Hello everyone,

I'm trying to bring my 2004 F4i back from the dead. Been in storage since 2013. Garage kept on stands (so tires were not touching the ground at all), but not in a climate controlled garage. Fuel tank was filled before storing, so I know I need to drain and replace and check for rust. I don't remember if I used stabilizer.

Questions as I'd like to resurrect this bike and ride it again.

What is necessary at a minimum to get this bike back to safe riding condition?

Here are some notes if this helps.

In 2013, I installed a brand new rear tire. Front tire was installed in 2011. Both tires have most, if not all tread on it as I barely put on 500 miles before storing. Bike has around 5000 miles, and I only put about 1200 on it since I got the bike. Tires were suspended in the air the entire time in storage as the bike was on stands (so no dry rot or any flat spots). In fact, when I got the bike transported, both tires still had plenty of air in it.

Do I need to replace the tires?

I already purchased a new battery. Plan to replace oil, brake fluid, coolant, and fuel. FPR was replaced in 2011, but I read other threads of people resurrecting a bike from long term storage, to replace the FPR due to the diaphragm being weak.

Should I replace the FPR again?

Any other advice on what to do that is necessary to get back to riding?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

The very short answer is that IMO you should replace the tires. They do have a shelf life and will start to crack and otherwise degrade. You may not realize it until the worst possible time.

It wouldn't hurt to change your FPR. But if since it isn't a life safety issue, you can attempt to use the one you have and if it fails swapping it out isn't a huge deal.

The other thing to watch out for is that is a long time for any rubber bits to sit around so be on the watch for leaks and breaks.

 

Good luck with your project.

The tires may look new, but I think you're going to find that they're going to wear out pretty quickly. I would avoid any agressive riding until you know how they're going to do. As for the FPR, I would also keep an eye on that as well. It may work fine and not be an issue, but just be ready. It seems like you've listed most of the items that would need looking after. I think I'd run a few tanks of Sea Foam through it if the bike is able to start up. Can't hurt to have some extra cleaners in the fuel system starting out.

Post some pictures if you're so inclined. Love to see her come back to life.

 

I htink everything you mentioned would about do it. As far as tires, find the date code and if they're more than 6 years old there is no question - replace them. I'm sure they will be since it has been sitting for 9 years.

My first ride out after wrecking my bike was on a friends 'busa. We only did about 50 miles and nothing aggressive but coming up near the end there was a 90* curve, only doing about 10-15 because it was in 'downtown' and I gave it just the slightest throttle and the read stepped out. Great feeling for the first ride! Once we got back I looked at the date and the tires are 10 year sold. They looked perfect but were hard and slick.
Well worth the $300 for peace of mind.

 

No need to look for a date code. If it was parked in 2013 and even if it had born on dates the day it was parked, they're 9 years old. So it's a matter of does he want to spend the money or not really. Is his insurance up to date for PIP and Hospitalization.

 

Thanks, everyone for the responses.

I didn't think about the tires hardening, but it's a good point about safety, so tires will be replaced. The date codes are old. Front is a 2008 manufactured tire, and rear is 2013. I'll get new tires. I'll also do the seafoam and have a FPR on standby to be ordered if necessary.

My old pics within my profile are still the most current on how the bike looks. No changes since I prepped for storage back in 2013, but once I start riding again, I'll post up some new pics.