Every motorcycle lover loves and cares for his motorcycle more than himself. Seasonal riders want to keep their motorcycle in a protected condition throughout the freezing weather until the warmer days come. Doing this process for the first time will be quite difficult but once you get used to it, there will be no problem doing this for the next year. Though I’m not a seasonal rider, I did this process with my motorcycle several f times when it was freezing weather. Here are some tips that will help you to maintain a good condition during the storage period.
1. Clean the motorcycle
Before you start the winterization process, clean your motorcycle thoroughly. Give it a deep wash with shampoo and water or a motorcycle cleaner. I always suggest trying to avoid pressure washing. It can damage motorcycle components, wear can be displaced and water can enter into the wrong places. Be careful about the battery chamber, spark plug, and air intake area or ignition hole. Wash your motorcycle by splashing water. Properly clean your motorcycle chain by using chain-cleaning liquid or shampoo. Once you are done cleaning, wipe up extra water from your motorcycle and let it dry properly. Don’t forget to apply wax on the motorcycle body to protect the paint. It might sound hilarious, but I take the oil on a soft rag and apply it like wax all over the motorcycle body during the storage period.
2. Lubrication
One of the most important parts is lubrication. Properly lubricate all the moving parts of your motorcycle. Lubricate your motorcycle chain with gear oil, fuel tank cap, kickstand, foot pages, swing arm, suspension bush, and springs. Lubricate your throttle, brake, and clutch lever and cables, wheel bearings, and caliper pin with multipurpose grease. There is no other way to save parts from rusting than lubricants. After lubricating the chain by using your hand to roll the rear wheel, put the motorcycle on a double stand and roll the rear wheel on first gear for better penetration of the lube.
3. Change the fluids and filters
Change your motorcycle fluids and filters according to their needs. It depends on how long you have driven with this fluid, and whether is it in the right quantity and fluid condition for the next ride. What I do is, If I have done all the fuel changes for about a month or half including the engine oil I would rather put new fluids before storing my motorcycle because they already have driven my motorcycle over a few hundred miles/kilometres. The old fluid contains contaminants that can cause internal damage. If things are the same in your case then you can also follow the method that I follow. Before place to storage period, your motorcycle always fill the tank of your motorcycle with oil so that there is no chance of rust inside the oil tank. To prevent corrosion, change your old oil filter.
4. Stabilize your fuel system
A fuel stabilizer is a game changer you can say. It helps to prevent fuel degradation, gumming, and varnish deposits in the fuel system. It ensures your motorcycle starts in spring easily after the storage period. Pour the recommended amount of stabilizer into the fuel tank then start the engine and let the engine run for 4-5 minutes to dissolve well with fuel.
5. Do not forget about tires
The most common question is how long tires last during the storage period. The answer is, it depends on your tire’s condition. Think in a very normal sense if you are not using the tire for running over the season it will remain in the same condition as it was left. Keep your motorcycle upright by using lifts or dollies for the whole season. It reduces pressure on the tire. I let all the air out of the tire and kept the tire flat for the whole period.
6. Take care of the battery
The battery will lose its charge and its health in the storage period. To prevent this disconnect the battery from your motorcycle. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean any corrosion from the top of the battery terminals. Store the battery in a cool and dry place and use a battery charger or maintainer to hold the charge and health for the whole season.
7. Cover and store your motorcycle
Use a good quality cover to protect your motorcycle from dust, moisture, and pests. To prevent consideration buildup which may lead to corrosion use a breathable cover. Ensure that the cover fits your motorcycle properly. Keep your motorcycle in a well-ventilated and fully secured place.
Follow these tips to properly take care of your investment and start a hassle-free journey to the next season. Always maintain your motorcycle condition properly no matter what the weather is.