Hi guys

Here in Norway we have pretty snowy winters, which means my '99 600F4 has to stay indoors for the winter (november-march). I have never had any problems with just storing the bike (I have a warmed up garage), but this year I had some start problems and had to clean the carburators, which were pretty dirty.

When storing it this year, should I empty the fuel system, or will this just make the system (washers and stuff) "dry up"? And if so, how do I empty the system without having to remove the fuel tank? Is there an easy way to do this, like with a tap or somehing? Or should I just let it run empty?

Thanks in advance.

Joe

 

The best way I know is to add fuel stabilizer to the tank, ride or run it for 10-20 minutes. Then top of the tank. A full tank won't develop condensation internally.

Hook up to a battery-tender as well, is a good idea.

Your other option is to remove the fuel tank, and drain the float bowls on the carberators. This is more often used for very long term storage (years).

for just a seasonal storage, I recommend the full tank with stabilizer.

Since you are storing for 5 months of the year, it might be good to get the tires off
the ground with either stands or blocking it up, as well. That prevents flat spots from developing on the tires, from all the weight staying on one spot.

Ern

 

Welcome to the forum Joe. Good to have you aboard. Be sure to stop by the New Member Area & introduce yourself.

MadHattr059's recommendations are good ones. Additionally, if you can start up & run your bike for a few minutes each week, that would be a good idea as well.

 

Thanks for your replies, I'll just do what MadHattr suggested, sounds like the way to go.

The battery advice is good too, I've changed a couple that died while storing. Is it the immobilizer (key-chip) that drains the power, or are these batteries not very good?

Joe

 

What's "these" batteries? I use Yuasa batteries in my bikes. While I am a year-round rider, there are times when I'm away that my bikes sit. I simply put them on a trickle-charger Battery Tender - Home of the Battery Tender Jr. - Batterytender.com & they are as fresh as can be when its time to start them again.

 

Over time any battery will discharge, the tender monitors and trickle-charges as needed.
So your battery stays minty fresh. :-)

Ern