Recommendations After Loooong Layoff

I recently got back from Iraq, and spent last weekend dusting off the bike. I't been sitting completely dormant in my garage for a year, and I'm trying to figure out what needs to be done, from a maintainance/safety stanspoint, before I get it back on the road. The bike did not move at all, and my wife was afreaid to start it. Also, in all the fuss before I left, I forgot to add stabilizer to the fuel, so I'm sure that there is probably some bad ju-ju in and around the fuel system.

I'm picking up a new battery today, since the old one died and will no longer hold a charge. I already checked the fluid levels and siphoned out the old gas. I know there's probably a LOT that needs to be checked/serviced, but I have no idea where to start. I'm also planning on re-taking the rider safety course, since my riding skills are probably in worse shape than the bike.

Any tips on what I need to do before I get the bike out on the road?

Dump a can of Techron Fuel Injector Cleaner in the fuel tank along with the fresh fuel. That should help once you get it running.

[image: FuelSystemCleaner2.gif]

Check your tire pressures and look for ozone cracking.

Check all the other regular maint. items as well.


And welcome back.

welcome back!


assuming it will crank, my big concern would be:

1. tires (was it sitting on them for a year? probably a huge flat spot if so) otherwise, just look at condition

2. not sure if a real concern, but others can pipe up....would your brake fluid be more likely to have absorbed moisture in the line while sitting unused? might want to check brakes and perhaps change fluid and bleed them.

Depending on how well the fuel system seals, you may not be in bad shape. I would use seafoam in the tank, about double the dilution called for for normal fuel tank use. It will clean the injectors as well as the tank itself.

+1.gif

Sounds like what I would do too. From what i have been told is fresh oil might be in the line up too.
When you start it let it idle for a short while to let everything seat in again. hardest thing on a motor left unused for a period is to blip the throtle before everything warms up to temp at a slow rate.

Welcome back glad you are able to ride now that you are home!

how old are the tires?
On the sidewall there should be a 3 digit code for week number and year number.
If the tires were "old" (say over 4 years) and you just added another year, may I suggest

[image: th_byebyethanksforthemiles.jpg]

http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Du...forthemiles.flv

and get a new set.
Same if they are nearly worn out (thread depth under 2mm).

You got a new battery, check!

You drained the old fuel, so lock and load my friend. Fire in the hole! (I watch a lot of movies..... tongue.gif )

Fire that Honda up and ride... yes ride it.
I had a Moto Guzzi dormant for 3 years while ravashing US women travelling all through the world, new battery, fire in the hole and ride. None of this additives. (unless US fuel is different from dutch...)

Find a nice, large empty lot to get yourself familiarised with the bike, emergency stops etc. get the additional training you mentioned and ride before winter sets in.
Unless you are one off them asshats here that live where it never snows goofy.gif

You are doing the right thing, thinking about being safe. But you own a Honda....

As for the other fluids, just try and remember how long ago they were replaced and plan on that.

Post a picture of your BIG GRIN after having taking her out again.

Welcome back!

All the above sounds like good advice. I, too, think you might be lucky and have no problems. One year is about the longest you can go without taking proper storage steps and hope to get out without serious problems.

And welcome home from a fellow vet, long ago and far away.

Welcome back to the fold!

Probably not a concern, but helmets have a lifespan, as well. If it sat in a hot garage or in the hot sun over that period, it can accellerate the aging process.

Plus one to the other suggestions.

Welcome back! Plus 1 to all the good advice above and it probably wouldn't hurt to squirt some cable lube in your throttle cables, and squirt some graphite lube or the like into all the main pivot points to keep things smooth and happy. Also, might want to check over all the cables, make sure everything looks good, change the oil and filter and ease back into it.

Happy trails ahead, and keep the rubber side down!