This was a pretty good read (at least I thought so) on this subject from late 2011 in Rider magazine:

http://www.ridermagazine.com/rider-m...rm-storage.htm

Hope some of the included info there saves you from some serious fuel system work and/or expense.....

I haven't seen a copy of Rider magazine in years. I notice Mark Tuttle is still there. I agree with what he says, for short term storage. And I'm glad to see Seafoam on the list, as it is what I use. I have always recommended draining the carbs for storage much over 2 weeks. Yes, gas lasts longer than 2 weeks, even without stabilizer, but with carbs you are dealing with rapid evaporation of gas out of the tiny float bowls, leaving residue behind.

For longer term storage, I recommend draining the carbs AND tank, and coating them both with WD-40, or a light oil in the tank if you prefer. While that will take care of the fuel system, long term storage can cause all kinds of damage, and a lot of preparation is needed to help prevent it. I don't think any bike should be left sitting for over a month without putting some oil in the cylinders, and turning the engine over with a wrench on the end of the crankshaft. Next to fuel system problems, the next most likely problem is the rings becoming stuck in the bore, which is what that procedure is intended to prevent. I have stored several bikes without problems, but always did a little maintenance on them once a month or so. You do not need to start the engine, But if you want to, you can do it with an auxiliary gas tank. Just remember to drain the carbs and resoak them with WD-40. You can put the WD-40 in them through the carb vent hoses after draining out the gas, let it sit a few minutes, then drain it out. All of the bikes I have stored have been stored indoors. But then I don't even recommend leaving a nice bike outside overnight. If you don't have a garage or shed to park it in, it won't be nice for very long. A cover helps some, but not much, and they are a real pain to put on and take off.