Upright Storage

[Jonathan]

I'm leaving for college in 2 days and the only way for me to store my 89 250R and 85 200x is standing up in the shed in my back yard. Is it ok to store them like this? What should I do before putting them up? If I just leave them on the carport where they are, I'm afraid I might come home and find them gone, sitting in the yard, or covered in my dad's crap piled all over them (I'm sure that will happen to the Arctic Cat anyway). Thanks alot.

[350Xccelerator]

ive heard that its ok, but you have to turn the gas off, and when you ride it again you have to let it sit for about 15 mins so the oil can get back to normal.

[Jeb]

Plug your crank case vent hoses so the oil doesn't run out. and don't forget to unplug them when it's time to ride!

[Jonathan]

Thank you Jeb, that's the kind of tips I was looking for.

[MountainRider]

I store my 84 200x and 83 185s standing vertical too, and have had no problems. I also plug my crankcase vent, but there are a couple of other things to consider: 1) make sure the fuel level is low enough in the tank that it won't leak out the cap vent. 2) If it's to be stored for an extended period, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent varnishing (Stabil or equiv.) and run it long ehough to ensure that it makes it completely through the carb. 3) I start mine, turn off the fuel petcock, let it idle until it dies, and then drain the remaining fuel out of the bowl.

That last step may not be absolutely necessary, but that's what I do and it seems to work well for me.

Are still headed to the U of A? Go Hogs Go! Oooooooooooo Piiiiiiggg!!! Sooooie!!! RAZORBACKS!!!!!!!

[ATCnut]

I store mine standing up all the time. My 83 200X has been stood up for most of the last 20 years. As has been stated before, make sure the tank is low enough so the gas is below the cap when stood up, and run the carb dry.


You do not need to wait to start them when you get them down. (At least I never have)

[RacerRichie]

If you won't be riding it for awhile give it a coating of WD40 all over. Will keep the rust and corrosion down. I love WD40, so many uses.... :)

[Jeb]

I love WD40, so many uses.... :)

I second that!

Water Displacement (Forumula) 40 Rules! That's another great idea. I spray everything metal and all the Handle Bar Controls with WD 40. I usually Silicon Spray all the plastic, seat, & tires! Only reason, it saves WD-40!

[ATC crazy]

You might also want to let the air out of yor tires, or to around 1psi. This will help prevent cracking/dry-rotting. Grease everything real good before leaving, and again when you get back on them. Plug all the vents too (a golf tee works great).

[hondaATCman]

If I were you, I would go ahead and drain the oil and spend a few bucks and buy a few fresh quarts when you wanna ride it again.

[lokisbuddy]

Tbh when I store a trike or quad I drain all fluids coat with wd40 , plug exhaust and make sure its not sittin on tires. I also spray inside of tank with wd.
Edit: just realized how old this is :( don't know why it showed up as todays post on my page. sorry

[DickyDanger]

If I were you, I would go ahead and drain the oil and spend a few bucks and buy a few fresh quarts when you wanna ride it again.

I would drain both the oil and the gas I wouldn't want to let anything sit around inside if its not going to be used for a long period of time