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FlowBee · 04-05-2006, 02:48 AM

Post 1.

Not enough information.

mikenomad · 04-05-2006, 03:03 AM

The problems most likely would be with the fuel system and battery. When gas sits for long periods of time, it begins to break down and leave deposits. The carb(s) might clog up prematurely. When a battery is allowed to sit for long periods without a full charge, the plates can become irreversably coated with sulfate. It may not be able to hold a full charge. Over time, some fluids can absorb moisture and become contaminated. Coolant that sits for a long time can leave deposits. Rubber oxidizes over time, so even though the tires have plenty of tread, they'll have deteriorated.

Have the battery fully charged and load tested to make sure it still has full capacity. Change the brake fluid, fork oil, coolant, engine oil, and oil filter. Oil and wipe off the chain to remove dust. Drain the tank and add fresh gas. Add a maintenance amount of fuel system solvent such as Techron to to the first few tanks of fuel. Replace the tires with a fresh set. Check all hoses and fittings for tightness.

Once you have gone over the bike and freshened everything, enjoy your like-new, low-mileage ride!

gbrummett · 04-05-2006, 03:07 AM

I agree with above, except why mess with a 3 year old battery and take chances, swap out the battery for a new one.

03zx12r · 04-05-2006, 03:18 AM

Any concerned that the cylinders are not properly broken in or have developed rust from sitting around? I would be-it's no big deal though. Just pull the spark plugs and oil the cylinders prior to spinning the motor over. Check all the other stuff others have mentioned previously as well!

seruzawa · 04-05-2006, 04:21 AM

You might have a problem with the seals. Many people who are pulling their old bikes out of the garage because of the inceased gas prices have had leaky seals. But only 4 years shouldn't be a problem.

Buzglyd · 04-05-2006, 04:45 AM

I'd like to know what a piniped has to do with motorcycling.

If he has leaky seals shouldn't he post a message on the Seaworld board?

sarnali · 04-05-2006, 04:45 AM

I wouldn't expect too much trouble for an '02. I'd change the fluids and battery, put a set of tires on it and call it good. I would imagine modern neoprem seals would swell up again after a few heat cycles and oil pressure, might get a little weepage at first but they should seal up after awhile

BrowningBAR · 04-05-2006, 05:10 AM

Let's just hope he isn't blowing seals...

seruzawa · 04-05-2006, 05:12 AM

I'm glad you @$$holes waited until I had my coffee before you started competing with Jay Leno.

BTW... don't quit your day jobs.

seruzawa · 04-05-2006, 05:19 AM

You'd think so, but long term storage is what causes so many motorhomes to experience short engine life. The limited usage results in mucho seal problems. (And I don't mean the kind of seals that you make those neat coats out of.)

04-05-2006, 02:48 AM	#1
FlowBee Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 5	Re: Danger of low mileage? Post 1. Not enough information.

04-05-2006, 03:03 AM	#2
mikenomad Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 361	Re: Danger of low mileage? The problems most likely would be with the fuel system and battery. When gas sits for long periods of time, it begins to break down and leave deposits. The carb(s) might clog up prematurely. When a battery is allowed to sit for long periods without a full charge, the plates can become irreversably coated with sulfate. It may not be able to hold a full charge. Over time, some fluids can absorb moisture and become contaminated. Coolant that sits for a long time can leave deposits. Rubber oxidizes over time, so even though the tires have plenty of tread, they'll have deteriorated. Have the battery fully charged and load tested to make sure it still has full capacity. Change the brake fluid, fork oil, coolant, engine oil, and oil filter. Oil and wipe off the chain to remove dust. Drain the tank and add fresh gas. Add a maintenance amount of fuel system solvent such as Techron to to the first few tanks of fuel. Replace the tires with a fresh set. Check all hoses and fittings for tightness. Once you have gone over the bike and freshened everything, enjoy your like-new, low-mileage ride!

04-05-2006, 03:07 AM	#3
gbrummett Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 512	Re: Danger of low mileage? I agree with above, except why mess with a 3 year old battery and take chances, swap out the battery for a new one.

04-05-2006, 03:18 AM	#4
03zx12r Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 202	Re: Danger of low mileage? Any concerned that the cylinders are not properly broken in or have developed rust from sitting around? I would be-it's no big deal though. Just pull the spark plugs and oil the cylinders prior to spinning the motor over. Check all the other stuff others have mentioned previously as well!

04-05-2006, 04:21 AM	#5
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	Re: Danger of low mileage? You might have a problem with the seals. Many people who are pulling their old bikes out of the garage because of the inceased gas prices have had leaky seals. But only 4 years shouldn't be a problem. __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

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04-05-2006, 04:45 AM	#6
Buzglyd Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 10,137	Re: Danger of low mileage? I'd like to know what a piniped has to do with motorcycling. If he has leaky seals shouldn't he post a message on the Seaworld board? __________________ Jay Leno: "President Obama released his tax returns. It turns out he made $900,000 less in 2011 than he did in 2010. You know what that means? Even Obama is doing worse under President Obama."

04-05-2006, 04:45 AM	#7
sarnali Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 3,416	Re: Danger of low mileage? I wouldn't expect too much trouble for an '02. I'd change the fluids and battery, put a set of tires on it and call it good. I would imagine modern neoprem seals would swell up again after a few heat cycles and oil pressure, might get a little weepage at first but they should seal up after awhile

04-05-2006, 05:10 AM	#8
BrowningBAR Snuggles Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: In a really, really, really old farmhouse Posts: 4,364	Re: Danger of low mileage? Let's just hope he isn't blowing seals...

04-05-2006, 05:12 AM	#9
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	Re: Danger of low mileage? I'm glad you @$$holes waited until I had my coffee before you started competing with Jay Leno. BTW... don't quit your day jobs. __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

04-05-2006, 05:19 AM	#10
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	Re: Danger of low mileage? You'd think so, but long term storage is what causes so many motorhomes to experience short engine life. The limited usage results in mucho seal problems. (And I don't mean the kind of seals that you make those neat coats out of.) __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.