Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Owners Club DL250, DL650, DL1000 & DL1050

V-Strom specific discussion => V-Strom specific discussion => Topic started by: Mattdavies1982 on June 06, 2019, 15:32:59

Title: Advice on getting a bike back on the road after a long break
Post by: Mattdavies1982 on June 06, 2019, 15:32:59

Hi everyone,

Likely a very straight forward answer, a friend has a (practically) brand new DL1000 from last year. Unfortunately due to personal circumstances he was only able to put 160 miles on it.  Since it has laid dormant in his garage for around 8 months. The battery is now flat and he is buying a charger so he can start the bike up again.

My question is, is there anything else he needs to consider from a maintenance/ safety point of view before getting back on the road, given the limited amount of time the bike has actually been used?

Many thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Advice on getting a bike back on the road after a long break
Post by: MartinW on June 06, 2019, 15:41:16

It will probably be 99% OK.

Check the tyres if the bike has been stood on the same patch for all 8 months without rotating a wheel.

Title: Re: Advice on getting a bike back on the road after a long break
Post by: Mr Nick on June 06, 2019, 18:32:48

He might well have lost the battery if it's been sat discharged for that length of time. A smart charger will refuse to see a battery that's below a certain voltage so won't charge it at all. A good old 'dumb as a box of rocks' one might do something, but chances are it wouldn't hold any charge he did get into it anyway.
As Martin said, tyres sat too long in one place might be a bit lumpy for a while but should be new & soft enough to come back again once they've had a bit of a run. As all the fluids are only a year old you don't have to think about changing any of those that would be a consideration on an older one.

Title: Re: Advice on getting a bike back on the road after a long break
Post by: Barbel Mick on June 06, 2019, 18:56:23

I might be tempted to drain the petrol and put new in it. Then as above plus make sure the brakes and chain are OK, they should be, but worth a check.

Title: Re: Advice on getting a bike back on the road after a long break
Post by: kwackboy on June 06, 2019, 20:02:28

Sitting for 8 months should be fine after a new battery has been fitted, Fuel injected bikes these days can sit for a lot longer than that if stored properly.
Fit the battery , turn on ignition and wait for the fuel pump to prime then fire her up without touching the throttle.
The fuel should be fine but some fresh fuel will make it run cleaner.
Once she's running check the electrics, brakes and tyre pressures and away you go .  :thumb:

Title: Re: Advice on getting a bike back on the road after a long break
Post by: Mattdavies1982 on June 12, 2019, 13:53:15

Thanks for the replies, helpful to know

Cheers

Title: Re: Advice on getting a bike back on the road after a long break
Post by: bsaboy on June 12, 2019, 18:48:34

What kwackboy said  :text-goodpost: :text-goodpost:

Title: Re: Advice on getting a bike back on the road after a long break
Post by: Jonnyh on June 15, 2019, 17:34:32

I’d be tempted to also give it a good visual inspection for any rodent damage