Kicking the dust off (Question from a noob)

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matsuip · #1 Unread post by **matsuip** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 6:25 pm

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Hi there - I'm relatively inexperienced with motorcycles and am hoping that you all could lend a hand.

About 4 years ago, I purchased my first bike - a barely used 2002 Ducati Monster 620 that had only ~700 miles on it. In the first year that I had it, I rode it for about 300 miles. However, since that first year, several things in my life changed and I haven't been able to ride it since. Of course, being the lazy idiot that I am, I did not prep my bike for long-term storage and have not done anything to make sure it is well-lubed, etc.

Long story short, my bike's been sitting in my garage without being ridden for about 3 years. But I'm really itching to get back out there now that it's starting to get warm again.

Question is - given that I haven't been maintaining my bike while it's been sitting, is it best to simply have it carried to my local dealer to have it tuned up/maintained? At minimum, I gather from what I've read that I will need to have the fluids drained and have my battery re-charged/replaced. I'm just not certain whether that's stuff that can easily be done by me rather than taking it into the dealer, especially considering the low mileage that I've got on it (only just over 1,000 miles).

Any comments or suggestions would be very appreciated. I promise to maintain my bike better from here on out!

Thanks!

Fast Eddy B · Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:08 pm

I say take it to a dealer. Ducati's are notoriously fiddly with valve clearances; most people recommend having a dealer check these on time-schedule, not on mileage. Then there's the cambelts, which apparently can become compromised while the bike sits long periods. How about water in the fuel tank from condensation? Probably gonna need the fuel system checked for water....and the forks too.

Take it to a dealer. 3 years is a long time.

Brackstone · Sat Mar 08, 2008 3:12 am

Fast Eddy B wrote:I say take it to a dealer. Ducati's are notoriously fiddly with valve clearances; most people recommend having a dealer check these on time-schedule, not on mileage. Then there's the cambelts, which apparently can become compromised while the bike sits long periods. How about water in the fuel tank from condensation? Probably gonna need the fuel system checked for water....and the forks too.

Take it to a dealer. 3 years is a long time.

My name is Brackstone and I approve of this message.

jstark47 · #4 Unread post by **jstark47** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 4:59 am

If there's four-year-old gas sitting in it without stabilizer, there's a good chance you've got clogged fuel injector nozzles. Agree it needs to go to a dealership for thorough cleaning/check-up.

Lion_Lady · #5 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:21 am

You got some good advice to your post over on MCUSA.

If you feel competent, then get a manual and try some of the basics. Drain and replace the gas. (Here's hoping that the tank was full during the sideline time). Battery probably should be replaced as well. These things you can do yourself, and likely save yourself some cash.

I'd seriously consider replacing the tires. Dry rot is insiduous and resulting tire failure may not rear its ugly head until you stress the rubber. (If the tires are more than 4 years old, then DEFINITELY replace them - the date of manufacture is in an oval on the side. Week/year produced).

Call your local shop and tell them the story. Ask for recommendations as to what you might do yourself, and schedule service for the rest. Soon, shops will be crammed with folks needing service to get on the road for the season. The longer you wait, the tougher it will be to get an appointment.

Think: How much to get a "new" bike, versus how much to get this one on the road?

P