Storing Bike... HELP

[pork917]

Hey guys imma be gone for 3 months as im being shipped to Virgina for the summer, im in the Coast Guard. My quad will be at home. Its brand new 2005 400ex had it for 2 months now what do you guys recommend i do? I could have a friend start it up every now and then or whatnot, just wondering if there is anything I should do like drain gas, or change oil whatever. Help me out hehe.

[400exrider707]

I would just drain all of the gas out of the tank and carb, or you could just run it dry. then I would take off the air filter and plug the intake up with a rag or tape it over with duct tape or somehting so not animals get in and make nests. Wouldn't be a bad idea to put it up on a stand so all of the suspension components aren't being compressed. I've also heard of people putting the engine to TDC to relieve stress on the valve springs, but Im not so sure how important that last one is. Also dis-connect the battery and keep it in a dry warm place. Might not be a bad idea to cover it up either especially if its outside to prevent discoloration. That should get you started, but Im sure theres something I forgot.

[nosliw]

also when you take out your spark plug pour about a tablespoon of motor oil into the hole and turn the quad over for a few seconds. turn it over by turning the built in little killswitch thing over to kill and press the start button. this way theres less chance of rust around the piston.

[2004exrider]

i wouldnt drain the gas i would put fuel stablizer in it, that way no condensation builds up.

[bwamos]

Originally posted by 2004exrider
i wouldnt drain the gas i would put fuel stablizer in it, that way no condensation builds up.

Correct. You don't want your gas tank to rust. Bad bad news.

[Myrtle150]

the tank wont rust, its made of plastic. He means you dont want condensation in the carb or tank.

[prepracing]

plus, if you drain your carb and leave it for a long period of time it can ruin your needle valve that controls your float level and it will cause your carb to leak all the time untill you replace the part. ( just an experience I had ! )

[bwamos]

1) Put fuel stabilizer in the tank.
2) Turn the fuel off.
3) Start the bike.. let it run until it runs out of gas.
4) Turn ignition off
5) Turn the petcock back on to get the stabalized fuel in the carb.
6) Turn the petcock back off
7) Make sure your bike is turned off.
8) Hug your quad
9) Enjoy your trip.

[duke416ex]

Or just bring it to a fellow exrider and let them watch it while you are gone, i am sure they will take good care of it:devil:

I would seriously probably just have someone try to start it and ride it around a little every 2 weeks or so to keep the battery up and let the oil flow some. I wouldn't drain all the gas out, but I would get it down to reserve atleast. Then when you get back would put fresh gas in it and look in the airbox to be sure of no nests or anything, just do a good inspection. Good luck in the coast guard this summer!