Triumphrat

InfX708 · 09-09-2005

Well, it looks like I'm gonna be heading out to Trav's former residence out east - way out east. Can't take the bikes with me, so into storage they go. I've stored the truck before and came back to a rather rusty (all surface type) underside. Really don't want that to happen the the Bonnie and Thrux. Other than stabil in the the tank and removing the battery, what else can I do to make sure they work when I get back?

dazco · 09-10-2005

Some say to run the float bowls dry (petcock off till it dies) or drain them. But then again some say to leave them as is because the gas will keep things from gumming up. This is one of those subjects that evokes many answers that are dead opposite, so it's hard to know for sure. As for rusting, short of coating the bike with something all you can do is try and keep it in a dry place i suppose. Hopefully someone will have a good answer because i'd like to know this too since my bike will be in a carport for weeks or months during the winter.

joeswamp · 09-10-2005

Might want to invest in some of the LPS products, which are spray on lubricants/preservatives. This stuff dries and leaves a waxy substance behind. LPS-1 offers light protection (I use it on precision tools), LPS-3 is like cosmoline in a spray can. Can get this stuff at any machinist supply house, google around for it.

I personally am a fan of draining the float bowls, because then the residual gasoline can evaporate out of the carbs rather than just sit there and gum up in the tiny carb passages.

When you cover the bikes (and you should to keep the abrasive dust off), make sure the cover is breathable. You can do a lot of damage with condensation.

And finally, you might want to store the bikes jacked up or at least with the tires off of concrete (put them on small thin pieces of plywood). Keeping weight off the tires will prevent flat spots, and I've heard that long term contact with concrete can cause localized dryrot.

Also: I was looking at your photo album and it looked like you had some excellent closeup pics of an airbox removal kit. Sorry to say I missed that thread. Which one was it, the Newbonneville or the South Bay? Does it do a good job of shielding the engine from water/mud slung off the rear wheel?

rodburner · 09-10-2005

Daz,I didn`t think L.A. had a winter? Or is it the shorter days? :???:

cafestyle · 09-10-2005

These days fuel is too aggressive to leave in contact with yr engine parts too long. Drain those bowls!
Have a look for some "fogging oil", it's great stuff. Run it through your engine before stowing away for the winter.

no-logic · 09-10-2005

I know a guy that used to spray his entire bike down before winter storage with S100. Come spring he would just hose it off and go. His bike always looked new. (But then again...it was. :hihi: )

ChuckofTahoe · 09-10-2005

What is the advice if you are going to leave the bike garaged for the winter but want to be able to use it occasionally.

I live in a harsh winter climate but there are some really nice days where the temps get up to the fifties and the roads are dry.

Should I cover the bike and start it up every couple of days or what? Roll it around the garage on occasion?

Thanks.

bog_rat · 09-10-2005

Quote:

On 2005-09-10 08:44, ChuckofTahoe wrote:
What is the advice if you are going to leave the bike garaged for the winter but want to be able to use it occasionally.

I live in a harsh winter climate but there are some really nice days where the temps get up to the fifties and the roads are dry.

Should I cover the bike and start it up every couple of days or what? Roll it around the garage on occasion?

Thanks.

As joeswamp said, it's important to protect the tires if you are leaving it standing for a long time. Let some pressure out, and put them on wood. There is actually a section on this in the owners manual.

Running the engine from time to time, and rolling it into a new possition would be a good idea yes. That's probably your best plan if you are going to be using it here and there during the winter - park it on a wooden board.

Hal9000 · 09-10-2005

I store my bikes every winter in my garage and have had no problems. All I do is put them on their center stands, cover them with a breathable cover and start them up occasionally. Also I always keep a battery tender on the batteries. When the good days come, off I go.

Clifford · 09-10-2005

The only thing I will comment on is the carburetor. The few times I did not drain them out, the engine would not start again after storage, until I pulled the carbs apart and clleaned the jets.