Honda-SOHC

Other Stuff => Misc / Open => Topic started by: royhall on March 07, 2021, 09:58:36 AM

Title: Vacuum bags
Post by: royhall 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!!!
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: boilermaker1 on March 07, 2021, 10:00:16 AM: Hi, I kept my 400/4 in one for a few years ..Worked great
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: royhall on March 07, 2021, 10:02:28 AM: Any recommends on the make and size etc.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: boilermaker1 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
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: royhall 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.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: boilermaker1 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
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: Moorey 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.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: ka-ja 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.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: Seamus 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.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: royhall on March 08, 2021, 03:34:29 PM: Is that both in the one bag? Wow.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: adespin 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.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: Seamus 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.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: royhall 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.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: hairygit 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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Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: SteveW 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. >:(
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: royhall on March 09, 2021, 09:41:36 AM: I assume she doesn't have access to sohc then Steve or your in big trouble.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: SteveW on March 09, 2021, 09:52:17 AM: Quote from: royhall on March 09, 2021, 09:41:36 AM
I assume she doesn't have access to sohc then Steve or your in big trouble.

No, luckily ;)
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: gtmdriver on March 10, 2021, 07:44:08 AM: I've used a bike bubble for years now and it's kept my CB 350F bone dry every winter. I guess it depends on the conditions it's used in. If it's sucking in damp air then the bike inside will get damp.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: cliff7 on March 10, 2021, 02:13:39 PM: On storing bikes I would appreciate any advice on stopping the clutch plates sticking, or am I the only one who has this problem?
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: gtmdriver on March 11, 2021, 08:06:27 AM: Quote from: cliff7 on March 10, 2021, 02:13:39 PM
On storing bikes I would appreciate any advice on stopping the clutch plates sticking, or am I the only one who has this problem?

Apart from making sure the oil is clean (if it's an oil bath clutch) the only thing you can do is to free it off every so often during storage. Put it in gear, pull the clutch and spin the back wheel or, if both wheels are on the floor, rock the bike.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: royhall on March 11, 2021, 08:12:17 AM: Quote from: gtmdriver on March 11, 2021, 08:06:27 AM
Quote from: cliff7 on March 10, 2021, 02:13:39 PM
On storing bikes I would appreciate any advice on stopping the clutch plates sticking, or am I the only one who has this problem?

Apart from making sure the oil is clean (if it's an oil bath clutch) the only thing you can do is to free it off every so often during storage. Put it in gear, pull the clutch and spin the back wheel or, if both wheels are on the floor, rock the bike.
Sound advice but not feasible if the bike is in a vacuum storage bag. I think that would have to be a case of deal with it when it comes out of storage, a clutch strip and clean is only a couple of hours work and a gasket.
Title: Re: Vacuum bags
Post by: K2-K6 on March 11, 2021, 08:16:31 AM: To echo gtmdriver, feel it's desirable to store with clean oil as opposed to laying up with oil used for riding and changing when you get it out again for good weather, as that's often done.

During use the oil accumulates acidic byproducts from combustion, chemically buffered I believe, and less problem when given heat cycles through use. But left static it can cause corrosion mainly from any condensation present that remains on components. Changing the oil, and then not running it, but spinning the motor with plugs out (put some light oil into bores too) to get oil distributed throughout will leave better conditions internally. Then it's ready for restart when you need to.