| winterizing
your bike |
| |
| The
following tips and tricks are not intended as a
replacement for the services of a trained technician.
Further, they should not be used to replace any
information contained in the service manuals or
operator's guide(s) for your particular motorcycle.
Making a mistake while servicing your motorcycle
can be fatal to you or others. |
| |
|
|
Oil Change and Lube
|
It
is a good idea to change the oil prior to Winter
storage. Run it for a few minutes to get the new
oil coated on the engine. Also, lube moving parts
(cables, etc.) with recommended lubricants. |
| Run
Carb(s) out of Gasoline |
Purge
the carb(s) before storage anytime, and add some
gasoline stabilizer to your tank per the manufacturer's
instructions. NOTE: Not all manufacturer's recommend
a fuel stabilizer. Be sure to check your bike's
manual or dealer before proceeding. |
| Wash
Bike Thoroughly |
Wash
your bike before storage. Blow dry with a leaf blower,
and then towel off excess water. |
| Belt
Drives |
The
belt is often ignored until there is a problem.
Check the belt for signs of wear and damage, and
clean the belt with mild soap and water when washing
your bike. Towel dry while inspecting. |
| Windshield |
Get those bugs cleaned off
as soon as you can. Often, bugs contain chemicals
that can etch your paint. This is not just a Winter
storage tip.
|
|
Painted Areas and
Frame
|
Applying
a coat of quality wax on the painted areas of a
bike keeps condensation from getting at these metal
areas. NOTE: The frame often times gets neglected,
but it should be waxed prior to winter storage just
like other painted parts. |
| Chrome
and Mags |
Clean
chrome and aluminum parts, then coat them with a
good chrome polish (e.g., Mother's Metal Polish)
will keep these areas relatively clean, and easier
for Spring clean up. But, if you are hard pressed
to do a thorough job on these and want to keep the
tarnish off (especially aluminum), a heavy coat
of silicone lube will offer some protection (to
be washed off in the Spring). |
| Chain
and Drive Belts |
Adjust per spec. If you have a chain drive, lube
the chain with a good chain lube, (leave a note
to clean excess in Spring). |
|
Leather
|
Eagle
One Carnuba Leather Cream is recommended as one
of the best leather conditioners with no petroleum
products added. Remember that several light coats
are much better than a single heavy one. Be sure
to buff with a soft cloth after the conditioner
has dried. NOTE: When your leather gets wet, a light
coat of Lexol is an excellent way to condition and
preserve the leather. |
| Vinyl |
Clean
the vinyl with a good cleaner, then use a protector.
There are several on the market. Buff with a soft
cloth when dry. |
|
Battery
|
Using
a battery conditioner is advisable. There are many
"trickle" chargers available on the market.
Remove the battery from the motorcycle. Clean the
terminals. Check the fluid level (add if necessary).
Attach the battery tender to keep the battery in
good shape. Place the battery on a wood plank (not
concrete). |
| Exhaust
Pipes |
Spiders
and insects often invade exhausts, so stuff a clean
rag in the end of your pipe(s), or cover with a
plastic bag (secured with a rubber band). Leave
a note to remove the rags in spring. NOTE: A touch
of oil on the rag will discourage most critters
from making a home in the pipe. Be cautious on the
amount of oil used. Dampen, not soaked, then stuff
in the pipe(s). |
|
Tire Pressure
|
Check
your tire pressure. Adjust as needed and leave note
to check in spring. |
| Cover |
Cover
your motorcycle with a good, breathable cover or
a soft cotton bed sheet to keep the dust off. This
won't prevent condensation from forming on your
ride, but it will keep dust, etc. off the bike. |
|
Spring Note/List
|
Write
down all the things you need to do or check in the
spring and tape the list to the ignition or handle
bars where you will readily see it. |
|
|
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