Advice on long term storage

[marcmorrison]

I have a 1999 MG Bassa that I have owned since 2018 (bought from the original owner).  Due to health issues, I have been trying to sell this motorcycle for the last 6 months, with absolutely zero offers (I think my asking price was very reasonable).  I don't have to sell it and I have room to keep it until I pass on, at which time it will be my kid's problem to dispose of it.  I don't want to give it away (although it may come to that for me or my children)....so, I'm thinking at least for the time being, I'll at least drain all of the gasoline and let it sit.  Question...should I consider any other prep issues to get it ready for perhaps long-term storage (shot of oil in the cylinders, pull the plugs, etc.)??  Thanks for the suggestions....damn, it's a bitch to get old.

[Kev m]

Yes, fog the motor. See a boat supply store

Also fog the fuel tank to prevent internal rust.

After you drain the tank crank the motor a few times to bleed off fuel from the pump lines and empty the injectors.

Depending on storage conditions consider coating the metal surfaces of the motor and driveline with something protective.

[marcmorrison]

What about the battery.....disconn ect and remove??  Tires.....remove entirely, elevate off the floor, over-inflate??  Other fluids....engine oil, transmission, differential, brake....drain or leave it alone??  Thanks!!

[Clifton]

What about the battery.....disconn ect and remove??  Tires.....remove entirely, elevate off the floor, over-inflate??  Other fluids....engine oil, transmission, differential, brake....drain or leave it alone??  Thanks!!

I'm no expert on this but in addition to what Kevm mentioned, unless the oils and brake fluid have been changed very recently I'd change all them to leave uncontaminated oils/fluid w/o moisture or acids in the bike. Run the bike to operating temperature first, change oils, then don't start the engine again. Remove the battery. If the tires are newish reduce pressure, put the bike on the center stand (if it has one) with a scrap of wood under each tire. If tires are aged then it doesn't matter they'll need replaced anyway.

Meanwhile I hope your health improves enough that you can take it out of storage and ride it again.

[marcmorrison]

Thanks for the additional information.....I appreciate your closing words of encouragement, but I'm prepared for whatever comes along (you just as well accept it as graciously as possible)

[John A]

Since the term of storage is uncertain, I agree with removing the battery. It can cause a lot of damage if it goes dead and freezes. I’ve bought a few that the battery had froze and leaked acid which made a lot of extra work repairing the damage. I hope your health gets better!

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

Of all the things mentioned here the one thing I would personally do differently is I would park it will a full tank of treated gas. Less air, less room for condensation which can wash down the fogging oil.

[Kev m]

Of all the things mentioned here the one thing I would personally do differently is I would park it will a full tank of treated gas. Less air, less room for condensation which can wash down the fogging oil.

Though I wouldn't hesitate to do that for storage over maybe a year, maybe MAYBE 2 AT MAX, the unknown length of time makes me think it's a very bad idea. Treated or not it wilk eventually break down and having it in there when someone cranks it in the future is asking to replace the fuel pump and injectors. Hell just not being able to run the injectors dry for this kind of storage I think is a mistake.

I've seen bikes that were let sit a few years require fuel system rebuilds because of this.

And fogging oil clings. It's not like the cylinders get washed from condensation, why think the tank is more prone?

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

Hell just not being able to run the injectors dry for this kind of storage I think is a mistake.

That would be my concern, if you're going to purge the fuel system it needs to be done thoroughly and unless you're removing the injectors and back flushing them with mineral spirits that likely isn't happening. Personally I would prioritize reducing the risk of a rusty fuel tank, injectors can be cleaned.
The fuel tank "breathes" and is more exposed to moisture than the cylinders are. Ideally for storage, whichever approach you use, store it climate controlled if possible so humidity does not fluctuate. My 2 cents.

[Kev m]

That would be my concern, if you're going to purge the fuel system it needs to be done thoroughly and unless you're removing the injectors and back flushing them with mineral spirits that likely isn't happening. Personally I would prioritize reducing the risk of a rusty fuel tank, injectors can be cleaned.
The fuel tank "breathes" and is more exposed to moisture than the cylinders are. Ideally for storage, whichever approach you use, store it climate controlled if possible so humidity does not fluctuate. My 2 cents.

Though I hear you on back flushing cranking it dry leaves very little behind when leaving it full leaves too much potential additives to clog the injectors over time. You're not cleaning that much gunk out of them.

And the tank shouldn't be breathing much of anything. Plug the vent if you're really worried but it's sealed and allows pressure to form. Hang a desiccant bag of you're really worried but the fogging oil is going to protect it.

I dunno...i just think the potential long term problems with leaving it full outweigh any minor advantage of slightly reduced moisture.

Guess we'll have to disagree.

[MikeP996]

FWIW I've had motorcycles/cars "stored" (sitting in the garage)  for as long as two years and only do the following - add fuel stabilizer (been using StaBil) to the "normal" fuel (E10), take the vehicle out for a run.  When returning, remove the battery, put 50PSI of air in the tires.  On a carbureted engine, I drain fuel from the carb bowl(s).  In every case after reinstalling the battery, the vehicles (cars and bikes) start as if they had been running yesterday.   

