9 Tips for Storing Your Motorcycle for Winter
I put my bike away for the winter about two months ago. In the climate where I live, it will probably be stored for about 3 months. In preparation for that first warm day in “Marpril” I took the following steps.
1. Location. I found a corner of my garage away from the window (light fades paint and cracks leather), and out of the path of traffic.
2. Oil. Cold weather causes oil to lose viscosity. I use a different grade in winter. I also change the filter plug when I put my bike away.
3. Stabilizer. Moisture collects during storage and fuel can go a little off because of it. Filling the tank, adding the stabilizer and running the engine for ten minutes can minimize this effect.
4. Battery. A small current continues to drain from the battery even when the ignition is off. I take my battery out and put it on a trickle charge during storage.
5. Wax. The metal collects moisture, which causes rust, during storage. To prevent this I wax my bike for storage.
6. WD-40. I spray a light coat on my muffler to displace any water that might collect there. I put a clean dry cloth in the end of the pipe to keep moisture out of there as well.
7. Tires. I inflate my tires to the maximum recommended pressure. And I park my bike on a 1 x 12 board.
8. Fluids. I check any and all fluid levels.
9. Cover. I use a “breathable” cover so as not to collect moisture.
Reg Adkins writes on behavior and the human experience at (elementaltruths.blogspot.com).
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Comments
Garrett says on February 9th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
3. Stabilizer. You should also turn the fuel petcock off and let the engine run itself dry.
4. Battery. I would only trickle charge the battery every few weeks. It doesn’t need constant charging as it is not being used. If you can store it above freezing temps it is ideal.
7. Tires. Ideally, I’d put your motorcycle up on stands so that neither tire is touching the ground and let all of the pressure out of your tires. If you do store it on the ground, periodically rotate the tires so the weight isn’t always on the same spot.
10. Don’t forget to lube the chain.
And don’t forget what you’ve done! (If you struggle to get the bike to run come springtime because the fuel petcock is still off you’ll feel like an idiot.)
Dave C. says on February 10th, 2007 at 12:23 am
My best tip for storing the bike in winter is to move to California! I’m happily riding 4 or 5 days a week.
I don’t quite understand parking the bike on a 1×12.
RegAdkins says on February 10th, 2007 at 9:31 am
Garrett,
#3 I try never to run my bike dry. Too many “dregs” collect in the bottom of the tank that can gum up your works. Now, if your going to remove and drain the tank, I’d agree about running dry. But, most folks aren’t willing to do that.
#4 The battery doesn’t “need” a constant trickle charge, but if I leave it constant I don’t forget to do it on a periodic basis.
#7 True, that might be best.
#10 My latest bike is belt driven so lubing would be a bad idea for me.
Dave C.
Parking long term on cold concrete is notoriously bad on the tires. My garage has a concrete floor so I park her on a board.
As for the California solution, “Fer Sure!”
Brian says on February 11th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
RegAdkins,
#3 was only after turning the fuel petcock off. This was to drain the fule in the fuel line and carbs, not drain the tank. This prevents “varnishing” in the carb jets and bowl.
Garrett,
#3 is only true for bikes with carbs. You should never run a fuel injected bike dry. It can do damage.
#9 is a very good point. Rain protection type covers should not be used for long term storage since thay can retain significant moisture.
dduff617 says on February 12th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
cold weather causes oil to *gain* viscosity.
RegAdkins says on February 12th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
dduff,
You may be right, let’s check my reasoning. I don’t want you to think I’m confusing viscosity with thickness. It is my understanding that Viscosity has to do with the distribution of force on a surface area, or in the case of motor oil,and with the ability of the oil to evenly distribute that force or pressure without deforming. Hence, the colder the temperature the less the fluidity of the oil, the greater the loss of viscosity the more friction and heat build up on moving parts. Isn’t that the way you understand it?
Heath says on March 27th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
I am lucky enough to have two bikes with centre stands. That keeps the rear tire off the ground. I just put a small swatch of carpet under the front tires. I find it’s easier than the wood. I just pull the carpet every month or so and that spins the tire to a different spot.