--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "eddiebmauri"
wrote:
>
> Hi all, I have a question about storage of a KLR, here's the
situation:
> A month ago I got a company cage that I can use for personal use as
> well.
> So, my KLR, which was a daily rider, now sits. I have ridden it for
> less than an 2 hours in the last month. I keep it outside under a
MC
> cover.
>
> So, should I get a battery trickle changer? Will starting it every
> other day be enough to keep the battery happy? BTW, is a fairly
new
> battery.
>
> Are there any other issues that I should consider relative to
storing
> a KLR when it is not being ridden a lot?
>
> And, yes, I know that the only real solution is to ride more, am
> working on that.
>
> Thanks
>
> Eddie (03' KLR - "la poderosa)
>
Eddie,
I always try to be helpful person...
1. If you bring it to SD, I will gladly keep the battery charged and
the gas changed for as long as is necessary.
No? Oh. How about this:
2. Or just install the leads for a battery tender on it permanently,
with a fully serviced batter (for water), plug in the charger at
least once a week, (some leave them on all the time). Starting the
bike to charge the battery is a least-acceptable means of charging as
it is not likely to get to full operating temps, etc. If it is warm
enough, there are those on the list that don't do anything for 6
months at a time, and it all works just fine for them. I prefer the
fully charged battery, which by the way, I got 4+ almost 5 years out
of the OEM battery, which is 'unusual' to read the reports here on
the list--and it was due to battery maintenance. The OEM battery
will need distilled water at least at the oil change interval (of
1500 miles) and if ridden when it is really, really hot, more often,
maybe as little as 1000 miles.
3. Inflate the tires to max rec pressure for long term storage to
minimize wx checking. Check it occasionally for pressure as it will
leak down.
4. Seafoam in the gas tank. I would use it all the time anytime you
don't know how long it is going to be before the next ride. Here in
the Dakota's, when it starts getting chilly, we add Seafoam every
fill up when we are parking at the end of the day...and don't know
when the next time we will ride. Sometimes it is overkill, sometimes
it is months before we ride again. shrug. It is your gummy carb, do
what you think best. smile.
4. Your bike storage problem is similar to the one I first
experienced when I bought the new to me KLR. When you buy the
battery tender (brand) get the extra 25 feet of cord, which will
allow you to leave the tender in the house, and run the cord out the
window or out the door (over the door threshold) and not 'rain-soak'
the charger. Your charger will thank you. cough.
If you use a batttery tender...be sure to walk completely around the
bike before you shove off--it will keep you from dragging the battery
tender down the street. At least, that is what I hear.
revmaaatin.