Hello, I am brand new to the forums. I'm looking for some suggestions.

I own a 2003 954RR that I purchased brand new in 2004.
I've increasingly gotten busier, and have had less and less time to spend riding, but I'd like to change that this year. :P
The bike only has about 5k miles on it
Two springs ago I did my last oil change on the bike using Amsoil full synthetic. That summer I rode it for probably 400-500 miles.
It had been suggested to me that with full synthetic it was not necessary to change the oil on a yearly basis, so I did not change it the next year. I am not so sure about this.
That next winter I rode the bike sporadically maybe once a month or so for a few miles...

Last summer I only rode the bike for 100-200 miles

Since August I did not ride the bike at all.
I have put the battery on trickle charge, but have not done anything else to winterize the bike. (mostly out of ignorance to be quite frank.)

I have read some of the "Winterizing" posts here on these forums, but it's obviously too late for that.

The tank is less than half way full probably, nothing looks rusty when I peek inside.

I am posting this hoping to get some feedback as to what is the best way to start this puppy back up.
Is it ok to simply start it up the way it is?
Should I be looking to drain the fuel tank and replace it with fresh fuel before starting the bike??

And most of all:
Is it true that the current full synthetic Amsoil is ok to still leave in the engine? or should I be doing an oil change? again the oil has only about 700 miles on it, but is 2 years old.

Thanks for any feedback!

David

**EDIT** Also, I live in Sacramento, California. So the winters are not brutal here. And the bike has been Garage kept.

 

i would change the oil/filter because the oil will start to break down, also its pretty old even though it just been sitting in the engine, i would change it. For the gas, just fill it back up with the premium gas at shell or whatever. Check your coolent to see if it needs to be topped off, lube your chain, check tires for any cracks, check lights, signals, switches, tire pressure, chain slack.. But thats just what i would do..

Oh yeah, and you might want to run the engine before you change the oil just to get it hot, that way you can flush more of the gunk out and replace it with your favorite oil brand.

 

If it were me, I'd change the oil, drain the gas tank and fill with new gas. thats really all I would do. then fire it up and ride it.

I think living in the wamer climates, you really don't have to worry as much about it. the main problem concerning the gas tank is condensation. When its only half full, condensation builds up inside and creates a lot of moisture. You probably have a little water in the tank, and the octane has certainly suffered some from being old gas. In colder climates, its a much larger problem that in your area.

You don't have to worry about tarnishing as much since your bike is fuel injected, and you don't have floatbowls to worry about. But, tarnishing can still take place in the tank.

As for the oil changes. again, your area its not as critical since you did drive it once and awhile. in cold climates where the bike sits for months is where the problems happen. However, 2 years, I'd change it. In fact, i'd still changed every spring even my bike didn't go through an actual winter.


But, all in all. You really didn't do anything really bad. Just change the gas and oil and you should be fine. then, try to keep the tank full when your not using it and change the oil once a year. thats what I would do.

 

but should you run the engine before you change the oil to heat it up and get most of it out after you decide to/or not to drain the tank?

 

thanks for the pointers guys.
I'll have to figure out the best way to drain the tank.
any tips on that?

 

You can siphon you gas out with a clean hose, but you wont get every last drop.

 

Undo the gas tank there is a small hose attached to the bottom around the fuel pump lines. take off that small hose, attach a extra piece of hose you have lieing around to it, and the other end into something it can drain in to, undo the gas cap and walk away get in about 20 mins and all the gas should be out. You may have to reroute the hose under the frame rail and let the tank back down to get it all. Long explanation but easy to do. OR take the take off, and drain her out, personally the first way is much easier. Done it.

 

Just start it up and let it run. We did to cars at the shop all the time nothing would get hurt by doing it. Old gas ya but its still ignitable. Run old gas out then put fresh new gas in with some sea foam. For oil ya i would change it but I would start it up and let it run then change it to get the most out.

 

I agree with everything all the other guys have said so far, change the oil and filter and drain the old gas, and while your at it check the air filter and possibly replace that as well. Get ahold of an owners manual. If you are running sinthetic oil already and arent having any problems keep using that. and this winter fill your gas tank full and put a can of fuel stabilizer in it, your local bike shop should have some or point you in the right direction.