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 cherokee
tennis shoes
 
Registered: 10/25/02
Posts: 41,164
Loc: Nationwide 
Last seen: 2 hours, 40 minutes
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 9 Steps to Winterize your Motorcycle or Dirtbike for Winter Storage  2
#15246535 - 10/19/11 12:07 PM (1 year, 7 months ago) |
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Bikes and other motor vehicle owners should not only prepare their bikes for winter storage, but also for any non-riding period in excess of 2 months. Proper preventative measure and maintenance ensure optimal engine health and function after storage.
The most common issues arising from motorcycle storage are body and parts rust, fuel contamination, battery drain, and engine corrosion.
This article will address the following issues:
Where to store your bike
How to cover your motorcycle(s)
Changing the oil
Preventing rust and other surface body defects
Disconnecting and storing the battery
Monitoring tire pressure
Preventing engine cylinder damage and corrosion
Using fuel stabilizer
Fluid change
Ideally your motorcycle or dirt bike should be stored in a temperature regulated environment with low humidity and away from UV light. Your local motorcycle dealer or bike shop may offer winterizing and storage service for a nominal fee. Most motorcycle enthusiasts will store their bike in their freezing garages which is why proper winter preparation and maintenance is necessary. Covering any windows in your garage will prevent temperature changes and condensation from the sun's radiant heat.
It is important to choose the right material for covering your motorcycle. Sheets absorb moisture and hold it against your motorcycle causing rust. Tarps trap condensation by not allowing air exchange leading to rust. Another unfortunate problem with tarps is that they will often bond to your bike's body paint in the cold and ruin the paint job when removed. Specially designed motorcycle covers prevent moisture absorption and allow air exchange.
Changing your oil to a winter grade oil will ensure easy start up in the spring. Even if you are not due for an oil change it is a good idea to perform an oil change as combustion created acid byproducts in motor oil which can corrode your motors inner surfaces. What to do with used motor oil? Read disposing and recycling used motor oil
Waxing your motorcycle before storage will create a protective barrier against rust and moisture. A light spray of WD-40 on engine parts and the frame will protect your bike against corrosion.
Batteries should be disconnected and removed from the bike to prevent current drain. Dead batteries are the most common start-up problem motorcycle enthusiasts face in spring. Charging your battery every few weeks will maintain its charge
Cold temperature inversely affects tire pressure; meaning that the colder it gets the more the air in your tire compresses, lowering your tire pressure which causes premature wear. Continually monitor your tire pressure and use a motorcycle paddock, lift, or stand to raise your bike's tires off the frigid garage floor. Examples of motorcycle lifts and stands
Lubing your engine's cylinder walls with engine oil will prevent corrosion and rust. Without lubricating your motorcycle's cylinders premature ring and piston wear is a very real possibility.
Gasoline breaks down overtime creating compounds that clogs the fuel system. Filling your tank with fresh gas, draining your fuel line and carburetors and adding fuel stabilizer will prevent gasoline from decomposing and prevent moisture collection inside your fuel system.
Brake fluids are water-absorbing, or hygroscopic, by nature. If you haven't changed your fluids in the past year or two chances are a good deal of moisture has been absorbed which can cause engine corrosion.
-Cherk the Jerk
comments? anecdotes? suggestions?
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Nevin
Deceiver
Registered: 10/18/11
Posts: 294
Last seen: 1 month, 24 days
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Re: 9 Steps to Winterize your Motorcycle or Dirtbike for Winter Storage [Re: cherokee]
#15282510 - 10/26/11 08:46 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Good little write up here, I just winterized my bike the other day because here in VA it is already getting down to the 40s some nights.
Let me add-on to the brake fluid thing, PLEASE CHECK YOUR BRAKE FLUID. I had a fellow rider not check before a long ride and his brakes ended up going out on him on a back rode... Ended up dropping his HD Fatboy... It was a sad day. Please, please check your fluids.
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"A lesson without pain is meaningless, for you cannot gain something without sacrificing something else in return"
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Pshychedelic
Stranger
Registered: 06/15/11
Posts: 43
Last seen: 1 year, 4 months
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Re: 9 Steps to Winterize your Motorcycle or Dirtbike for Winter Storage [Re: Nevin]
#15294959 - 10/29/11 01:27 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Damn thanks this helped alot for me and my dirt bike.
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Humility
Working on it
Registered: 10/07/08
Posts: 6,696
Last seen: 1 month, 15 hours
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Re: 9 Steps to Winterize your Motorcycle or Dirtbike for Winter Storage [Re: Pshychedelic]
#15316847 - 11/03/11 10:44 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Brake fluid is one of the things that should always be checked before pulling off.
There are many more elaborate guides than this one but it hits on all the major issues while remaining easy to read.
I like it  .
I of course am hoping to get my bike up and running ASAP. I've run it the past two years during the winter and don't want to make this winter an exception.
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