Pre-startup maintenance on a bike sitting for 6 months?

[The549]

Thank you SO much for the advice, everyone.

Re: a new battery. I took mine in to see if they could put a charge back on it, and they said it was deader than a doornail. (They=the local dealership). They could have been lying, but I didn't get that vibe. Regardless, the new battery ($100! And I think I got a 'chick' discount on it, too.) is on the way and I'm definitely going to get a trickle charger to keep from having to deal with a dead battery again.

So... oil change, fuel lines & Seafoam. Check.

The549: yep, that's my bike. Except mine is red! And I agree, I probably should have dumped the boy as soon as the bike hit the ground but, if I had, the bike would probably still be with the keys... in ND!

Blue: That's too funny! I'm afraid of laughing too hard, though, for fear of jinxing myself when I finally get on the bike. I can see myself throttling off thinking 'Ok, easy does it... never drop the baby, heee hee heeee' *plop* 'Aw, poo.'

Thanks again, folks. I really appreciate the help!

Well, I can forgive you for the color, but at least you got your bike back and running (?) !

[Johnj]

Major service includes fuel system clean and check, valve adjustment, clutch adjustment, replace all fluids, check brakes, tires, forks, rear suspension, in other words the entire bike. These are the things that need to be done at least once a year, you can do them yourself or you can get somebody else to do them.

Now that we have your side of the relationship story, I'd be willing to bet the guy feels like you used him and dumped him. There's always the other persons point of view to consider.

As for damaging your Triumph, that does show he'd a little vindictive punk.

[sharpmagna]

$100 for a battery!!!? My truck's battery doesn't even cost that much! The battery for my 87 Magna only cost $35.

[ofblong]

$100 for a battery!!!? My truck's battery doesn't even cost that much! The battery for my 87 Magna only cost $35.

she probably bought it from the dealer instead of someplace like autozone thus she paid the premium.

[flynrider]

she probably bought it from the dealer instead of someplace like autozone thus she paid the premium.

Quite likely. Normal things like oil filters and batteries are generally way overpriced at dealers. Add another 25% on top of that if it happens to be a Triumph dealer.

I've always bought my batteries at K-Mart. Same ones that the dealer has, but never more than $35 or so.

[shalihe74]

Thank you, everyone, for your awesome advice. I did as y'all advised and then took the bike out for a spin. Engine seemed to heat up too much and too fast, had a look around - the plastic coupling & grommet between the coolant tank and the engine had busted when el ex dropped it.

Ordered the part - which came in yesterday - popped it on and took my bike through his paces.

I can tell ya, the reviews on that bike are spot on: a phenomenal ride but sissy pipes. (Next project, I suppose...) First is a little sticky, so I kept stalling until I found his sweet spot but when I did... oh my oh my oh my. I'm so in love.

Thanks again, everyone, for your help!

[sharpmagna]

Pics of the actual bike please

You with the bike would be a bonus

[shalihe74]

As requested. It's just me here to take pictures, so you'll just have to gaze lovingly at the bike and use your imagination for the rider.

[Shorts]

Beautifl bike!


I kinda miss AZ (we have some family in Tucson) and the weather is always great! (if you like the clear skies and sun thing)

[flynrider]

And Sat. was a perfect day to ride. Temps in the mid 70s and calm here in Phoenix on Sat. I had a big list of chores and errands to do, but once I got on the road, I just kept riding. Didn't get back until around 6:30 PM.

The downside is that in 2 months it'll be miserably hot.