Tips on starting bikes that have stood for 3+ years

[Gixer968CS]

I have a garage of bikes that haven't started for at least 3 years (Ducati 998R, Honda SP2, Aprillia Mille, Ducati 1199s). They're not mine but for various reasons I need to start sorting them out. All will have been put away in very good shape - fully serviced, clean, lubed etc - and have been kept under cover in a garage with a de-humidifier. All have stood for 3 years minimum and a couple maybe 4.

I'm fairly okish with tinkering etc as I've been riding bikes for 30+ years and know what I'm doing to a point, but I wondered if there was any particular advice on getting these bikes started and running - is it just turn the key and go or am I going to damage them? Obviously I can check the oil, fluids etc but as they're not mine I really want to be careful (the owner cannot assist). They are all fabulous examples and so I really want to be careful - the 998R especially frightens me.

[Jazoli]

Fill with fuel, charge battery, press starter button, they are modern bikes not priceless heirlooms.

[Krikkit]

Out of caution I'd fetch the plugs out, few drops of oil down the bores, turn them over by hand, then start (obviously check all the fluids first).

Otherwise they'll be fine, both Ducs will be due their belts.

[black-k1]

Krikkit said:

Out of caution I'd fetch the plugs out, few drops of oil down the bores, turn them over by hand, then start (obviously check all the fluids first).

Otherwise they'll be fine, both Ducs will be due their belts.

For the extra time/effort, I'd also do a plug out turn over first.

[Ilikemotorbikes]

Fresh fuel, charge the batteries and for what it's worth, I'd also have the plugs out first.

Crank it over to get the oil moving around and up to the head etc. Then plugs in and get them running til the fan cuts in.

Its what I'd do anyway. Best of luck with it!

[Drezza]

I've got to do this to one of mine this week too, my plan's to chuck a new battery on it, swap fuel, drop of oil down the bore and turn the back wheel in gear to turn the engine and get the oil on the cylinder, then start it.

[Birky_41]

Full throttle squirting easy start in anything that has an opening

When you hear the valve bounce you know its good

You're welcome

[PurpleTurtle]

I've got to do this for two of mine, so joining the thread.

One of them is a ZX7R which has a stty Meta alarm installed by the previous owner. These things have an internal battery that is sealed for life, but once dead, like mini is, is totally dead. There is a way to jump the alarm, which I'm going to have to do, before I can get to the point of turning it over with the plus out.

[podman]

Krikkit said:

Out of caution I'd fetch the plugs out, few drops of oil down the bores, turn them over by hand, then start (obviously check all the fluids first).

Otherwise they'll be fine, both Ducs will be due their belts.

Your on the same way of thinking as me, I defo wouldnt start the 998R up with out changing the belts, especially given the cost of the bike/engine..

1199's are chain driven camshafts I believe.

Id also change the brake fluid , always amazes me how crusty the insides of a master cyclinder/caliper can get from old brake fluid but thats not quite so essential.

[bluezedd]

PurpleTurtle said:

I've got to do this for two of mine, so joining the thread.

One of them is a ZX7R which has a stty Meta alarm installed by the previous owner. These things have an internal battery that is sealed for life, but once dead, like mini is, is totally dead. There is a way to jump the alarm, which I'm going to have to do, before I can get to the point of turning it over with the plus out.

in this case I'd just take the time to remove the alarm. It should just be a case of desoldering wires which might have been added to indicator circuits etc, and solder the ignition wires back together the same way as it would have been when the bike was original.

[KTMsm]

Dad's a classic car dealer - we've started hundreds of cars over the last 60 years that have generally been stood outside for years - some 10+

Never bothered with anything other than fuel and battery as a first try and never damaged anything - and that's started the vast majority, no need to mess about IME

[Wingo]

Having recently recommissioned a Ducati 998r thats the one I'd be most cautious with. It hadn't been run for about 7 years. Off it went in a van for new belts, full service and anything else the specialist thought it needed before startup and being used again.

Yes you could just bring it back to life but but before it was taken any distance at all it needs a belt service.

Yes most stuff can be left for a good while. Fresh fuel and a charge up of the battery.

Edited by Wingo on Monday 11th October 20:27

[anonymous-user]

black-k1 said:

Krikkit said:

Out of caution I'd fetch the plugs out, few drops of oil down the bores, turn them over by hand, then start (obviously check all the fluids first).

Otherwise they'll be fine, both Ducs will be due their belts.

For the extra time/effort, I'd also do a plug out turn over first.

To be safe, I’d strip the engines and check for corrosion.




…or just turn the key and press the starter.

[Matt_E_Mulsion]

PurpleTurtle said:

One of them is a ZX7R which has a stty Meta alarm installed by the previous owner. These things have an internal battery that is sealed for life...

My R6 had a Meta alarm installed by a professional outfit when it was brand new and it lasted somewhere around the twelve to fourteen year mark from what I can remember, before the internal battery finally failed and it required removal.

What I can well recall though is that when I took the unit out, it was very very easy to trace the wires back, remake a couple of connections and hey presto all was back to normal.

My advice, forget the jumper block and just look at the wiring loom logically and all should be obvious.