Chaps. Recommendations please. I don't intend to use the bike over winter. Should I drain out the tank or not. Also if I drain it out should I put some sort of inhibitors in it. If so come spring how can I clean it out without possibly removing the tank from the bike. As always many thanks
I don't drain the tank but fill it to the very top with fresh petrol to keep air and moisture out. Some fuel stabilizer will also help to keep things OK.
If it will be sitting for longer than just the winter, I drain the tank and once dry pour some oil in and let it coat the inside.
It also depends on where you live. If you are somewhere that it never gets cold and wet, you don't need to do anything. Northern Scotland, you have problems!
I've heard reference to 'fogging' oil which is specifically for spraying on internals to prevent corrosion while laid up. I've never seen or used it though. Has anyone else?
If you want to be thorough you should block the bike up and take the weight off the front tyre (with it on the rear stand)....Personally, I'd drain the tank and spray some WD40 in there once it's dry....Also, completely drain the fuel from the carburettor by running the engine till it stops (with the petrol turned off) and then remove the lower float bowl fitting....Turn the engine over until it's on the compression stroke but not past TDC..This ensures both valves are closed and keeps the atmosphere out of the cylinder...You could also put a small amount of oil into the cylinder through the plug hole...
If you don't have an anti drain valve or oil tap fitted remove the drainplug from the crankcase and put a container under the engine..It will probably 'wet sump' (drop its oil) over a period of months..Also remove the battery and put it on a 'smart' charger for the duration of the lay up...You could also pull in the clutch lever and hold it there with a cable tie...Gently kick the bike over to free the plates..This will prevent any sticking of cluch plates...This very much applies to an M20 with a Triumph type clutch fitted....Ian
Adding to Ian's post, I also drain my tanks as I don't like the idea of storing a M/C for months with a full tank of fuel. If you drain the tank and you have push pull cork taps then these will dry out over storage. I remove my taps and store them in a small jam jar filled with petrol over the cork line. I have done this for years and it works for me.
