To idle start or not ... that is the question

[HunterV]

Hi Guys,

I’m looking for some guidance on whether or not I should idle start my 2022 Z900 on a weekly basis during 5 months of storage or will this cause condensation within the bike which cannot be burned off?

The bike will be kept off the ground on paddock stands, connected to a Optimate 4 charger, full tank of fuel with stabiliser, lubricated and covered.

Appendix Page 189-191 of the owner’s manual goes further and outlines the attached procedure (oil change, empty fuel tank, remove spark plugs, add fogging oil into the combustion chamber etc) for storing the bike for a long period – is 5 months considered a long period - should I get this done?   

Appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thanks

[Cazzy_R]

Originally Posted by HunterV

......The bike will be kept off the ground on paddock stands, connected to a Optimate 4 charger, full tank of fuel with stabiliser, lubricated and covered.....

 Done.
 Definately don't start the bike unnecessarly until it comes out of hibernation. Change the oil either before hibernation or immediately after reawakening.

[ras]

Originally Posted by HunterV

Appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thanks

My stuff also sits for a solid 5 months and no I do not ever start them until it is time to get them back out of slumber.
Also, when it comes to changing oil I always put fresh before storing. With that said what are the chances you will keep your rides long enough to ever notice an issue.
Just my two cents 

[HunterV]

Thanks Cazzy-R and Ras for your advice.

I’ve just bought my bike from the single previous owner who bought it in Sept-22, only 428kms on it. 

Still change the oil regardless of such low kms?

Thanks

[JerryZ]

I have a collection of bikes , Kwaks, Ducatis and HD in 2 countries  spend 5 months in thailand  during British Winter  and 7 months in UK and Eu during warm weather , I leave bikes  on charge  in garage  but dont change oil  been doing this for 20 years , but I do regularly service my bikes yearly most get 3-4k miles  some  none but get restorations or just fettling , my Z900  did 3000 mile recently i n 8 weeks
but will not be used again until October

Most important thing is leave fresh Non Gasohol fuel in Fuel tank or  empty it completely , do not leave gasohol in  at all ,top up tyre pressures a bit higher than normal if You dont put bike on stands  and lube chain

Now in Uk a bit early this year  due to selling house and  some bikes prior to retiring  , will be soon using Monster 750  when it warms UP , just did oil change bike is 22 years old but recently had a full restoration  back to new condition and OHlins upgrades  got 2 more 25 year ducatis  in full restoration to New condition a 60 year old mint new HD  and a Ninja 650 2019 , looking to get a Kawasaki tourer 1000SX soon for  touring europe ,, usually used  a Monster 750 in the past all over Europe