Going to the sandbox for a while

[USAFFJR]

It's been a while since I've posted. Got news of my upcoming trip, moved the family onto base, hosted visitors... it's been nuts!

Like the topic says, I get to go play in the sand for a few months (and not here on the beaches of Oahu). I'm looking at tips to "winterize" my FJR. Before the search police come out of the woodwork, I promise I've used it and learned quite a bit. I'll do the things below, but am curious what, if anything, I should do in addition to this list due to the climate here on the island.

- Will go for one last ride with some sta-bil and top off the tank (gas station just around the corner).

- Wash/wax

- Change the oil/filter

- Pull battery and put on tender in the house

- Store on center stand

- Put carpet under front tire

NOTE: I don't have a garage anymore, but will be in a carport covered on all sides except from the point of entry. Furthermore, the bike is parked in a bike barn (well, knock-off anyway -- called a Ridecover... very nice by the way).

I'm not too worried about wind due to the depth/protection of the carport. I am worried about rust and rodents/reptiles. I haven't had to wrench on the bike (except for oil/filter changes and farkles) so I don't know where the airbox opening is, but I'll find it. I'm not sure what to cover it with, and is there a concern about condensation building up? What about the exhaust? I read steel wool, so I might try that. The problem is the little holes. Can I just put a plastic bag over the pipes and tape (or strap or something) it over?

I'd rather just ride it, but since I'll be on the other side of the globe, that's not an option.

As always, thanks for the help!

 

[SacramentoMike]

I don't know much about this "winterizing" stuff. I ride mine year round. But thank you anyway, you and the rest over there, for what you do. Be safe.

 

[1911]

USAF, Honolulu-Hickam?

Wow, brings back memories. Did two tours there: 3rd and 4th grade elem school. Dad was USAF.

The base housing that we were in was arranged in "u" shape arround a giant courtyard, like it was made with football and baseball in mind. The buildings on base still had bullet holes left unrepaired from the Pearl Harbor attack-at least that's what the adults told us they were. The carport was a long straight communal one. Wierd how the mention of a carport can bring back such vivid images.

Godspeed

 

[n2osx]

You be safe over there and don't be a hero, but feel free to kick a$$ and take names!! My uncle Samuelson did a couple tours while station in HI. He just moved back to Ft Lewis, WA.

You just be sure to come back, as your beautiful bike won't be happy otherwise.

Carl

 

[mcatrophy]

... I am worried about rust and rodents/reptiles. I haven't had to wrench on the bike (except for oil/filter changes and farkles) so I don't know where the airbox opening is, but I'll find it. I'm not sure what to cover it with, and is there a concern about condensation building up?...

Whatever you use to cover the air-box and exhaust holes, make sure it can't be gnawed through from a sustained attack; plastic, even thin wood or aluminium cans are no match for insistent sharp teeth over a period of time.

The other problem is wiring, some little creatures seem to like the plastic insulation. Not sure of a guaranteed method of preventing them. Spreading lion or tiger poo uke: round is supposed to be good, is there a zoo near you? - it also gives you an excuse for a good long ride on your return, to get rid of the odour . Possibly have someone come round every couple of days and have a prod around, little critters are less likely to do anything if they smell people.

Putting poison down is no use at all, they don't die instantly, and most will actually attract with the smell of food. Traps will fill up, and the results :skull: will again attract more animals.

Hope you have a relatively uneventful trip ...

 

[timk]

If you have electric closeby, use a couple of those Victor electronic rodent repelers. They come in a 3 pack for under $20. I use them in my motorhome, 1 in the engine bay, and 2 in the living area. They seem to work(knock on wood).

I was in the USAF, late 60's early 70's, F4 Crew Chief. Be safe over there, and thanks for your service.

 

[jesse]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for serving......

 

[DELETE-PLEASE]

Is it possible to put the battery on a tender in the garage (still on the bike)? Do you have some sort of leads coming from that battery you can plug into? This way you can have your family start up the bike every few days. I highly doubt anything will have time to seriously start a home in your exhaust if you're running it every few days for ten to fifteen minutes.

Alexi

 

[USAFFJR]

Thanks all for the kind words.

@1911 - Not in that housing, but I know what you're talking about. Wish I could have moved into the new stuff -- they have garages!

I would like to think the Ridecover would keep out the rodents, but I don't think that's the case. It certainly won't keep out the geckos. I'll take some photos today and post them up and you all can let me know what you think.

Since plastic and aluminum won't do any good (I was thinking about using foil) -- what do I use? Too bad I don't have some spare kevlar laying around. ;-)

 

[Scooper]

Thanks all for the kind words.
@1911 - Not in that housing, but I know what you're talking about. Wish I could have moved into the new stuff -- they have garages!

