Newbie needs advice for the long ride South.

gary tompkins · 18-05-2006, 09:06 PM

MOT - yes get it done BEFORE you ride down.

Insurance won't be worth squat unless you have a valid MOT + tax

Cam belts - should be replaced if they are more than 2 years old (regardless of mileage), as a snapped belt would trash your top end and cost Â£Â£Â£'s.

Petrol (unless drained off) may have dried out in carbs leaving them nicely gummed up in the process, and any left in the tank will be pretty stale. Draining/refilling and cleaning the carbs might be required to get the bike running ok.

Tyres, brakes, battery and chain could have suffered during long term storage, so worth checking carefully. I would also suggest getting the motor nice and hot and do an oil & filter swap, as I wouldn't fancy the prospect of a 600mile trip on 12 months+ old crappy lube.

18-05-2006, 09:06 PM	#1
gary tompkins 1/2 man - 1/2 pogo-stick Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dartford, Kent Bike: M900ie Posts: 7,241	MOT - yes get it done BEFORE you ride down. Insurance won't be worth squat unless you have a valid MOT + tax Cam belts - should be replaced if they are more than 2 years old (regardless of mileage), as a snapped belt would trash your top end and cost Â£Â£Â£'s. Petrol (unless drained off) may have dried out in carbs leaving them nicely gummed up in the process, and any left in the tank will be pretty stale. Draining/refilling and cleaning the carbs might be required to get the bike running ok. Tyres, brakes, battery and chain could have suffered during long term storage, so worth checking carefully. I would also suggest getting the motor nice and hot and do an oil & filter swap, as I wouldn't fancy the prospect of a 600mile trip on 12 months+ old crappy lube. __________________ GT Fully paid up member of the S.A.S. (Scottoiler Appreciation Society) 27,000 miles on original chain - and still going strong! Last edited by gary tompkins; 18-05-2006 at 09:13 PM..