The best way to store my 82 XJ650 for deployment?

So riding season is nearly over for me, as I got about 2-3 weeks left to ride before training ramps up and I eventually leave.

I'm most likely going to store my bike at my unit and/or a storage place for about 9-12 months.

So. What do I need to do?

 

Ideally your storage location is indoors, out of sunlight and away from electric motors and chemical storage. You don't want it by the fertilizer.

Sta-bil in a full fuel tank. Ride around the block a couple times.

Oil and filter change. Run briefly to circulate the new oil (just like you do to set the level) then shut it down.

Disconnect TCI, remove spark plugs, spray a bit of fogging oil into the cylinders (fogging oil is available at boat places and some auto parts stores). Crank engine over a time or 2. Reinstall plugs and reconnect TCI.

Battery removed, electrolyte topped off and placed on a tender. Or just set it aside and plan on replacing when you get home.

Bike on center stand. Reduce pressure in tires to about 50% normal (15 PSI).

Disconnect TCI, remove spark plugs, spray a bit of fogging oil into the cylinders (fogging oil is available at boat places and some auto parts stores). Crank engine over a time or 2. Reinstall plugs and reconnect TCI.

Lube the cables.

Wax the painted surfaces. A little WD-40 on the chrome.

Stuff some balled up screen or light wire mesh into the muffler outlets and air intake to keep critters out.

Cover with a breathable cover - an old sheet works well.

Keep your head down.

Thanks for serving!

 

Nice write-up, Carl. You can be the official answerer of the "how do I winterize" posts when they start in the fall!

 

What if my option is to only store outside?

 

make sure the fuel tank is full spray every part that can corrode or rust with wd40. Get the bike hot before you drain the gas out of it while its still hot plug the exhaust tips you do not need any moisture in it. I think i would put a small amount of oil in each cyl turn it over with a wrench before putting the plugs back in. It wouldnt be a bad idea to put some anti seeze on the plugs before you put them back in. Pull the vent hose cover with plastic to keep the moisture out. Might not be a bad idea to change the fluid in the mc and bleed the brakes just in case there is moisture in it. Definite sit on the center stand. Wrap it up so moisture does not get under the cover or can come up from under the cover. Actually the best thing to do would be have a friend start it every few weeks keeps the motor all lubed up and battery charged. You sure you don't have a friend or family member that has a garage? your profile says your from wa its very moist and rains a lot there if i am not mistaken

 

Not from here, just live here, and I don't really plan on coming back after the deployment. But most likely I will be here for at least 3 months after, and my bike will be my only transportation when I first get back.

But I will be moving back to So Cal, where riding season is ALL YEAR!

 

Freshening the brake fluid is a good idea I missed.

If outside is all you can do then do it you must. The prep is the same except you want to keep the weather off it. A good quality motorcycle cover might be the way to go. Having it on a paved surface is better than over bare ground.

Whatever you do it's got to breathe. If you throw a tarp over it and weight the edges so it'll hold moisture you'll come home to a mess.

Never been to Seattle, but I believe it rains a lot and you probably have salt in the air. I'd sure be looking for an indoor option of some sort.

 

Not such a good idea. Unless the friend is going to re-prep it each time, re-fog the cylinders, re-plug the pipes, etc.

Incomplete combustion generates condensation which can build up in the crankcase and other areas normally "vented" when the motor is running. Just starting it long enough to warm up a bit in storage IS NOT enough to burn off said condensation, all it will do is create MORE.

Best left "mummified" until time to wake it up again.