To start or not to start now

[suecanada]

Hi guys,

I have been well...just otherwise occupied......

LRB or my '83R65LS for those who don't know him, has sat still in storage ALL summer with no licence plate sticker or even one starting attempt. You see I went and bought a 2008 Suzuki DR650SE all farkled up from Vancouver Island in May/June and haven't really travelled much since. So now I am wondering if it would be best to at least try to start LRB and go for a wee (illegal) run if he starts, or is it best just to keep him in Full storage mode which he is in now, and just wait till next Spring before another long season and some long rides?
I am afraid of the usual....condensation because of a short run or worse  he doesn't start and I worry all winter!!

LRB, as you may know, has been an exemplary companion but I suppose he could have his nose out of joint.

[Bob_Roller]

I'd keep it long term storage , if you have drained all the fuel out of the tank and ran the carbs and fuel lines dry .

You've got about 8 weeks or so of decent weather for riding left in your region .

Hopefully you have the battery disconnected and on a maintainer, tender or the like as well .

[Luca]

If you can ride LRB for at least an hour I'd guess you will get rid of any condensation in the crankcase.  If it's just a trip around the block, it's probably best to just leave him alone until you are ready to go for a full-blown ride.

With any engine that's been in long term storage, it's a good idea to spin the engine for oil pressure before you try to start it under it's own power.  When I do oil/filter changes I remove the carb bowls (in a clean-air environment) and crank away until the oil pressure light goes out.  For that matter, it's not a bad idea to spin any stored engine via the starter motor with some regularity (perhaps every month) to keep the moving parts coated with oil.

I rebuilt Heidi's (my '82 LS) carbs 2-1/2 years ago and give her a new Scorpion AGM battery.  I should stabilize her fuel and tend her battery... but she's started for me without fail after both winter slumbers I've owned her for.

[montmil]

 [smiley=tekst-toppie.gif]

Gonna go with Bob's advice on LRB. He'll be fine and so will your mental state regarding any small hiccup from Red.

[suecanada]

Yes, Bob all those things you said get a check mark. Tank is empty in bedroom, maintainer on the Odyssey battery, new fluids at time of storage and all critter access holes plugged, carb bowls drained. I am always glad when Monte agrees!!
Thank you and Luca that is a great plan for next Spring.

Having some fun with the DR big brother to the DR200.....they both have "simple by choice" in common with LRB so I am more relaxed as maintenance is easier for me so far. Somehow or other , I found the Bonneville always made me upset as basic chores seemed to take way too long and things were difficult just doing them.