Motorcycle Storage, Tips and Explanations

 

Older or brand new, every motorcycle has to be prepared and protected right before wintering. Here are the relevant advices to follow so the long winter storage period does not bring bad surprises when spring shows up.

Oil and fuel

Change bilge engine and transmission oil, which will corrode internal parts if put in contact with contamination and rust particles. Then, replace it with new oil. Next, pour a good amount of fuel stabilizer products in the tank (refer to the prescribed amounts on the bottle), then fill up the gas tank.

Following those steps, start the engine and let it run until it has reached a normal operation temperature, approximately 90 degrees Celsius. Then, turn it off.

Prevent internal corrosion

The most recent models of motorcycles fitted with electronic fuel injection equipment have an automatic command depression type valve. As for the others equiped with a manual valve, it has to be put to the “off” position. As for the motorcycle powered by a carburetor, it gets more complicated. After turning off the valve, drain the fuel left in the carburetor’s bowl with the help of the drain plug located underneath the bowl. All of those precautions will prevent internal carburetor’s parts from corrosion and deposits forming during fuel components evaporation.

One more important action, especially if the motorcycle in stored in a humid place where mercury fluctuates a lot, protect the combustion chamber with a tea spoon inserted in each cylinder by the spark plug hole. Make the engine run (without the plug cap so it does not start) for a few revolutions so the cylinders and pistons are well lined.

Then, check the coolant’s capacity to resist the cold weather if you store the motorcycle in an unheated space. If you don’t have the appropriate tool to check the coolant, do not take any chance and replace it by new coolant. In any case, the coolant has to be drained and renewed every two years. As for the concentrated liquid, simply pour in some distilled or ionised water. Tap water contains ferrous sediments and other components which would cause deposits in the narrow radiator pipes.

Motorcycle storage : think about the battery

The battery should be kept charged when the motorcycle is not being used during two weeks or more. Because of its compactness and poor capacity, the motorcycle battery will be heavily damaged, even perhaps out of order after the winter storage. Purchase a low-intensity smart charger (1 to 4 amps maximum) to automatically control the charge. If your motorcycle is stored in an unheated space, remove the battery and store it away from the cold and charging.

Parts too often forgotten

Oil the chain and the various swivel mechanisms, such as levers and pedals. Inflate the tires to the recommended inflation pressure by the manufacturer so they do not suffer any deformation. Even better: Lift the motorcycle with a jack designed for this purpose. Thus, you are relieving the tires and suspension from the damages of the static weight.  Be careful not to damage the frame and parts underneath the engine (exhaust and oil casing).

Motos Illimitées offers complete winter storage service, wintering and new season preparation. Take advantage of the situation: Do various maintenance work suggested by the manufacturer before the next summer season.

Finally, cover the motorcycle in order to let air circulate though after applying a good amount of wax on the fairing, mud-guard and tank. Last detail, but not the least, avoid suspending your insurance coverage. You always need it against theft, vandalism and civil liability.

By Pascal Bastien