Storage size?

[redaaron]

I am purchasing a '79 750 and planning on keeping it in storage while I'm overseas in Korea with the Army. Wheelbase states 59 inches and I did some rudimentary math and decided a 5'x5' would fit this bike (diag) though I want to be sure. Anyone storing their bikes have any advice on what size to get?

[Rover]

I see this is your first post,welcome.
Size is a function of dollar$.If you can swing it,bigger is better.You will need room for your second GS when you get back.
If you plan to work on it in the shed,this size is a problem.I've never heard anyone complain about too much storage space.

[Guest]

Not sure but isn't wheel base measured center of axle to center of axle which makes a 5x5 to small. Or a very least a very tight fit

[Vmass]

Make sure you inquire about the size of the actual door opening. Some of the smaller units have small doors, and do not have the typical roll up style the larger units have.

Also, the small units can sometimes be located down narrow hall ways, making it impossible to swing the bike in.

The property manager should know what units a motorcycle will fit in.

[Steve]

If you want to be strictly legal about it, you might also want to enquire if a motorcycle is even allowed in the storage unit.

You might have to drain fluids or do some other stuff before they allow it in there.

.

[tkent02]

When I worked in Texas it was legal, but there may be city laws or something. I got a 5x10 and it was none too big. The manager was cool, he let me work outside in the alley, I don't think a 5x5 would have worked at all.
The bikes are about 7 feet long.

[redaaron]

Thanks for the welcome and the replies. Some of those larger units can get rather expensive especially over a long time period. I've found one property with a 5x10 I think I can swing for 550/year. The website said they require a title I'm not sure if that's because they don't want to harbor stolen bikes or in case I default on the payments. Either way it's ok as long as it's a visual thing or just a copy of the title. I'll shoot 'em an email.

I'll be sure to change and top off the fluids and turn the motor over a few times. Not too sure about what else I'll need to do to keep it until I visit in June. Remove battery, inflate tires and place on cardboard maybe or just the concrete.

Basically it will be a roll-up unit in Texas non-climate controlled. I haven't been able to find any outdoor parking that wasn't for a boat or RV. I don't really trust it much anyway though I know they usually have cameras. They're pretty expensive as well. So a unit maybe my best bet.

[Guest]

Thanks for the welcome and the replies. Some of those larger units can get rather expensive especially over a long time period. I've found one property with a 5x10 I think I can swing for 550/year. The website said they require a title I'm not sure if that's because they don't want to harbor stolen bikes or in case I default on the payments. Either way it's ok as long as it's a visual thing or just a copy of the title. I'll shoot 'em an email.

I'll be sure to change and top off the fluids and turn the motor over a few times. Not too sure about what else I'll need to do to keep it until I visit in June. Remove battery, inflate tires and place on cardboard maybe or just the concrete.

Basically it will be a roll-up unit in Texas non-climate controlled. I haven't been able to find any outdoor parking that wasn't for a boat or RV. I don't really trust it much anyway though I know they usually have cameras. They're pretty expensive as well. So a unit maybe my best bet.

Wash the bike good and dry it off even better. Apply a good coat of wax and treat all the rubber components as well. Drain the carbs and top off the oil right to the top of the fill hole. Use a light weight oil, you'll be draining it once you come back anyways. No need to use an expensive oil for storage. PLace the bike on the center stand and block up the front end where the front tire isn't touching the floor.

Don't forget to fog the top of the pistons/cylinders with oil once you are done with running it. Pull the spark plugs and spray the oil inside, reinstall the plugs. If you don't want to store it with the tank full of gas. Fog the tank as well and seal the inlet good as well as the tank the vent and the carb vent hoses. Plug the exhaust outlets and tape over the intake holes for the air box (helps keeps critters out and moisture).

Oh yeah place a couple of those Decon mouse bait cartons inside the unit as well. Place a decent bike cover over it.