WINTER Storage
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 22
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From: Williamsburg, Virginia
This list is a bit ****, but may have value for those that need to store for more than 3 months.
Bike Prep for Winter or Long-term Storage
Bike Prep for Winter or Long-term Storage
- Top off tank to the brim with fresh fuel; add a gas stabilizer (ie. SeaFoam)
- Clean/Wash and Wax bike, including frame; polish wheels and windshield
- Change Oil and Filter, if within mileage limits, instead of next season start
- Clean Air Filter
- Check all nuts and bolts, fluids, lubricate cables and switchgears
- Use a leather cleaner / preserver on seat, bags and rubber hoses
- Apply a thin coat of oil, stainless steel spray or WD40 on chrome
- Spray fork lowers with WD40, Marvel Mystery Oil, or engine oil, hold the front brake and bounce your weight on the front of the bike to work the front suspension. This will help prevent the rubber fork seal from drying and protect the exposed metal slider
- Remove spark plugs; fill each cylinder with a teaspoon of engine oil, Marvel Mystery Oil or two-stroke oil. Screw the plugs back in hand tight; do not attach plug wires as reminder to clean plugs in the spring. Use the starter to turn the engine over a couple seconds to distribute the oil throughout the cylinders
- Remove battery (negative terminal first), if not sealed, fill it with distilled water up to the marks and store in warm area or add a Battery Tender. Do notstart periodically as it increases condensation in engine and may drain battery
- Put bike on a lift or stand; otherwise store on dry flooring unless floor is sealed. Get as much weight as possible off the tires
- Keep stored in dry area; if any dampness, keep a couple of bags of silica gel crystals (cat litter) in pillow cases or open cans nearby. Spray engine and undercarriage with a light silicone or engine fogging oil
- Avoid storing motorcycle near items that use high levels of electricity (hot water heater, dryer) as the ozone created dry-rots tires more quickly
- If rodents can access the bike hang moth ***** or other rodent deterrents near bike chassis and plug pipes with steel wool to prevent nesting
- Cover the bike with a breathable cover or a soft cotton bed sheet
- Periodically, operate controls throughout the winter and roll wheels (if on the ground) to a different tire position. Keep tire pressure up.
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