Storing a 1993 ST1100 for a year in Cairns

[macdoc]

Just in case the bike does not sell. Have to prep both rides for a year+ storage.

I'll likely be storing outside - no sun - no wind but will be damp. Have a very good cover.

Mechanic says run the tank/carbs dry

I'm taking the battery inside for trickle charging

Mechanic will lube all the cables etc on both bikes and change the oil ( the other is an KLR650 so not too worried about it ....it has taken a lot of abuse and poor storage. )

Is there anything anyone can suggest as an over all spray on that might be useful
Other tips.???

Will take the seats off both to keep the rats at bay. 

TIA'
Heading to Norway and St. Petersburg in Jan with GF for the Northern Lights so won't be back in Oz til a year July :(

[StinkyPete]

Here's a link to the Owner's Manual.   http://stwiki.notonthe.net/twiki/bin/view/ST13/OwnersManual
There's some good tips for storage on pages 140-141.

[macdoc]

Thanks - just wondered about tropic specific tips but manual helpful.

[Old Steve]

Taking the seats off to protect them from the rats might just make the wiring more accessible to the little furry bastards!  You're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

You'll be leaving them over one 'wet', so that'll be a problem.  Hope you find some good Samaritan who can put your bike up for you in a garage for 14 months.

[Bikebear]

You may find the grips and other rubber bits will become sticky and deteriorated if they just sit. This is a common problem with rubber up here. The seat will probably get very mouldy and exposed alloy and steel will get corrosion from humidity. I don't have any solutions except trying to get someone to store it and ride it regularly.
I'd offer to store your bike but I just don't have room. I already have an ST in parts in the shed and 4 bikes and my bike trailer in my carport, a car in another carport, a boat and an old bike trailer in the shed lean-to, a car parked in the driveway and a trailer parked in the yard!!!!!!!!  And it looks like I'll be inheriting a V-Strom when the young fella enters the army, so space will be at a premium here.

[Chatty]

What about one of these?

http://purchasenet.com.au/shopping/inflatable-bike-cover-motoigloo-touchless-dust-free-p-2543.html

With one of these (perhaps on a time clock to run only a couple of hours a day?) inside the dome and a hose to drain the moisture outside

http://www.dehumidifieronline.com.au/ionmax-dehumidifier-damp-solution-moisture-control-ion680/

Perhaps a bit complicated, but would keep the main culprit (moisture) away from the bike.