posted April 26, 2004

01. Fill your gas tank not quite to the top just prior to storage to prevent any water that may be present from condensing on the insides and causing rust.

02. Buy gasline antifreeze with gasoline stabilizer in it as this will help maintain the gasoline's combustible qualities over the winter.

03. Change your oil filter (old oil is rather corrosive). Rotate the engine a few times to circulate the fresh oil. The plugs will probably have to be removed but leave them in their caps AND grounded to prevent damage to the ignition system. Also, make sure that there is nothing flammable nearby, as the plugs will still be sparking! Re-install the plugs. For long periods of storage (a year or so) place a tablespoon of clean engine oil into each cylinder prior to rotating.

04. Lubricate all cables and joints with proper lube (avoid WD40 because it evaporates).

05. Check the cooling system (if your bike is liquid cooled). Check the level and top up if necessary. Better still, it is probably a good time to change the coolant altogether. The coolant should be a 50/50 antifreeze/water mix.

06. Remove the battery and store it away from direct sunlight, in a warm area - batteries freeze, causing them to crack and leak and can cost big bucks. Check your battery's electrolyte level and top it up if necessary - use only distilled water and never top it up with acid! Trickle charge it every month at the required amp hour rating.

07. Drain your carbs and don't refill them. Gas left in the carbs for a long time can turn into a varnish-like substance that will clog jets and stick floats.

08. Wash and dry the bike thoroughly. Wax painted areas and apply a thin layer of light oil or petroleum jelly to chrome and aluminum areas to prevent rusting.

09. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressures.

10. Raise the bike onto the centre stand and lift the front of the bike until the front wheel is off the ground. Support the frame with wooden blocks (concrete or cinder blocks can crack under weight and scratch the paint) thus ensuring that both wheels are off the ground. If your bike has a side stand only, move the bike around once a month (the more the better) to rotate the tires, thereby preventing flat spots.

11. Inside or outside, a cover is a good idea. Avoid plastic as it turns brittle with the cold and can rip, whip against painted areas and/or trap moisture underneath it (as it doesn't breathe). A proper canvas bike cover (preferably with a tie cord and a lock) is always best.

12. Do not store in direct sunlight and try to keep it in an area that has a minimal temperature fluctuation. A steady temperature is best. The sun can heat the tank and fuel, causing overflows and condensation build up. The sun can heat the tank and fuel, causing overflows and condensation build up.

13. Finally, remember, thieves don't go away in the winter, Try to keep the bike well hidden and locked up at all times. If they don't know it's there, they won't steal it.