storing a 748s over winter
 

I know its being asked many times b4 but there is always new wisdom no doubt so could any1 point me towards the best way to put my 748s to sleep for winter? Just had all the servicing done inc oil changes and will not now be run until the gritting stops, so march probably

I had thought as follows -

raise off floor, reduce pressures by 10psi - will this strain the rear hub as on a single sided paddock stand?
no fuel draining i can think of ?
wd40 all over the engine and parts
cover the exhausts
tsp of oil in the 2 bores, turn over by hand in say 3rd then put sparks back in
oil all pivots, cables and joints
remove battery and put on a trickle charger

anyone think of anything else? or tell me the above is wrong?

[Edited on 18-11-2005 by loverobot]

[Edited on 23-11-2005 by loverobot]

That all sounds sensible, but remember that if you don't run the engine regularly the belts will deform in the position that they are sitting stationary. i guess you're probably going to replace the belts at the start of the riding season anyway?

Hmmm
now you have me thinking
upon advice i had the whole shebang done last week................

A better way to make sureit stays in perfect condition is.......to keep on riding it! It's only a bit of cold air, warm baselayer under leathers, winter socks and some decent gloves. Boing, your sorted. And Scottoiler FS354 spray to keep the road salt, grit and grime off the bike's nether regions.

Or you could put it away as you say.

A better way to make sure it stays in perfect condition is.......to keep on riding it! It's only a bit of cold air - a warm baselayer under your leathers, some winter socks and some decent gloves. Boing, your sorted. And Scottoiler FS354 spray to keep the road salt, grit and grime off the bike's nether regions.

Or you could put it away as you say.

i do continue riding other bikes over the winter but the 748 is more mint than a polo mint thats brand new and minty so i worry worry worry about the salt :lol:

lol
Ducati's are like chocolate tea pots.
mine will melt or rot if it sniffs our salt covered roads

[Edited on 18-11-2005 by keefer]

presumeably anyway if i keep rotating the rear wheel in gear it will move the belts as well anyway and therfore prob sorted?

also am i right in thinking that apart from the tank the rest cant really be drained of fuel with it being carbless?

[Edited on 18-11-2005 by loverobot]

I think it is best to leave fuel in tank and make sure it is FULL.

Nah; once a week warm it up then ride it to top-up with fuel and do the jet-wash. (carefully) If the weather's ok then, er... go somewhere! Dukes are fine and reliable IF USED!!!