Starting after 10 years

[JonnyE]

I have an R80GS that has been stored for the last 10 years. Having worked on it over the last few months it is almost ready to go. It turns over by hand no problem. I was wondering if any of you guys had any thoughts about putting a few drops of oil down the plug holes before starting. Having searched the net I've found lots of conflicting answers. Thanks.

[Duane Ausherman]

It won't hurt a thing, but only a few drops should be used.

I hope that it was stored with the pistons at top dead center. It has to be done intentionally, as it naturally stops about 1/2 way. Otherwise expect to find low compression after a few hundred miles of run in due to pits in the cylinder from bits of carbon falling off of the head chamber, collecting water and causing rust.

Let us know how it goes. Prepare to check compression after your run in of a few hundred miles.

[robert]

Pull the top end and inspect. Corrosion from sitting that long can cause the Nikasil to flake and will cause major damage.
It is not that much work to check it out and could save a lot of grief.

[JonnyE]

Thanks for your replies. I had a look at the cylinder walls and there was no evidence of rust. Leaning the bike on each side I placed a few drops of oil down the barrels before turning the engine over by hand, then on the starter without the plugs, then for real. After a short while it started. I have replaced the timing chain and performed a full spline lube so I've been taking it easy for the last 500 or so kilometres, and it seems to be running well. I forgot how well these bikes handle...feels really nice to ride. Thanks again for your advice.

[SteveD]

Sounds good. Pictures? We like them.

[JonnyE]

Ok, without sounding too dumb, how would I go about posting a picture on the forum?

[SteveD]

You need to have it hosted at somewhere free like http://www.photobucket.com or www.picturetrail.com then just add the direct link into the post.

[Zombie Master]

Nice ride! Except without a pic....it never happened

[barryh]

Ok, without sounding too dumb, how would I go about posting a picture on the forum?

You can post pictures directly by adding them as an attachments as long as the file size is not too big. Aim to re-size images to approx 640x480 and you should be OK.

There is a maximum file size but I can't find what the limit is. There is also a quota limit on the attachments you have posted. If you go to users control panel there is a tab for managing attachments. It lists them with the facility to delete individual files presumably to free up your quota. I have posted 15 attachments, typically under 100KB for each file.

[JonnyE]

Thanks for the info...finally posted a picture in the 'My Pictures' section.