In January each year, on my birthday, I decide what projects I'm going to work on for new year. This year, I've decided that its time for my 1981 Ducati MHR (Mike Hailwood Replica) to see the road again, after spending 25 years being a big ornament. I restored it back in the early 90's, since when its sat in my living room, only moving a few feet when the room was decorated.
However, its been kept 'dry'.. no brake fluid in the brakes, no acid in the battery, no fuel in the tank, just fresh oil in the motor. Since the engine is kick start only, every few weeks over those years, I would kick it over as I walked past, just to keep things moving inside the engine. All of which should hopefully have helped preserve it.
The old Ducati is still sitting in my living room, and it'll be awhile before it can be moved. But I've made a start by removing the master cylinders and callipers, they'll be rebuilt with new seals and pistons if needed. I've also bought a pair of new Avon AM26 tyres and inner tubes, to replace its Pirelli Phantoms, even though they've got plenty of tread left, but then they are about 30 years old. Though someone has already asked me for the old tyres for their restored bike..
I don't have a lot of time to work on my bikes these days, and with other bikes to finish this year, I don't know how long this 'recommission' will take. But I hope to have it done in time for my next birthday.
However, its been kept 'dry'.. no brake fluid in the brakes, no acid in the battery, no fuel in the tank, just fresh oil in the motor. Since the engine is kick start only, every few weeks over those years, I would kick it over as I walked past, just to keep things moving inside the engine. All of which should hopefully have helped preserve it.
The old Ducati is still sitting in my living room, and it'll be awhile before it can be moved. But I've made a start by removing the master cylinders and callipers, they'll be rebuilt with new seals and pistons if needed. I've also bought a pair of new Avon AM26 tyres and inner tubes, to replace its Pirelli Phantoms, even though they've got plenty of tread left, but then they are about 30 years old. Though someone has already asked me for the old tyres for their restored bike..
I don't have a lot of time to work on my bikes these days, and with other bikes to finish this year, I don't know how long this 'recommission' will take. But I hope to have it done in time for my next birthday.