Storing motorcycle

Marie-Chantale Poisson <misspoisson [at] yahoo__ca> writes

>We have a 1995 Aprilia motorcycle designed by Philippe Starck in our
>collection (look online for a similar model of the Moto 6.5), which
>needs servicing in view of long-term storage. ...
>...
>Besides taking the battery and spark plugs out, does anybody have
>recommendations for its storage? Which fluids should be flushed,
>topped or replaced? ...

For long term storage, all lubrications should be checked for
acidity. Acidic attack over the long term can be significant. Most
mechanical devices that use modern lubricants may be more "at risk"
than those that used mineral oil because the modern lubricants
contain so many different chemical components such as detergents.

There is a lubricant called Krytox that is very stable and can be
acid neutralized (it is used in the space industry) but you must
first check out its applicability for conservation purposes: ie long
term degradation products etc.

Even in static storage and display and even if the lubrication
system is sealed, the object should be totally disassembled and
cleaned and relubricated every year--an approach,  though costly.
that would be best for its preservation.

Jim Moss
Horological Conservator, Retired


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:56
                   Distributed: Friday, May 19, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-19-56-006
                                  ***