Storing a sled for 22 months?

[rhoag]

I think this needs to be asked since it seems there are quite a few of us in this situation on here. Would you have any concerns about storing a sled for 22 months? How would you store it? I put my sled away in March 06. I put stabil and FI cleaner in a full fuel tank, cleaned everything, greased it, suspended the front and rear of the sled so that the shocks were not loaded, then I started it up and spun the track once a month. But, now I am looking at another 14 months of storage since I can't ride this year. I am really concerned about seals drying up and the sled just not being right after sitting for 22 months. I know if a car sits to long it will nickle and dime you to death when you start using it again. Should I sell my 06 GT and then just buy new in fall 07?

 

[Cobalt]

rhoag I'm very sorry to hear you can not ride this year! I've talked to Rodney at Powersports 1 and looked forward to meeting you. In 1997 I was in a serious accident and was unable to ride that winter, I had zero problems with my sled sitting another season. You may want to find someone you trust to take it out for a spin now and then, assuming the trails even open in our area? I live in Wrightstown and would be more than happy to help you out in any way needed. Best of luck!


Cobalt

 

[hondo]

rhoag,

Sorry to hear about your injury.

If you keep your sled, I would consider running the sled out of gas and draining the fuel tank completely. Gas sitting in the lines, or fuel tank for a long period can't be good.

I would also get on the phone to Yamaha, and see if they could provide you some more storage information.

Just my opinion.

Wishing you all the best!

 

[Swiss Sledder]

IF you keep the sled, I would have the fuel drained and remove the battery.

Investment wise, I would sell the sled now and put the cash in a savings account to earn interest and snow check a new sled in April.

 

[rjf965]

Drain the fuel, put the battery away, put fresh oil in it, stop starting it up, take off the belt, grease it up and store it! You will be fine.

Even if you are worried about it, you will have a low milage "new" sled to sell when you get back.

Good luck

 

[Len Todd]

Repack all bearings you can get at (i.e. get the moisture out.) Completely grease it. Roll the track over every couple months. Warm it up & change oil and filter. And, .... I would start it and bring it up to operating temperature every couple months to keep the seals wet with oil. However, if you do not start it, I would look into fogging or adding a small bit of oil to the cylinders and rotate the engine a bit with the plugs out and then put them back in. Charge the battery montly or put an optimate charger on it. Then again, it may be cheaper to just plan on buying a new one.

But, the rubber parts will be your future headaches (i.e. wheels, track, oil seals and shock seals, valve seals, etc.) Battery will probably only last one more year after you start running it. Probably would be best to sell the sled. But, if you are willing to replace a few seals, battery, etc. you probably would be O.K. Then again, ... are you guarenteed you can ride next year? Might be better to sell it for long term health reasons.

 

[Tork]

Yeah selling it would stop the depreciation.

But stable wont work for 22 months

drain fuel, start and run till it quits. Fogg the cylinders, store with fresh oil in crankcase.

 

[Len Todd]

drain fuel, start and run till it quits.

Maybe you are assumming that he won't want to run it? That may not be a valid assumption. Also, we're only talking about a little over another year here.

I have fuel with stablizer in my Cabin's Genny that has been there for a couple years. Maybe even three. Ran the thing yesterday. What facts do you have that lead you to believe it would not last a couple years? Does get me thinkin' though. Maybe it is time to change out the fuel sometime this year.

 

[rhoag]

Thanks for all the advise. I am still undecided. I will probably list the sled for sale but, I won't be a very motivated seller. I haven't been able to determine what the 06 GT's have been selling for? Mine is stock except mid windscreen, shock covers, hand guards, 8" carbides, and a yami cover with 1500 miles on it. I have been watching a couple on e-bay to see what they sell for.

 

[yamadoo]

I agree with the painful SELL, why it is Money. In storage it is losing value and providing no upside ie fun, the money could be invested in either life's needs right now or even an interest bearing account.

Either way in 2 years it will not be the latest and greatest and it will be worth less, but not worthless

Tough call I know,

GET WELL SOON

Yamadoo