guess it depends on how the bikes were stored. You could always start them up and see how things go before you start tearing into the carbs.

[tkent02]

If the carbs were drained, or even if not drained but the petcock shuts off completely there's a good chance the carbs won't need anything. What really screws them up is fuel evaporating leaving behind a sludge, and more fuel coming in to evaporate and leave more sludge continuously filling the carbs with nastiness.. A tight petcock or disconnecting the fuel line prevents this. But it all depends on the fuel, the climate, and luck.

What fuel is left in the tank will be bad unless you did something to prevent it.

I have seen cylinders rust up in 6 months, but usually it doesn't happen even after decades. Again it depends on your climate.

[Sandy]

If the carbs were drained, or even if not drained but the petcock shuts off completely there's a good chance the carbs won't need anything. What really screws them up is fuel evaporating leaving behind a sludge, and more fuel coming in to evaporate and leave more sludge continuously filling the carbs with nastiness.. A tight petcock or disconnecting the fuel line prevents this. But it all depends on the fuel, the climate, and luck.

What fuel is left in the tank will be bad unless you did something to prevent it.

I have seen cylinders rust up in 6 months, but usually it doesn't happen even after decades. Again it depends on your climate.

When got my 750 home it had sat for 17 years with carbs drained and fuel line unhooked. First thing I did was add fresh gas, battery, turned to prime for 5 - 10 minutes, set choke, hit start and it started in about 4 revolutions and settled to nice smooth 900rpm idle within less than a minute. Gotta like that.

[Guest]

I don't think you need to put oil in the cylinder after only two years.

If you ever put your bike in storage again for a length of time, oil fog the cylinders before hand. Then if at all possible, rotate the engine by hand once a month several revolutions. Keeps the rings and valve springs all happy.