Triumphrat

BlackandTan · 11-18-2009, 10:56 PM

So, I'm getting ready to store the bike for the winter (grumble grumble) and want to pull the spark plugs and put a few drops of oil in there. I've got an 09 Thruxton and it looks like I need to pull the tank to access the plugs. Any help would be much appreciated. Do I need to remove the tank to access the plugs? And if so, How do I remove the tank?

Or maybe I'll just follow the birds south for winter

357Bob · 11-18-2009, 11:59 PM

Going South sounds like the better choice. Remove the seat then remove the tank. It has a fuel line connected to the petcock & another line connected to a vent tube. Remove the tank bolts that you will see after removing the seat then pull the tank rearward to slid it off of the front bumpers. Also see who painted your tank. If you still have the air injection take it off too while you are there. There are kits sold to plug it off.

CommandoRdster · 11-19-2009, 05:47 AM

You don't have to remove the tank to pull the plugs.

Thruxboy · 11-19-2009, 08:59 AM

Of all the bikes and high performance cars I have ever owned which I have stored during the winter, I have never pulled the spark plugs and added oil to the cylinders.

1. Change oil and filter
2. Add Stabil to gas tank and run the bike until full operating temperature
3. Pull battery and place inside the house on a trickle charger
4. Cover bike (optional depending on garage conditions...covers can trap moisure wicking up from garage floor)

Do NOT start the bike during the winter months unless you are going to ride it for an hour. Ingession of water from cold air into the intake, cylinders and oil bath itself will do much more harm than good than intent of keeping the seals wet.

Hope that helps.

caddyshack023 · 11-19-2009, 01:16 PM

Also, Check tire pressure and store bike on a stand, or just rotate tires every other week to avoid flat spots.

Thruxboy · 11-19-2009, 02:10 PM

Yup and a slight deviation from this as I don't like to put my bikes on a stand is place 2 X 6's under the tires and pump the tires to 50 lbs to minimize flat spotting. Never an issue with this approach. I like to get the tires off the concrete but not imperative either in my experience.