Dodsfall
09-19-2011, 06:34 AM
In an earlier article (http://www.motorcycleforum.com/111284/how-to-winterize-and-store-your-motorcycle), we examined the two staples of how to winterize a motorcycle; battery care and fuel treatment. In this article, we will explore a few other items to make sure your motorcycle is in top condition and ready to ride in the Spring.
Tire care
Making sure the tires are properly inflated before storage is a great idea. Tires should also be checked periodically during storage. The weight of a motorcycle sitting on a flat tire for a long period can cause permanent damage to the tire. Keeping the tires on a solid surface and off dirt or grass may help prevent dry rot and lengthen the tire's life. Some people use wheel stands to raise the bike off the ground during storage.
Preventing pests
Mice and other rodents have been known to make nests in air boxes and exhaust pipes. They can also chew wiring and damage seats. Stuffing steel wool in the exhaust and air intake will deter a rodent from making it their home. Sticky traps are convenient and effective for keeping rodents out of your storage area, but must be checked and replaced periodically.
Protection from the elements
A dry, weather- proof location is the best storage area for your motorcycle. The elements such as rain, sun, or snow are very hard on the finish and mechanical parts. Corrosion is very hard to remove and can cause lots of problems as it gets a foothold. If the storage area is heated, it's best that it stays that way for the entire time the motorcycle is stored. Condensation can build up on metal parts if the temperature fluctuates quickly. A good wax on the body parts before storage is always a good idea.
Running the motorcycle during storage
Starting the bike in cold weather then letting it sit can also cause an unwanted buildup of moisture both inside and outside the engine. It's better for a motorcycle to sit un-started during storage than periodic short runs of the engine. Using the motorcycle's alternator to keep the battery topped off is a poor replacement for a proper battery tender. The RPMs have to be high enough to charge, and the engine should be properly heated before shutting off, using fuel that will require the tank to be topped off to prevent rust in the tank. For the price of a $25 battery tender, it's just too much hassle.
Tire care
Making sure the tires are properly inflated before storage is a great idea. Tires should also be checked periodically during storage. The weight of a motorcycle sitting on a flat tire for a long period can cause permanent damage to the tire. Keeping the tires on a solid surface and off dirt or grass may help prevent dry rot and lengthen the tire's life. Some people use wheel stands to raise the bike off the ground during storage.
Preventing pests
Mice and other rodents have been known to make nests in air boxes and exhaust pipes. They can also chew wiring and damage seats. Stuffing steel wool in the exhaust and air intake will deter a rodent from making it their home. Sticky traps are convenient and effective for keeping rodents out of your storage area, but must be checked and replaced periodically.
Protection from the elements
A dry, weather- proof location is the best storage area for your motorcycle. The elements such as rain, sun, or snow are very hard on the finish and mechanical parts. Corrosion is very hard to remove and can cause lots of problems as it gets a foothold. If the storage area is heated, it's best that it stays that way for the entire time the motorcycle is stored. Condensation can build up on metal parts if the temperature fluctuates quickly. A good wax on the body parts before storage is always a good idea.
Running the motorcycle during storage
Starting the bike in cold weather then letting it sit can also cause an unwanted buildup of moisture both inside and outside the engine. It's better for a motorcycle to sit un-started during storage than periodic short runs of the engine. Using the motorcycle's alternator to keep the battery topped off is a poor replacement for a proper battery tender. The RPMs have to be high enough to charge, and the engine should be properly heated before shutting off, using fuel that will require the tank to be topped off to prevent rust in the tank. For the price of a $25 battery tender, it's just too much hassle.