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I would suggest you to please harden your heart and let go of the bike before you leave for abroad. 3-5 years is not a short duration. Anything longer than 1 year, you would be better off letting go. With the motorcycling scene improving the way it is, who knows you might get something much much better than the RTR180 when you return.

Thanks for the approval as well as the input, Antz.bin. I completely agree that its only a matter of time before Apache becomes outdated. But, more than that, its the connection between the man and the machine that is putting me in this situation.


PS: @Antz.bin: Could be please edit the title to "Motorcycle long-term storage - Worth it?".

I had to take a similar decision with my first lot P220 Fi. I decided to keep it, went abroad for 4 years, out of which my father used it sparingly only during the first year.
So it was in hibernation for 3 years, properly stored under covers etc.
But when I returned I had spend almost 30K (1/3rd the purchase price) to bring it back in shape.. the fuel tank had rusted, the fuel injector and fuel pump had rusted and many other things.
I'm very happy that I chose to restore it and not sell of though.. now I use daily.
But 5 yrs is a long time, and spares may or may not be available when you return for that model. So, sell?

When I sold my 1st bike, I couldn't even watch it go away BUT,

A very senior xBHPian posted this yesterday in some other context. Seems fitting here too.

Done

Cant agree more.

That 5 letter starred would be me.

@makky - I precisely know what you are going through at the moment. The term you have mentioned is actually too long. I would suggest you let her go. But ensure that she is in safe hands since you have achieved a lot on the bike.

I told the re seller to call me up when he gets the customer. I want to check if he is okay or not. It also happened that the re seller is a close friend so had no problems in that.

I could not walk away that eve, just 4 days back buddy. I can still image that scenario crystal clear. But i had to let go her.

Simple let her go!!! Your dad have reached 60s how can RTR 180 do juctice to your dad's body ?? If he rides it then he will face some bone /back/hand pain for sure. Now is growing, now we Triumph/HD in india, SBK are also getting their shares in india. So you won't have any feeling for RTR 180 later 1yr also. every one grows and prospers! so you are too.
when your return am sure you will hunt for 250cc+ bike.

Wise decision is to focus on your other stuffs, man and machine are bonded but machine tend to chane but man won't.

You were good enough to hold on to her.

Getting spare parts might become a problem but, after markets will provide them. However, I don't think I have the patience to wait, run around and fetch them.

Thanks, man!

The problem is that I would be bike-less for sometime and the point is, I might be able to at least have the bike around in the garage when I come home once in 1/2 year(s) even if, my dad doesn't ride. Hard to get over the attachment even if, I sell it off. Believe me, I wanted to buy back my dad's Yezdi 2 years back. Unfortuately, it was at Mysore and I couldn't trace the owner. The hunt didn't end well.

My dad's 58 years now. Riding an RTR 30kms a day might take a toll on the back at his age.

Well, I know that RTR will feel like a 'commuter' in a few years time. However, I am prepared for it. I will use it for errands and commute. Of course, my next bike (second) will be a proper sports bike.
I will talk to my dad and come to a conclusion. I think, that would be the best option that I have as of now.

Ride the bike atleast a km in a week,to keep it running,no need to sell it! if you were to store it for 6-7 months preparations would have been different but for year,you got to do it,or atleast start the bike once in 4-5days and keep it at idle for about 5 mins?

Also if you keep idling change the engine oil once in 6-7 months time.when you come back change the tyres and go on riding!
Why bother selling it if you can take care of it?or else give it to your cousin or friend who will ride and take care of it!

Hi,

if you don't ride her for long then rust and aging happens really fast on your bike. i had to head to my homeland for about 3 months and had to leave my ride without anyone starting it in that whole duration. I had kept my chain lubed, battery topped up, full tank to avoid any corrosion. Had also put it System G, petroleum detergent to ward of gunk deposition in the tank and carb. My ride was washed and kept clean everyday by a dedicated cleaner,

After i came back, here is what i witnessed:

1) battery died, the water in one of the cells had dried out. I had to push start and after 15 km ride she was all ok.
2) Chain had gathered a lot of rust.. i was surprised, even after literally smearing it with chain lube, i witnessed so much rust!! After that, it lasted me only for 13,000 kms.
3) Grease had dried off in the wheel bearings... had to re-grease it.
4) had to clean the carb once.

All i am trying to say is unless someone is there who rides her for atleast 10-15 kms once in a week it is not worth keeping her in your stable. The amount you have to spend to get her back to shape after 1 year of inactivity will be too much. i mean just three months of stagnation did this to my ride.. i can't imagine what 1 year of inactivity will do to your ride... I totally understand the attachment one has with his machine.. but having said that.. i would rather be happy seeing her active and running freely with another owner then becoming a rust bucket once i return.. Plus with changing times and the no. of newer model launches.. you won't be devoid of options to choose from..


Cheers,

Storage bag

I am in the same boat, as my RD is in india and I am here in Abu Dhabi it took almost 2 years to rebuilt my RD and finally after 2 years my RD was like this




But now nobody is using my RD and I am going to india once in a year or twice
and I want to keep my machine safe-----so after lot of search I got a product and I am going to buy this----check the below link

The ultimate bike storage solution - protecting bikes and motorcycles from corrosion & rust: Vac-Bag,Universal Vacuum Storage System

Motorcycle Covers - Rust Protection Products - Zerust

My father was inherited with a Matchless G3, 1959model, 350 cc.
This bike was restored twice till 1992 personally by my Grandfather and father together, and always kept in A-grade condition.

Noting that this Classic bike has huge crome parts it seems difficult to maintain.
Citing certain conditions and hardships, the bike couldn't even be ridden once a week.

Today, since 18 years, the bike is properly sealed in a wooden box and kept in our garage. Of course now the steering is stiff, tank is rusted from inside, suspension is hard etc

but yet there will be a day when Papa restores it.
Coming back to what you ask for keeping the bike, agreed there's huge difference between this classic Matchless and this generations Apache.

But if YOU really feel that you are ready to restore it if the need arises, and have sentiments or memories attached! Go ahead>> take precautions for its long life.
Considering its been bought from your scholarship money, may surely have emotions attached.

I trust my dad's riding abilities and maintenance more than anyone else's.


Yes, a bike is always built to stay on the road and not in the garage. I hope to see it that way. Like I said, it depends on the outcome of the discussion with my dad.

BTW, I 'd rather be using my Apache for commute and errands rather than a Ninja or a Comet or who knows, an R1!

Very true. The machines of yester years were built to last very long. Its not the same with the modern bikes/cars.
As you have pointed out, I have a siphoned a portion of the money from the fellowship for the bike. So, it means a lot to me.

RD is one hell of a hooligan! Don't even think of selling it off, mate.

So what have you decided finally?

I have time till August! So, I will take my time to think it over and arrive at a decision.

I will update here!