Motorcycle Cold Weather Storage Tips
For motorcyclists everywhere, the start of winter means the end of their riding season. But when snow and blustery conditions prevent you from hitting the highway, you cant just shove your bike in the garage for the next six months. If you want your motorcycle to be ride-ready in the spring, you need to take the proper steps to protect it during the winter months. These cold weather storage tips from motorcycle attorneys will help you protect your bike from moisture, sunlight, and chilly temperatures.
1.Find a place to store your bike. A garage or shed is usually the best place. Wherever you decide, be sure to pick a spot that is clean and dry. Avoid placing your bike in direct sunlight. Any light from windows can cause condensation to accumulate on your bike, and condensation can lead to rust.
2.Change the oil. Let your bike idle to dry out any excess moisture, and then drain the oil. After draining, replace the oil filter and add fresh oil.
3.If your bike is going to be stored for more than six weeks, remove the sparkplugs and put a teaspoon of new engine oil into each plughole. Put the bike into the highest gear and manually turn the rear wheel several times. This will protect the cylinder walls, piston rings, and valve seats from moisture. Put the sparkplugs back in.
4.Fill the gas tank. This will prevent moisture from accumulating inside the tank. You can also add a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from thickening and clogging the fuel jets or carburetors. If your bike has carburetors instead of fuel injection, loosen the drain bolts and drain the fuel. Be sure to tighten the bolts before filling the tank.
5.Wash and wax your bike. Lightly coat the chrome with WD40 to prevent rust. After the mufflers have cooled, push a plastic bag inside each muffler, then cover the outside with another plastic bag. Lube all the cables, pivot points, and pedals. Finally, cover your bike with a moisture-wicking motorcycle cover.
Remember, your primary goal is to protect your bike from moisture. With time and fluctuating temperatures, condensation on or in your bike can lead to corrosion and rust damage. Winter storage is just another element of good motorcycle safety and regular motorcycle maintenance, and keeping your bike stored and cared for will guarantee a spring season full of road trips.
1.Find a place to store your bike. A garage or shed is usually the best place. Wherever you decide, be sure to pick a spot that is clean and dry. Avoid placing your bike in direct sunlight. Any light from windows can cause condensation to accumulate on your bike, and condensation can lead to rust.
2.Change the oil. Let your bike idle to dry out any excess moisture, and then drain the oil. After draining, replace the oil filter and add fresh oil.
3.If your bike is going to be stored for more than six weeks, remove the sparkplugs and put a teaspoon of new engine oil into each plughole. Put the bike into the highest gear and manually turn the rear wheel several times. This will protect the cylinder walls, piston rings, and valve seats from moisture. Put the sparkplugs back in.
4.Fill the gas tank. This will prevent moisture from accumulating inside the tank. You can also add a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from thickening and clogging the fuel jets or carburetors. If your bike has carburetors instead of fuel injection, loosen the drain bolts and drain the fuel. Be sure to tighten the bolts before filling the tank.
5.Wash and wax your bike. Lightly coat the chrome with WD40 to prevent rust. After the mufflers have cooled, push a plastic bag inside each muffler, then cover the outside with another plastic bag. Lube all the cables, pivot points, and pedals. Finally, cover your bike with a moisture-wicking motorcycle cover.
Remember, your primary goal is to protect your bike from moisture. With time and fluctuating temperatures, condensation on or in your bike can lead to corrosion and rust damage. Winter storage is just another element of good motorcycle safety and regular motorcycle maintenance, and keeping your bike stored and cared for will guarantee a spring season full of road trips.
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