Coming back from surgery

Wheelin

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Aug 13, 2017
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261
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Southern CA
Hi All -

I haven’t ridden since February of this year, as I have been tending to health issues and am healing nicely. Anyway, I’ve had my S10 slumbering since that time and I live in SoCal, so I didn’t winterize it or anything like that.

As I’ve now been given approval for short rides, I’m wondering I need to do anything before I attempt to start the bike. I did put in fuel stabilizer a few months back to hopefully keep the gas from degrading. Aside from the usual pre-ride checks, do you feel I should do anything else? I wasn’t even halfway through the motor oil’s mileage lifespan when I stopped riding.

Best,
Wheelin
 

Sierra1

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Nov 7, 2016
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Joshua TX
My opinion: I'm a huge fan of STA-BIL 360. Four months isn't all that long. If it had been a year, I'd say oil change. If you've kept a 'Tender on the battery, I'd say hit the starter button, go out, and enjoy the ride.
 

Checkswrecks

Ungenear to broked stuff
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Check the oil level, push it back and forth to break the coating of rust on the brakes, and push the button. May need/want to charge the battery.
 

cyclemike4

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Sep 18, 2016
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ky
Not sure what kind of surgery you had but any thing that puts you off the bike that long has to be serious. Be sure to do a double check on yourself. You may not have some strength in areas you took for granted and may not be able to move quite as quick to adjust to changing conditions. the Super Tenere is top heavy and tall so be ready for it. Take it easy and enjoy the ride! Have a great day on the bike.
 

Arkyrider

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Van Buren, Arkansas
Not sure what kind of surgery you had but any thing that puts you off the bike that long has to be serious. Be sure to do a double check on yourself. You may not have some strength in areas you took for granted and may not be able to move quite as quick to adjust to changing conditions. the Super Tenere is top heavy and tall so be ready for it. Take it easy and enjoy the ride! Have a great day on the bike.
+1
I was out from Nov till Feb from surgery and I was surprised at how "uncoordinated" I felt. I started out with short rides to get the feel of the bike, then started adding more miles. Took me a while to get back in the hang of it but I took my time and progressed at my own pace.
 

Wheelin

Active Member
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Aug 13, 2017
Messages
261
Location
Southern CA
Check the oil level, push it back and forth to break the coating of rust on the brakes, and push the button. May need/want to charge the battery.
I had the same thought regarding the battery. I’m sure there’s a battery tender around my garage somewhere…
 

Wheelin

Active Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2017
Messages
261
Location
Southern CA
Not sure what kind of surgery you had but any thing that puts you off the bike that long has to be serious. Be sure to do a double check on yourself. You may not have some strength in areas you took for granted and may not be able to move quite as quick to adjust to changing conditions. the Super Tenere is top heavy and tall so be ready for it. Take it easy and enjoy the ride! Have a great day on the bike.
you’re right, it was serious. I appreciate the cautionary note. I just started physical therapy and may want to wait for a few weeks longer, particularly for a big girl like the S10. All I have is time at this point. :cool:
 

Wheelin

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Aug 13, 2017
Messages
261
Location
Southern CA
+1
I was out from Nov till Feb from surgery and I was surprised at how "uncoordinated" I felt. I started out with short rides to get the feel of the bike, then started adding more miles. Took me a while to get back in the hang of it but I took my time and progressed at my own pace.
you’re right. It would be foolhardy to split lanes in LA traffic at this point. Just a short rides around the neighborhood after a couple of weeks of physical therapy. Appreciate the advice.

off-topic, and definitely no offense, but riding in Arkansas is a formidable task, particularly with the humidity and the twisty roads in the Ozark Mountains. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful state (I performed opera in Eureka Springs), but I’d rather ride here—once I’m out in the country, anyway. ;)
 
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Wheelin

Active Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2017
Messages
261
Location
Southern CA
CW is right about the brake rust, and tallpaul is right about the "riding rust". Forgot about that, It comes on quick.
both are legitimate concerns, even if the air in California is as dry as a popcorn fart, right now. We are having our infamous Santa Ana winds, but we DID have rain as late as April.
 
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