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Old Bike Barn Tech Tips: Storing Your Motorcycle For Winter

November 9, 2010

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Large Motorcycle Cover For Sport/Standard- #87-107511 Covermax(CNSI LARGE)

NEW YORK (RPRN) 11/09/10 — Some tips on how to properly store your motorcycle from the experts at Old Barn Bike (OBB)

By Bear, CEO of OBB

Even though I work in the motorcycle industry, I have made the mistake of improper storage and want to spare others the embarrassment by sharing some of my storage tips.

Depending on where you live, you may choose to store and protect your motorcycle from the elements during the winter months. Proper storage will make spring start-up that much easier. My first tip is truly a personal choice and can be skipped. I like to store my vintage motorcycle with new plugs, air filter. I also give it a once over and store it ready to ride for the spring, including if needed, fresh tires and a chain. Years of living Upstate New York taught me to maximize the season by being ready as soon as the snow breaks. Below are my recommendations to best store your vintage, retro and brand new bike:

And remember that if you need specific parts for you bike, simply use the Search by Bike Tool at www.oldbikebarn.com .

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions
What You Will Need:
One Motorcycle Battery Recharger
Motorcycle Oil
Motorcycle Owner’s Manual
Motorcycles
One Can Motorcycle Wash and Wax
Gasoline Stabilizer
One Tire Gauge

STEPS:

1. 1-Warm your engine to operating temperature, and then turn it off. Change the oil and restart the engine to circulate the new oil,
2. 2-Fill the gas tank to the top and add a fuel stabilizing additive,
3. 3-Turn the fuel petcock to the OFF position and run the engine until it quits,
4. 4-Support the bike so that neither tire is touching the ground and let all the air out of the tires. If this is not possible, fill your tires to the proper air pressure and put the bike on its center stand. Rotate the tires periodically so that the same part of the tire is not touching the ground all winter,
5. 5-Push the brake pads away from the brake discs,
6. 6-Remove the battery and put it on a charger. Store it at a temperature above 32 degrees F and trickle-charge it once a month. If you are able to start and run the bike once a month, you may want to leave the battery in the bike and just disconnect the negative cable end. Run the bike until it is at normal operating temperature,
7. 7-If this is not possible (because it is stored indoors), crank the engine two or three times,
8. 8-Wash and wax all the painted and chrome parts,
9. 9-Lubricate the chain,
10. 10-Store your bike in a dry, well-ventilated garage,
11. 11-Protect it with a cover from OBB .

Tips & Warnings

• Make a list of everything you’ve done and attach it to a handgrip. This list works as reference and checklist for getting your bike up to speed in the spring.
• You may need to purchase a new battery in the spring even if you charge it periodically.
• Gasoline is extremely flammable. Storing your bike in areas where open flames, pilot lights, sparks and electric motors are present is dangerous.
• Do not run any gasoline engine indoors as they emit odorless carbon monoxide that can kill you.

Keep it between the ditches and the shinny side up!

Bear

bear@oldbikebarn.com

Follow us on Twitter @oldbikebarn and read our blog.

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