Motorcycles and Storage Tips

Motorcycles, Winterization and Storage

Let’s talk about motorcycle storage and some basic winterization maintenance prior to parking your bike in storage.  If you follow the recommended storage tips there’s no doubt your motorcycles will be ready to go when you are.

Cruising down the highway on a warm summer day is such an awesome feeling.  Although maintaining your motorcycle while you’re not riding it is just as important as when you are.

Nothing is worse than dusting off your motorcycle to take it for a spin in the spring, only to find flat spots in your tires.  Yes it even gets better, the fluids turned into a sticky paste, and there is a weird-smelling smoke coming from the exhaust too. In order to avoid those headaches here are some tips on proper motorcycle storage for the winter.

1. Top off the motorcycle’s gas tank

After putting fresh fuel in the tank, add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from deteriorating and leaving a brown layer of muck on your carburetor’s parts. Turn the motorcycle on and let it run for a few minutes so the treated fuel can cycle through.

2. Fill up your fluids

Double-check your bike’s brake, clutch, and coolant fluids, replacing or refilling if necessary. Remember to ALWAYS use the type and amount of fluid recommended by your motorcycle’s manufacturer. You can also drain all of your motorcycle’s fluids entirely and then refill them when you’re ready to ride again.

Depending upon where you live, if it is in a place where temperatures frequently reach sub-zero, check your bike’s antifreeze to prevent engine freezing. Lube up the throttle, kickstand, shifter, and clutch cables to prevent moisture accumulation and rust.

3. Away with old oil

Over time, a running engine’s oil transitions from a clean, golden fluid to dirty, black muck. The contaminants in old oil can corrode engine parts and do some serious damage over the course of a few months. Change the oil and filter plug before storing your ride to avoid that situation later.

4. Conserve the battery’s charge

Some newer motorcycles experience a slight battery drain (even when the ignition’s off) in order to maintain things like your clock and radio presets. You can remove the battery from your bike altogether and trickle charge it all winter. Alternatively you can keep things in one package, you can store your bike with a fully-charged battery. If you choose the latter, just give the battery a charge once a month while it’s not being used.

5. Tend to your motorcycles tires

If you can store your bike with the tires off the ground, that’s recommended. Taking the weight off your wheels is the ideal way to avoid flat spots or uneven wear. However if you don’t have the right setup for that, you’re not out of luck. Fill your tires to the maximum recommended volume, place your bike on it’s center stand, and remember to rotate the front tire once a week to keep the flat spots away.

6. Wax on, rust off

The metal on your motorcycle tends to accumulate moisture, which can cause rust if your bike is left unattended for an extended period. Washing, thoroughly drying, and then waxing your ride before putting it away for the winter will prevent corrosion and other damage.

Spray your exhaust pipes with WD-40 to keep moisture and rust away. For extra protection, stuff a clean towel or some crumpled up plastic bags into the intake and exhaust pipes to keep water and critters out.

7. Pick a self storage for your motorcycle to rest

Sunlight can damage leather and cause paint to fade, in order to protect your investment park your motorcycle in storage unit. Go a step further with a fitted, breathable cover that’ll prevent dings and scratches and protect your motorcycle from dust, grime, and moisture.

 

If you’ve followed these simple motorcycle storage tips, there’s no doubt your ride will be ready to go.