7 Tips to Keep your Motorcycle Safe in Storage
The proper motorcycle storage is the key to protecting your ride during the frigid Michigan winter season. Learn how to do it with these 7 helpful tips.
Nothing really beats cruising down the highway on a warm pleasant day. But, as winter sets in, your motorcycle is not exactly the most convenient way of dashing through the snow. When it is time for you to place your bike in storage for the season, it's important not to give it the cold shoulder. Maintaining your motorcycle while you're not riding it is just as essential as when you are.
Nothing is worse than dusting off your beloved road warrior to take it for a spin in the spring, only to find flat spotted tires, fluid that has turned into a sticky paste, and weird-smelling smoke coming from the exhaust. In order to avoid fixing several months of neglect, here are 7 tips on caring for your motorcycle while being stored for the winter.
1. Fill up the tank
After adding clean fuel in the tank, add the suggested amount of fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from deteriorating and leaving a brown layer of sludge on the parts of your carburetor. Turn that bad hog on and let it run for a few minutes so the treated fuel can cycle through.
2. Replenish your fluids
Double check your bike's brake, clutch, and coolant fluids, replacing or refilling if necessary. Keep in mind to always use the type and amount of fluid strongly recommended by your motorcycle's manufacturer. You can also drain all of your motorcycle's fluids thoroughly and then refill them when you are geared up to ride again.
If you live in a place, like Highland, Michigan, where it commonly drops to sub-zero temperatures, check your bike's antifreeze to avoid engine freezing. Lube up the throttle, kickstand, shifter, and clutch wires and cables to avoid moisture build up and rust (but use caution and do not get lube on the tires).
3. Throw Out Old Oil
As time passes, a running engine's oil changes from a clean, golden fluid to dirty, blackish muck. The contaminants in gunked up oil can corrode engine components and do some critical damage over the course of a few months. Change the oil and filter plug prior to storing your ride to steer clear of a sticky situation later on.
4. Avoid wasting your battery's charge
Some of the more modern motorcycles claim to have a slight battery drain, even when the ignition is off. In order to protect things such as your clock and radio presets, you can remove the battery from your bike completely and trickle charge it during winter storage. If you choose to keep things in one package, you can store your bike with a completely charged battery. If you choose the alternative, simply give the battery a charge once a month while it's not being utilized.
5. Tend to your tires
If you can store your bike with the tires off the floor, that is ideal. Taking the weight off your wheels is the recommended method for preventing flat spots or inconsistent wear. If you are unable to store your bike off the floor, you are not out of luck. Fill your tires to the maximum capacity and position your ride on its center stand. The key is to remember that rotating the tires once a week will help keep those flat spots away.
6. Wax on, rust off
The metal on your motorcycle has the tendency to collect moisture, which can cause rust if your bike is left unattended for a prolonged period of time. Cleaning, completely drying, and then waxing your ride before storing it for the winter will prevent corrosion and other damages.
Apply WD-40 to the exhaust pipes to help keep moisture and rust away. For additional security, stuff a clean soft towel or perhaps crumpled up plastic bags into the intake and exhaust pipes to keep water and critters out.
7. Decide on a location for your ride to stay
Direct sunlight can harm leather and cause paint to fade, so if you have windows in your garage or storage area, try to place your motorcycle in a cool and dry, dark corner. You could also a step further with a fitted, breathable cover that will protect against dings and scratches. The perfect cover will also protect your motorcycle from dust, grime, and moisture if fitted correctly.
If you have followed these storage tips, you can now kick back and relax until spring. By simply following these suggestions, there is no question your ride will be equipped and ready to cruise when the snow in Highland, Michigan (finally) starts to disappear.
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