Author Topic: Vacuum bags  (Read 1849 times)

Offline royhall

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Vacuum bags
« on: March 07, 2021, 09:58:36 AM »
Just wondering if anyone has tried vacuum storage bags for over winter and are they any good?

My lockup, although not actually wet, is a damp environment. I brought my survivor Suzuki GS1000 back home yesterday and although I gave it a good blast of ACF50 before the winter it's no longer a survivor. I have to continue using the lockup as I cannot find another secure garage in the area and I desperately need the space.

I have two bikes in mind for the vacuum thing, my CB350F and the recently finished Bomber. These are two bikes in mint condition that could be stored for a few years in the lockup in vacuum bags with the desiccant bags in there stopping any humidity.

What's the best way to prepare the bikes for storage, obviously removing all traces of petrol.

On the up side the GS1000 needed some top end engine work anyway and now it's a good excuse for a full restore.

I'm going to have to find a bike that I can actually use through the summer. I think I may part ex the CB1300 for a brand new Bonneville T120. This is why I have no space left!!!
« Last Edit: March 07, 2021, 10:03:51 AM by royhall »
Current bikes:
TriBsa CCM 350 Twin
Honda CB350F in Candy Bacchus Olive
Honda CB750F2 in Candy Apple Red
Triumph Trident 660 in Black/White
Triumph T100C
Suzuki GS1000HC
Honda CB450K0 Black Bomber
Honda CB750K5 in Planet Blue Metallic (Current Project)

Offline boilermaker1

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2021, 10:00:16 AM »
Hi, I kept my 400/4 in one for a few years ..Worked great

Offline royhall

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2021, 10:02:28 AM »
Any recommends on the make and size etc.
Current bikes:
TriBsa CCM 350 Twin
Honda CB350F in Candy Bacchus Olive
Honda CB750F2 in Candy Apple Red
Triumph Trident 660 in Black/White
Triumph T100C
Suzuki GS1000HC
Honda CB450K0 Black Bomber
Honda CB750K5 in Planet Blue Metallic (Current Project)

Offline boilermaker1

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2021, 10:34:52 AM »
I used a standard bag from this company. Suitable for long term storage but every time you open it, you have to replace Disorb pack.
https://www.vac-bag.co.uk

I am currently using a Carcoon Bike bubble a lot easier to use but expensive, and having a lot of trouble getting replacement filters for it

Offline royhall

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2021, 12:44:47 PM »
Thanks for the link. I have ordered a standard bag with a Drisorb pack. Will give it a go in a few months and if it looks like a winner I shall get a couple more before winter sets in. Next problem is there's no power at the lockup so I shall have to find someone willing to lend me a battery powered Hoover.
Current bikes:
TriBsa CCM 350 Twin
Honda CB350F in Candy Bacchus Olive
Honda CB750F2 in Candy Apple Red
Triumph Trident 660 in Black/White
Triumph T100C
Suzuki GS1000HC
Honda CB450K0 Black Bomber
Honda CB750K5 in Planet Blue Metallic (Current Project)

Offline boilermaker1

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2021, 02:49:18 PM »
you really don't have to suck much air out of the bag. I live next to the sea so metal rusts in no time.
The bag kept the bike in great shape

Offline Moorey

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2021, 06:34:45 PM »

  Don't get a bike bubble Roy I have had one and given the right conditions the bike will still get piss wet through with condensation but as air and bike temperatures even out then the bubble will dry it again with the air flow. At times I have seen my bike wet through inside the bubble with the fan running. I sold mine for that reason.

Offline ka-ja

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2021, 09:48:23 AM »
It is almost impossible to keep a machine totally dry in a damp surroundings, temperature changes "suck" air in and out over many time cycles,  often the cause of water in engine sumps, you still can't beat dry storage, whether heated or not. The vacuum is as good as you will get, we use them for storing bedding and clothing in our caravan during the winter shut-down.
nice bike,nothing in the bank

Offline Seamus

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #8 on: March 08, 2021, 02:36:12 PM »
Used them several times and always been good. Managed to get a Z1000 and a Commando in the extra large bag a few years ago.

Offline royhall

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #9 on: March 08, 2021, 03:34:29 PM »
Is that both in the one bag? Wow.
Current bikes:
TriBsa CCM 350 Twin
Honda CB350F in Candy Bacchus Olive
Honda CB750F2 in Candy Apple Red
Triumph Trident 660 in Black/White
Triumph T100C
Suzuki GS1000HC
Honda CB450K0 Black Bomber
Honda CB750K5 in Planet Blue Metallic (Current Project)

Offline adespin

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #10 on: March 08, 2021, 05:27:00 PM »
 Wow, i struggle getting my CB750 in my Vac-Bag without the help of "her indoors" holding it open.
1971 cb750 K1

Offline Seamus

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #11 on: March 09, 2021, 07:52:57 AM »
Both in one bag. Took off the indicators and top and tailed them. Bit fiddly but it was the biggest bag they made.

Offline royhall

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #12 on: March 09, 2021, 08:21:58 AM »
What's the recommendation for long term storage with the bags, 5 plus years. I'm thinking remove all petrol (carbs, tank, pipework, filter bowls), remove battery, drain oil due to acidity. What about flat spots on tyres. Ideas please.
Current bikes:
TriBsa CCM 350 Twin
Honda CB350F in Candy Bacchus Olive
Honda CB750F2 in Candy Apple Red
Triumph Trident 660 in Black/White
Triumph T100C
Suzuki GS1000HC
Honda CB450K0 Black Bomber
Honda CB750K5 in Planet Blue Metallic (Current Project)

Offline hairygit

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #13 on: March 09, 2021, 08:59:04 AM »
Not always easy on some bikes, but removal of rocker arms, or at least slack tappets as much as possible, that way it avoids having a valve spring compressed for all that time. As regards tyres, plan for new before riding again if leaving 5 years, as current thinking is 7 years from manufacture regardless of tread depth, and let's face it, if one let's go at even 40:mph the results do not bear thinking about on a bike.

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Online SteveW

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Re: Vacuum bags
« Reply #14 on: March 09, 2021, 09:25:37 AM »
I’m having trouble with my old bag.

She won’t let me keep the bikes in the house.  >:(
1974 CB550 K0
1980 CB650
2000 CBR929RR Fireblade
1966 Lambretta LI150 Series 3
1981 RD350LC
1972 Raleigh Chopper
1974 Raleigh Tomahawk
2011 Henry Hoover

 

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