[guzziart]

Another FWIW, when I bought my '87 Lemans in 2010 it had not been used since the late 90's early 2000's.  The former owner had over filled the engine, trans & r. drive with oil, I assume, to prevent moisture/corrosion from developing on gears, etc.  It was a surprise to me when I pulled the engine dipstick and had oil glug glug out of the fill, same with the trans & diff.  As for the fuel tank, it was bone dry and zero rust, of course the petcocks required fresh seals, carbs & forks, I don't recall seeing any rust inhibitor in the fuel tank.  The tires were toast, no battery, master cyls & calipers required rebuilding.  The bike had been stored in a pole barn workshop type of space with a concrete floor, heated when the owner was out there working on his other numerous bikes, I suppose, located in Southeast Ohio.  Anyway, good luck with storing yours, damned if you do, damned if you don't, too bad there is no way to get that thing some exercise once in a while vs long term storage.

[Vagrant]

Lots of great advice all of it means a lot of work now and some money spent on a $1500. bike. Then if you are able to ride again more work and money on a 30 year old bike. If your kid actually wants it give it to them now. If not find someone in the local Guzzi group who is a bit poorer than most but will take good care of it and give it to them. It's a great feeling to help someone else. I assume you have some years under your belt and if in time you can ride again get a newer v7 they are a lot easier to handle as reasonably priced.

[marcmorrison]

Thanks for all of the tips/advice.  Many years ago, I brought a few motorcycles "back from the dead" for a collector friend, most of which had been in storage for at least 10 years, some stored inside and others out in the elements.  The one thing consistent with all of them (and the owner DID add Stabil to a tank full of gas in most of them), the entire fuel system was buggered and required a lot of work to correct.  So, based upon that, I think I will completely drain the gas, do the oil fogging thing and take my chances there.  Yes, would be nice to simply leave it as is, take out for an occasional ride, but my health condition (extreme dizziness and loss of balance) wont allow that; would make this offer to someone close by, but I live in a senior neighborhood and most of my previous riding mates are in as bad shape as I am and some are even worse (i.e. riding with the Grim Reaper).

[Kev m]

Thanks for all of the tips/advice.  Many years ago, I brought a few motorcycles "back from the dead" for a collector friend, most of which had been in storage for at least 10 years, some stored inside and others out in the elements.  The one thing consistent with all of them (and the owner DID add Stabil to a tank full of gas in most of them), the entire fuel system was buggered and required a lot of work to correct.  So, based upon that, I think I will completely drain the gas, do the oil fogging thing and take my chances there.  Yes, would be nice to simply leave it as is, take out for an occasional ride, but my health condition (extreme dizziness and loss of balance) wont allow that; would make this offer to someone close by, but I live in a senior neighborhood and most of my previous riding mates are in as bad shape as I am and some are even worse (i.e. riding with the Grim Reaper).

I liked the first half of the post... Best of wishes with the rest.

[marcmorrison]

ATTN: Vagrant, I have already given my son two previous motorcycles (an older BMW/2 and a MG California); he rode both for awhile and then decided he had more important priorities with two youngsters and sold both of them...so for until he takes care of other "life issues", he's not interested in another cycle.  I have been dealing with my health issues for the last two years with no improvement.....in the event I should have a recovery (and assuming I dont have other disabilities arise in the meantime), I'd really like to ride again.  Yes, I am aware that if I am able to ride again, another cycle can be had....however, not knowing how/if that will ever happen, I've got a perfectly decent cycle sitting in my garage that I can't sell and no prospects for a sale or something in the alternative.  SO, I think I'll just do what I can to prepare the machine for long term storage (maybe I can sell it someday....maybe my children will have to deal with it....in a perfect world, I'll recover from my health issues and ride again....yee haw!!)

[DoubleGuzzi]

I noticed a V7 III Carbon has now sold, after the dealer had advertised it for at least two years. It was always cut-price compared to others (~£5300) but that didn't make any difference - I had considered buying it at one point.
It's a fickle marketplace. 

[Kev m]

I noticed a V7 III Carbon has now sold, after the dealer had advertised it for at least two years. It was always cut-price compared to others (~£5300) but that didn't make any difference - I had considered buying it at one point.
It's a fickle marketplace. 

I came really close to listing mine a week ago (to find space and $ for s be Sport), but I just can't bring myself to settle for so little on it when I could just keep it and wait longer on a Sport.

[DoubleGuzzi]

.. I just can't bring myself to settle for so little on it ..

I know that feeling, all too well. Little/no pay back on your extras too.

[Clifton]

Unfortunately value is what it is and for the last year or two motorcycle values have been dropping which is quite the change from the inflated - days. Harley and the European brand bikes seem particularly low to me. Buyers market.

[Kev m]

I know that feeling, all too well. Little/no pay back on your extras too.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.

First I always plan on spending at least $2k on accessories and don't expect a dime of that back. That's just spent on "me".

And I paid thousands under MSRP when I bought it so I can't bitch there either.

Actually if I sold it for my estimate of current market I'd only lose a couple grand on the bike itself.

But at that point we're talking such a low addition to the bike fund that I might as well just hang onto it. Though I'm probably more motivated by space and will be more tempted to get rid of it when I finally do buy a V7 Sport. Till then screw it, I'll enjoy it

[kingoffleece]

Ask snowmobile owners.  Fogging oil does not wash down.

[Dave Swanson]

The whole whale penis Guzzi lineup is dead for resale.  Last year I bought a HDM EV, and the seller was shocked I actually wanted it after having it for sale for such a long time.  Unfortunately guys like me are rare as rocking horse dung. 

The V7, V7II, and V7III are not far behind. 

On the other hand I can think of no other series of bikes that offers such amazing all around performance for a paltry $1500 or even less as the EV series.

I would venture to say my 98 EV is one of the nicest you could find anywhere.  If I was to price it at $2000 it wouldn't sell.  It might hang around a long time even at $1000.