StartingAfterHibernation

[mkocal]

Does anyone have an opinion about the kindest way to start an engine after a  long storage period?
I am thinking just a light misting of light oil into the cylinders and turning the engine over slowing minus the plugs.
Thanks
MK

[Bob_Roller]

A little oil in the cylinders, and spin the engine over with the plugs removed until the low oil pressure light goes out will be better than starting it right up. How long was the bike stored, there might be some other things to do if the storage period was extensive ?  

[steve hawkins]

I am with Bob.

My brother started his r100GS after a 3.5 year storage (he was abroad).

He actually dropped the old oil over night and replaced it and the filter.
 
Then he put in brand new petrol (as he had drained the tank).

A couple of squirts of oil in the bores (and a new battery) turned it over a couple of times and he was away.

A bit more extreme - but then it was off the road for over three years.

I think he squired a little oil in the bores before he left it as well.

I don't think he changed the final drive or gearbox oil - just check em.

Steve H

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Yeah, look at the gearbox for cream-colored oil.  

Check the small rubber boot where the speedometer cable enters.  If it is dry and cracked, replace it.  It is a entry way for water into the gearbox.  You might even want to cut a length of large diameter heat-shrink tubing, and put it on the speedo cable before the boot.  Then after the boot is in place, draw it down over the top of the boot and heat it up!  One of the nicest solutions I have seen.

Watch your tires for dry rot.  I have yet to hear of anyone actually crashing due to old tires, but then, I don't talk to a lot of riders.

Have you had the rear wheel off, yet?  It is relatively easy, and you get to check the wear condition and the state of lubrication of the splines, as well as the brake shoes, all at once.
If the splines are razor-thin, you probably don't want to take that ride.