Just picked up a motorcycle that has been sitting for 10 years. Need advice

Just picked up a motorcycle to sell that was last registered in 2008. Bike is a 2006 triumph rocket III. Bike was stored in a semi controlled climate with a cover over the bike. Climate was dry, low humidity. It's been stored in a detached garage in sunny California

There is zero surface rust anywhere and the bike looks like it just rolled out of the dealer. I'm going to be draining the tank this weekend and putting in fresh fuel as well as combing over the bike.

What is everyone's recommendations for servicing an engine that has sat this long?

The clutch still allows me to move the bike with ease when in gear so I don't believe the plates are stuck .

I also plan on removing the plugs and inspecting the cylinders when I pull the tank this weekend. Should I put a teaspoon or so of oil down each plug hole and turn the bike over without the plugs installed prior to starting? I plan on replacing all fluid but should I replace the oil before starting or start it for short bursts and let it get warm then change?

I have a good mechanical grasp and have been working on sport bikes and supermoto since I was a teenager but have never worked on anything that has sat for the amount of time as this bike.


Also the hoses and other rubber parts I have combed over so far all look in great shape. Fortunately this thing was stored well

i also will be changing the tires. They don't show any cracking and have excellent tred but I know from track day experience on the sport bike to mind the manufacture dates of tires

 

Seems like you're on the right track and have it all pretty well handled. For 10 years in a controlled environment, I wouldn't worry about the cylinders seizing, but you could probably put a little oil in the plug holed just to prime the top of the rings. Flick the starter to turn the engine over and cycle the oil.
I'd say change all fiulds (brake, motor trans) and fire her up.

 

K yea all fluids is definitely on the agenda. The water pump seal has a slight seapage which is to be expected I have had that on my supermotos when they sit too long. Coolant still has good color though and doesn't look contaminated. Will probably just replace the seal when i drain the fluid

 

I rebuilt my 90s jetski last summer and it was used an abused and stored in the backyard. So you’re much more modernized and in better shape than I was. A few drops of oil in the cylinders wouldnt hurt after that much time sitting. Run it and let it sit without revving for a few minutes to properly cycle oil.
One thing ill add is to maybe check the fuel and cooling lines for any buildup inside but you should be fine

 

Will do! It's fuel injected so when I pull the tank I'm gonna check the screens on the injectors and run some solvent through them just for peace of mind

 

I may or may not work at a dealership that formerly sold these things. Walk away.

But here you go:

• - drain all the fluids.
• - inspect all the rubber bits. fuel lines, tires, everything. replace what you need to.
• - inspect the interior of the fuel tank. take the fuel pump out and look inside. you will probably need to clean and re-coat the tank. at the very least, make sure there is no debris in the tank.
• - more than likely, the pump is done-especially if it had fuel in it.
• - check the valves. adjust as needed. while you're there, oil everything.
• - new plugs.
• - new fluids.
• - when you're filling the coolant, be sure to get all the air out. this is more easily done by evacuating the coolant system using a vacuum. then let the vacuum suck the new coolant back into the system.
• - putting some oil in the cylinders might not be a bad idea.
• - before you start it, put it in 5th or 6th gear and rotate the motor by hand.
• - pray the motor doesn't need to come out...
• - nut and bolt the bike.

Good luck!

 

Thanks @ian408 out of curiosity what would you value it at being that you are in the industry and somewhat familiar with these bikes.

If it runs good which I have faith it will it has less than 5,000 miles on it and it is immaculate.

I picked it up for free so I'm gonna be a little in to it and then hoping to get around 5,000 for it seem realistic?

 

They aren’t very popular so setting a value is difficult. Easiest thing to do is search Craigslist, kbb, and nada for prices.

Good luck with the resto.

 

Fuses, battery and lighting. I'd probably replace the brake lines after sitting that long but not necessary for a flip.
Great find and good luck. Big, heavy but unique bike you have there.

 

Like most have said, definitely replace any fluids, but ESPECIALLY the brake fluid. Sitting for any length of time anywhere will cause the brake fluid to lose effectiveness and possibly even start to gel.

Replace any fuses and also start a with a brand new, fully charged battery. That will take away a lot of guess work if it doesn't start properly.

I don't know that specific bike, is it carbs or injection? If carbs and if they are accessible I'd think about taking them off and cleaning them, or at least draining the bowls and making sure there is some decent gasoline cleaner/additive added to the first tank.

I wouldn't worry about any minor leaks from anything, at least not right away. My bike will leak a little gas from the petcock after sitting all winter but a good hour of running the motor and it goes away.

Last thing I don't think I saw is you should definitely replace the tires. Doesn't matter if there's plenty of tread, age is age and tires start to harden so 10 year old tires are not going to be safe to ride on. EDIT: never mind, missed your last sentence.

Since you are selling it I guess you could keep the tires on but I'd be upfront and honest and tell any buyer they should replace them ASAP.

 

Fork seals.....in MA it will fail safety inspection with bad seals.

 

I own a tire machine and balancer so I will most definitely replace the tires

 

The rear tire requires you to remove the silencer. Just loosen it and rotate it out of the way. Also, that tire is f-ing huge. Be sure you secure the bike.

 

I would add Startron to the new gas,,

 

Sounds like a fun project. Would love to see pics!