Caring For Your Motorcycle When It’s Being Stored
Shirley Bullington
As the weather gets cooler, is your motorcycle ready to be put
up for the winter? Even if you plan to ride your bike through
the cold winter months, here are some ideas on winter care. Or,
maybe your have another reason for not riding your bike: travel,
business or family commitments. The good news is that this
shouldn’t take more than a few hours of work to be sure that
your motorcycle will remain in tip-top condition in terms of
looks, mechanical condition and trouble free riding.
First, be sure the fuel system is drained and conditioned. The
best way to do this is to get the level as low as you can, then
add a fuel stabilizer additive. Then run your bike for a few
miles to be sure the additive gets into and through the entire
fuel system. Then, when your ready to ride, simple fill up with
fresh gas and you’re ready to go.
Next be sure and clean you motorcycle thoroughly. Use a good
degreasing agent to get rid of all that grime that collected
over the past several months. Be sure to remember to get the
brakes and suspension systems. Clean out the brake calipers
with a brake cleaner and re-lubricate.
Make sure that your bike is completely dry. If you have
compressed air available, use it.
Next re-lubricate the motorcycle. Be sure to cover the brakes
(calipers and discs) to protect them during this process. Be
sure to get all of the joints and pivots points. Regular chain
lube is usually good enough for moving parts and surfaces.
Finally, the use of a corrosion treatments is recommended (not
for brakes).
Use a good wax to coat and polish the surfaces. Again, avoid
the brakes.
Get the tires up and off of the ground. If you have a center
stand, great. If not, invest in a pair of stands to get the
bike up. They will pay for themselves numerous times.
Save yourself the grief of needing a new battery come spring by
using a battery tender. Like getting the tires up, this
investment will pay for itself over and over again.
Finally, invest in a cover for your motorcycle. Make sure it
breathes so condensation won’t occur.
These are just a few ideas to keep your bike in great shape
when not being ridden for an extended period. A small amount of
time and investment will result in a huge time and money savings
later.
