Start Up After 5 Month Winter Storage- Advice Please

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Kenzo2024, Feb 10, 2025 at 11:20 AM.

  1. Kenzo2024

    Kenzo2024 New Member

    Aug 23, 2024
    9
    3
    USA
    Hi all- In late November I put my Thruxton RS up for winter in my unheated garage. I did a final ride, replaced the engine oil and filter, cleaned the bike and sprayed with anti-corrosion, added stabilizer and filled the tank with fresh premium gas, cleaned and lubed the chain and put it up on front and rear stands. I did not add oil to the cylinders and crank per the manual.
    My plan is to change the engine oil again before start up, but my question is: Should I add some engine oil to the cylinders and hand crank the engine before startup? I've not done this with previous bikes and had no issues. What do you do?
     
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  2. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    3,338
    800
    Yorkshire
    For that amount of time I wouldn't bother. I wouldn't change the oil again either, you'll be changing new oil for new oil. Just make sure that battery is fully charged and strong so it turns over easily.
    My ZZR was laid up at the end of November and I'll be waking it up around May time with the same procedure
     
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  3. David Cooper

    David Cooper Triumph Rocketeer.
    Subscriber

    What he says.:)
     
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  4. Kenzo2024

    Kenzo2024 New Member

    Aug 23, 2024
    9
    3
    USA
    Thanks for the input. FYI: The Thruxton manual says to change the oil if stored more than 4 months and to do the oil in cylinders when putting the bike up for winter. As I mentioned, I didn't do the later, however, I may still do the oil change because my unheated garage w/no start for 5 months to rid water condensation in the oil on startup will potentially cause diminished oil protection on start and before full operating temperature is reached to boil off the water. I assume that is the reason for Triumph's recommendation. It is relatively cheap insurance, I feel. I didn't do the cylinders, so this will be a partial compensation to the recommendation for storage regarding the engine.
     
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  5. Kenzo2024

    Kenzo2024 New Member

    Aug 23, 2024
    9
    3
    USA
    Oh, and I have had the batter connected in the bike for trickle charge all this time.
     
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  6. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    14,585
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    Yes if it is in a cold garage with condensation then it won't hurt to throw some new oil in the engine. Cylinders I don't think it warrants that. Alought when I store my bike I add a capful of two stroke mainly for the old e5 rubbish petrol then o start up I top up the tank and just let start on tick over for a few minutes
     
  7. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    3,338
    800
    Yorkshire
    Provided you haven't started and run the engine while in storage, there will be negligible condensation in the oil IMO. Just using a bike on short commuter runs can emulsify the oil due to condensation so starting and idling the engine when stored is a big no no in my book.
    As I've said, I wouldn't bother changing it again but If another change gives you peace of mind then it's worth it for you.
     
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  8. Kenzo2024

    Kenzo2024 New Member

    Aug 23, 2024
    9
    3
    USA
    Thanks- I never start up during storage because of not being able to reach adequate temps to boil off water as is your and the predominant view. It's too salty and icy to ride in the winter here in New England from December to usually sometime in early to mid March. I have never changed oil in the spring on other bikes, only just before storage, but Ducati and Honda give no such advice unlike Triumph, and I have not owned a Triumph before- that's why I posed the question. It may not matter, but this bike is a keeper for me, so I want to do all I can for longevity sake. I'll probably change the oil for my peace of mind as you say, but won't worry about oil in the cylinders.
     
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