|  | Topic : Parked up for 2+ years - advice? |  |
| | | | Posted : 08 Apr 2026 - 02:27 Post title : Parked up for 2+ years - advice? | | | Just looking into a checklist and want to make sure I'm not missing anything.
The bike's been sat for far longer than anticipated and I'm wanting to get on top sooner rather than later.
The tank has some obvious rust to treat, I'm thinking the vinegar trick will do for now. (more on that in another thread)
Dot points I have right now are:
Oil - Needs a change (duh) need to find out what the drop of choice is for my region. 10w-40 15w-50?
Oil Filter - I have a brand new KN-204-1 as listed on one site, although I've seen a listing for KN-204C on another site, not sure if they're the same, however it came with the bike from the previous owner.
Brake fluid - being sat for 2 years, I'm assuming the answer will be flush/change it. (never done it, research/palm off required)
Battery - sitting on a shelf, will see if still good...
Air filter - I assume it's K&N Given the oil filter, however I don't think it'll need a change unless something's made a nest I haven't spotted. - also never cleaned one as I've only used stock in the past.
Fuel filter - Mahle KL 145.
Fuel pump - have a new kit sitting here, I think it might have been an ebay listing, however it's 'All Balls Racing - 74-2017.
from memory the pump may need something extra stuffing around, I'll have to dig around and see if I can find out.
Then there's tires......
The birds been sat with the odd movement, shuffle it over a few feet every 6 months type thing, and I can't remember the year of them, came with the bike, so it's a good 3-4 at least. As it's sitting at the MIL's I can't confirm their make, but I think they may be Commanders.
Injectors.... I didn't empty the tank and run until the lines were clear, so I guess they'll be gummed up or the like.
What's the solution, I've read flush the tank, insert injector cleaner (Liqui Moly?) and she's good.... however I've also seen 'pull the injectors, flush them with {insert Amazon cleaning tool here} ?
Is there anything I'm missing? (aside from a small fortune to fill the tank)
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| | | MotorMac | | Jupiter |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 29/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 1,958 | | Location | : | Nor Cal, United States |
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| | Posted : 10 Apr 2026 - 15:22 Post title : Re: Parked up for 2+ years - advice? (Re: StrippedChicken) | | | Put some air in the tires, some fresh gas in the tank, check oil/brake levels and go for a ride. You might be surprised.
If battery is less than 5 years old, it should take a charge, older than that might need replacement.
Take the mufflers off before you go and you'll get to meet the neighbors.
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| | | | Posted : 13 Apr 2026 - 03:25 Post title : Re: Parked up for 2+ years - advice? (Re: MotorMac) | | | Oh, the neighbours know me from such classics as 'Start ya f%@in' bastard!' featuring the V-Star 650, 'Don't Chew the Wiring' - Featuring The Dog, and everybody's favorite '!!!!! That's Going to Leave a Scar' - Featuring A Dropped Blade Has No Handle'.
To be fair, that might be an idea, I just don't like the idea of hitting the highway and finding something goes wrong, brakes and fuel being my main concerns.
Oil breaks down, as does fuel, brake fluid takes on water from memory, all of which I imagine would be well into that process at the 2+ year mark of sitting idle.
I might give that a shot though, as there's a small section before highway that I can test out, granted it'll be a Pain to push back if something does go.
If only I had a tow hitch and trailer.
| | Post edited by StrippedChicken on 13 Apr 2026 - 04:57 |
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| | | | Posted : 13 Apr 2026 - 04:57 Post title : Re: Parked up for 2+ years - advice? (Re: StrippedChicken) | | | ignore this post: stupid is as stupid does.
| | Post edited by StrippedChicken on 13 Apr 2026 - 04:59 |
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,608 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 16 Apr 2026 - 05:00 Post title : Re: Parked up for 2+ years - advice? (Re: StrippedChicken) | | | I would start with treating the rust. Fresh fuel, bleed the brake system and see how it rides, warm it up nice and easy first.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it 
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Nitron R3 shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | | Posted : 16 Apr 2026 - 05:06 Post title : Re: Parked up for 2+ years - advice? (Re: Leethal) | | | That's the plan, just need to find the time to go from start to finish on the tank, including figuring out how to prevent the flash rusting.
Ideally I'd like to sort the tank so as I finish preparing it for use (neutralizing the vinegar and preventing as much flash rust as possible), mount the new guts and hook it up, fill it up and start on the rest of the bike in the one day.
anyone know if the gasket for the fuel pump plate will take kindly to vinegar?
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