Motorcycle Maintenance - storage tips

advice on motorcycle storage

For those of us who must say so long to our bikes during the winter months, or for those who need to put their bikes in storage for other reasons - there are few things to do before and after storing your bike for long periods of time (four weeks or more).

check list

The first step you should take before getting your bike ready for storage is to grab a pen and a pad of sticky notes. Write down all of the items you carry out and the tools you used. This way you will avoid doing things twice (or not at all) and you will also have a record for yourself. Knowing which tools you use will give you a reference that you can easily refer to when conducting maintenance in the future.

general cleaning

Before you put your baby away for its hibernating sleep, give it a good bath. First, take off your leather seat to keep it from getting wet. Wash all of the dirt and grim that has built up over the riding season with 'cage' wash soap. Use warm water in a bucket or a spray hose. Be sure to avoid directly spraying any electronic parts when using a hose.

gas tank

If your tank is relatively full - take your bike out for one last ride to empty the tank and re-fill the gas tank with fresh fuel. When refueling you want to fill the tank up to the edge of the filler neck. This leaves enough room for the fuel to expand when the temperature rises so it willl not overflow the tank. Shut off the fuel petcock and drain the carburetors and fuel lines. Gasoline does have a limited shelf life, but if properly stored, can keep it's potency for a half dozen months or more. When gasoline is exposed to oxygen it causes oxidization to occur causing gum like clusters to form. Also, water contamination, resulting from condensation for example, will cause poor engine performance. Proper storage in a cool dry area with containers properly sealed as well as adding a winterized fuel stabilizer to prevent the lighter chemicals from evaporating can prevent gasoline from becoming 'stale.

chain

Thoroughly clean and lube your chain. If your bike does not use a chain and instead uses a driving belt - check your belt's condition.

lubrication

In addition to your chain, make sure to lubricate all other parts that are prone to rust such as nuts and bolts. A lubrication such as WD-40 would be best to use.

oil

Changing the engine oil before storage removes contaminants that may have built up since your last oil change. Once the oil is changed, run the engine for a brief period (under 60 seconds) - this circulates the oil throughout the engine to lubricate all of the parts. When running the engine DO NOT RIDE THE BIKE - simply let it idle in neutral and again no more than a duration of 60 seconds.

battery storage

Always remove your motorcycle battery when placing your bike in storage. There is a small current drain even when your ignition is switched off (this holds true for all types of batteries as well [eg. laptop, cell phone, portable TV]). Store your battery in a relatively warm place, such as an attached garage or basement. You may also want to purchase a 12 volt charger, which will charge a battery to full (14.4 volts) capacity and then automatically switch to (float/ maintain) insuring that the battery will not be overcharged. A regular charger will work as well, but you will have to ensure that you do not overcharge your battery.

wax and polish

It might seem like a waste of time to wax and polish your bike if your just about to put it away where no one will be able to see how shiny you have made it - however waxing serves a practical purpose as well. Wax repels moisture which causes rust.

make a stand

Place your bike on it's center stand and slide a piece of foam or an old pillow underneath the front tire. Doing so helps protect the tires from becoming deflated or warped as they will be elevated off the ground.

If you do not have a center stand consider investing in one or alternatively elevate the bike off the cold ground using wood blocks, one under each tire and one under the kickstand.

leave a note

Take your sticky notes you have been using to record each of the items you have carried out and stick them on the bike noting everything you need to do before starting the bike up again.

cover / tarp it

Blowing off a few months of dust accumulation, or worse, cleaning bird and mouse droppings off your bike can easily be prevented by making sure to cover your bike using a motorcycle cover or a general use tarp.