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).
