A Question

If one was to dissapear for 3 to 4 months over summer would the bikes be ok if left with full tanks or should the person loan them to someone to keep in good nick?

3 years ago I did my ankle in, & couldn't ride for over 6 months. I even had to let the rego lapse, as I couldn't get down to pink slip it. After all that time, I didn't notice any probs with any corrosion in the tank. I would recommend you disconnect the battery tho. Once I got a new battery, it fired up straight away on the old fuel!
Oh, the bike I had then was a carbied bike, don't know if that would make too much difference tho.
If you feel the need, you could ship the bikes up to me & I'd be happy to look after them for you

Trickle charger, and fill the tanks to the brim. Shouldn't be any problem with the fuel for that long, but if your worried, apparently there's a fuel additive that retains the octane and stops any gumming up. I've never used it, I handed the keys over to a responsible "minder"! Make sure the bikes get run about once a month for at least 30 minutes.
What do you mean "disappear"???

sb1250 wrote:
What do you mean "disappear"???

Alien abduction!

I have scored a TV gig next year

Aunty Jack remake?

You can take the bikes!


I don't think it's too long to leave the bikes, full tank and battery conditioner, add fuel conditioner if you're really concerned.

Maybe check out what they do to winterise their bikes in less favourable climes.

BTW congratulations on the part, whatever it is.


PS Here is a good example of what I'm on about http://www.superbikeplanet.com/winterize.htm

PPS Stockists of Sta-bil http://www.goldeagle.com.au/storefinder/display-stockists.php?location=3850&results=10&x=58&y=15

2wheelsagain wrote:I have scored a TV gig next year

Big Brother, or The Block?

I'm of the understanding that high octane fuel such as 98ron has a much longer shelve life so the fuel shouldn't be an issue

2wheelsagain wrote:I have scored a TV gig next year

It's not from a prison cell is it ?

I think a lot would depend on the circumstances 2W. ie storage facility, weather, time of year.

Bikes generally like being used ( if you know someone you trust enough ) but like Recycled said put it in storage / part storage mode & they won't be any worse off than if you lived in somewhere like Europe .

Plenty of good advice here Chris, I would expect based on some of these tips your steeds would be fine, the poor Yammy may feel unloved though and I'm tippin there's a few of us whom would love to keep the cob webs out of her for you... trust us, we have only your interest at heart

2wheelsagain wrote:If one was to dissapear for 3 to 4 months over summer would the bikes be ok if left with full tanks or should the person loan them to someone to keep in good nick?

In the past I've left the Honda for about a month and the premium unleaded had turned crap. and what came out of the carby bowls smelt like old paint thinners. Fill the tanks and throw in some fuel conditioner. Centre stands or paddock stands even better disconnect positive terminal and throw on a trickle charger. or leave them at you mums or my place and I'll look after them.

Circumstances have had me leave my Bandit under cover in the garage for quite extended periods. I have always made sure the tank was topped up and only out of paranoia I purchased a 'smart' battery charger, which can be left permanently attached [ Not advisable when actually riding ] It always starts first go and runs perfectly. Unless you know a fully qualified motor cycle safety trainer, who has all-inclusive bike insurance, I wouldn't actually let anyone RIDE your bike - perhaps they could come around and check it hasn't been knocked off [you do have good security?], and perhaps give it a 10 min. engine run to remind the oil where it is supposed to go. Hope you have great fun whatever it is you are doing .. must be good if it is better than riding!

Thanks guys. All good advice mixed with a little humour.
I think I will get a trickle charger for the FZ as the Bandit battery is only 12 months old. I will ask a mate from work to fire them up every couple of weeks. If any of you blokes are in the area you can do the same. I will make sure the tyres and tanks are full and parked on the centre stands.

I have been running a solar battery charger that allows you to hook up two batteries at a time. Works pretty well so far,the Drz and Bandit batteries are always at full charge unlike in the past when I have to jump start them to go for a ride.

What everyone else said with fuel, buy the cheapest 91 octane fill it up. Drain it when you get home and use it in the lawn mower, whipper snipper etc.