Thanks all for the help with the tire post I did the other day. Now my question is this -- what should I do for long term storage of the Savage -- say a year or two maybe....drain the gas tank, drain the oil too maybe?? any help is greatly appreciated

I just got back from Bahrain and now I am called to active duty once again to do VBSS ops(Visit -- board -- search and seizure)with the Seals...pretty cool but darn will I miss riding.

thanks
--Mark

Is it LOVE?  Have you done a lot of mods to this particular bike?  If not, frankly, let a friend buy it or just ride it while your out of country.  There are plenty of used ones around, and with all that dough, maybe a new one wouldn't break the bank when u return.  I don't think bikes age well standing unused: brakes and gas tank erosion, carb crapping up and such make it a real pain.  On the other hand, Ed_L covered most of the points, if this bike is tyour one True Love.

I've never used a gas stabilizer, but considering fuel stored in a tank for so long might not be fully useable once you return... maybe you could pour the 2.5 gals in your car, fill up with premium to the brim?

I'd suggest the following:
1) Fill tank with 5% 2-stroke mixture, run engine until it starts smoking
2) Drain and renew oil, don't be afraid to overfill, if the bike's going to sit/stand an extra pint or two in the sump won't hurt
3) Pull out spark plug, pour a tablespoon of NEW engine oil in cylinder - to keep piston rings from seizing - then replace plug barely finger tight
4) engage gear and push/pull until you reach top dead center - piston in compression stage - that'll keep both valves shut, combustion chamber sealed and the valve springs will be at rest
5) inflate tires to at least 30% more pressure than normal
6) jack bike on three-point stand, apply naval jelly or turtle wax on brightwork
7) to maintain battery, disassemble, apply a 3-5W 12V lamp to posts and connect to one of those 12V (or variable) 1000mA power supply adapters you find in stores to recharge hand drills, R/C toys and the like
OR give away and keep model number at hand for when you return and buy a new one
8 ) slacken rear wheel bolts to slacken tension of belt drive
9) place huge red placard 'DO NOT START!' and specify what must be done to make the bike drivable again
10) pull condom over exhaust and air filter (I'm not kidding you, it's very elastic, chemically stable and will last until you're back) cover with old bedsheet, leave mix of ammonia cleaning liquid/moth balls all around to keep the 2-4-6-8 legged critters away.

Whatever you do, man, don't sell it ! Another bike is still not the one you used to have!

Maurizio

Suzuki says to drain the crankcase, then fill all the way to the top with fresh oil for winter storage.  In the spring drain it all and refill to the correct level.  

Sealing the intake and exhaust with tinfoil is also a very good idea.  The manuals says to use oily rags as plugs  to keep out humidity.  I'd do the foil as well.

Will be praying for you...drop us a line every now and then when you are able to get to a computer.

cmgonline.com (Canadain Motorcycle Guide On-line) has a great Storage Guide ... here's the link;

http://www.cmgrc.com/1AllMembers/CMIG/Winterisation/index.html

marke2571 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:10:


As an Old Navy veteran from 1969, I salute your service.  You are a good American.  Thank you.

I have some good ideas for storing your bike, if you want to contact me directly.

i hope your 6months go quickly and safely.thats cool u are allowed to bring your bike! ya still watch those cagers ya here