Hello all! I've got a 2002 f4i and I'm leaving for 2 years in a few months and I have become attached to my bike so I don't want to sell it before I leave (which was my original plan) so I want to know the best way I can store my bike for 2 years and return and have it be in the same condition as when I left it. I found this site that has a bunch of steps to store motorcycles for a LONG period of time( How to Store your Motorcycle. ). Please take the time to read through and tell me what you think or if I should do anything different than what's on that site. Thanks!

 

That site has some good info but is overkill in alot of areas, disconnecting brake lines and greasing the entire frame? no way. They must be talking about harleys.
Cbrforum has alot of good info for "winterizing" or storing bikes for long periods. just search around.

My bike had been sitting for 7 years when i got it in 2009 with 740 original miles on it. i know the seller didnt do half of the stuff in that article.
I changed out all the fluids, new battery, hefty inspection and she was ready to roll.

 

^ Agreed.

I would not leave my coolant system empty all that time. However, I would flush upon return...as well as changing all other fluids. Seafoam thru it would be a good idea as well.

No need to spend big bucks on a bike cover. You can use anything that doesn't absorb moisture & will deflect water. Although I do have a nice cover, I discovered recently when I needed a new grill cover - that it fit perfectly over my CBR. It was inexpensive & works great.

Is it possible for you to have a trusted someone to maintain it while you're gone?

 

I just got an 02 with 900 miles on it. Sitting since 03
Storing is simple:
-New Oil and coolant
-fuel treatment for storing over long periods. Run it for 15min to work it down to the injectors. Make sure the tank is 100% full
-Battery, either plug it in or take it out of the bike and bring in the house.
-Keep tires off the ground (stands)
Everything else is not needed, it would be a good idea to change the oil, plugs, and brake fluid after you take it out.

 

I would pull the battery out and put a little stabil in the tank and cover it. I've seen some ****ty bikes sit longer than that without any prep and run fine after they are brought out of storage.

 

Thanks for all the feed back guys. It helped a lot. I'll only do a few things that site suggests, like filling the engine with oil, treating the fuel, flushing the radiator, ext.