I would like to think the Ridecover would keep out the rodents, but I don't think that's the case. It certainly won't keep out the geckos. I'll take some photos today and post them up and you all can let me know what you think.

Since plastic and aluminum won't do any good (I was thinking about using foil) -- what do I use? Too bad I don't have some spare kevlar laying around. ;-)

If nobody is going to start and run the bike you need to remove each spark plug and squirt a little motor oil in each cylinder. Then reinstall each plug. I think the aluminum foil idea is a good one for closing off the exhaust and air box openings too.

Hope this helps and may the Lord be with you in the sand box

Scooper

 

[USAFFJR]

Here's a picture of the Ridecover closed in my carport:

Here's a pic of the bike on the sidestand with the Ridecover open. Note that if I had it to do again, I'd probably get the next size up (large/touring -- I got the regular because I got it for a STEAL. It had some imperfections so I got it shipped to my door for $200, which is amazing considering where I am.):

Here's another shot so you can get an idea of the protection it will/won't have:

 

[Dangerous Dave]

First and foremost, thankyou for your service to our country! We'd really be in deep **** without guys like you.

As for the bike, I imagine you get very different critters out there than we do here. However, rumor has it that moth balls will ward off all kinds of critters. They do smell awful. Perhaps a few inside the cover and a few more around it will keep the little buggers away. SOME kind of repellant, chemical or electrical, is definately your best bet. I know from experience working in the auto service biz that rodents can chew through pretty much anything, and if there's a hole that leads to a quiet dark place, they'll get there. Perhaps ask some locals what's the best way to keep the critters at bay. And based on your winterizing list, I'm guessing you already know that having someone start the bike for short periods is not the best way. You're already protecting it pretty well from the elements. If you don't experience alot of temp fluctuation there, there shouldn't be a problem with condensation which would bring rust. Do the winterizing stuff you've already mentioned, wax everything, and cover it up.

Keep your eyes and ears alert over there, come back in the same condition you left, then ride your bike and remember why you do what you do...so we can ride too. Thankyou sir.

 

[DucatiSSsp]

I'd plug holes with SOS-pads(steel wool & soap).

Write down areas you plugged, in case you forget.(especially airbox!)

I'd use a 2 X 4 under triple-tree or engine block to keep front wheel off of ground.

When U get back, give bike a thorough inspection for rodents, take off tupperware if necessary, check electricals/lights before riding & enjoy!

Thanks For Serving!

Bryce

 

[DucatiSSsp]

Hey Eric,

Would you know if they allow public tours of the Bases? Dad was a Army private, stationed in the Schofield Barracks when the Japanese attacked. Thought it would neat to see sometime.

Thanks!

Bryce

 

[USAFFJR]

Hey Eric,Would you know if they allow public tours of the Bases? Dad was a Army private, stationed in the Schofield Barracks when the Japanese attacked. Thought it would neat to see sometime.

Thanks!

Bryce

Not that I'm aware of. The closest you'll get is the tour of the Arizona or Missouri memorials. That being said, anyone who comes out here (while I'm not gone!) and wants to take a ride through, just let me know.

All -- thanks again. I'm certainly no one special -- there are thousands of guys/gals over there now that have been there far more than I have. I'll be sure to pass on your kind words.

 

[Flybum]

I've got a Navy Chief buddy that works at K-Bay and lives in the new Pearl housing by the NEX. I'm sure he would ride it for ya. Be safe, I'll be making my fourth trip in about 6. Was stationed there 2000-2004, wonder how hard Tantalus (not sure of the spelling) would be on a Feej :beach:

 

[USAFFJR]

I've got a Navy Chief buddy that works at K-Bay and lives in the new Pearl housing by the NEX. I'm sure he would ride it for ya. Be safe, I'll be making my fourth trip in about 6. Was stationed there 2000-2004, wonder how hard Tantalus (not sure of the spelling) would be on a Feej :beach:

Thanks, but I've already parked it and hit the road. The only thing I didn't get to do was put oil in the cylinders... just ran out of time and didn't realize how much work it was to get to the plugs.

Saw an FJR at the beginning of my trip and saw a random old bike here today. I'll have to take a picture -- don't know what it is, but I'd sure like to take it for a spin!

 

[Harald]

First off, thanks for your service to the country!

I see that you are already on the road. When you get back, be sure to check the air filter. Rodents like making a home in there. The picture below is where some local mice decided to set up home in my air filter. The pellets you see are poison bait that they stored there for future comsumption. Problem is, they already consumed some of those "groceries" I had left for them :yahoo: so they never managed to make it back for their stash.

 

[jekirby]

Late getting in, but thank you for your service.....nuff said.