SEASONAL STORAGE OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE

            Proper care in the off-season is important for easy start up. Most riders do not operate their motorcycles all year long, mostly due to low temperatures and snowfall. Properly conditioning your motorcycle for periods of storage or inactivity will maintain the highest level of safety and preserve the value of your investment.

            Change the engine oil and oil filter, following the viscosity chart in your rider's manual. Start the engine and allow the clean oil to circulate throughout the engine for approximately 3 minutes.

            If the motorcycle will be stored for longer than 6 months, drain and replace all other oils (gearbox, drive shaft, rear drive, front forks) and run the motorcycle for approximately 3 minutes, using several gears to ensure proper oil coverage in the transmission and rear drive. This will reduce the risk of any moisture or contaminants from damaging your motorcycle's vital internal parts.

            If the annual brake fluid change has not been performed recently, it is advisable to change the brake fluid, as contaminated fluid will cause corrosion and deterioration of the hydraulic brake system. Fluid should be light amber in color, if it is dark or cloudy the system must be flushed and changed.

            For the fuel tank, drain the fuel to remove any moisture or contaminants from fuels purchased during the previous riding season. Refilling the fuel tank with fresh fuel will prevent the tank from rusting. Use Sta-Bil concentrated fuel destabilizer. Clean and drain carburetor float bowls and jets before storing to prevent deposits caused by fuel that evaporates over time.

            Don’t store a dirty motorcycle as it can lead to corrosion on alloy castings as well as chromium and cadmium, because dirt retains moisture. Thoroughly wash and dry the motorcycle. Polish and wax all chrome and painted surfaces. Spray the unpainted castings, such as engine, gear box, rear drive, and related hardware with S100 Corrosion Protectant to retard corrosion and rust. A light coating of WD40 or LPS #3 on nuts, blots and plated hardware will further protect against adverse conditions.

            Battery care is of utmost importance. The greatest cause of battery failure is insufficient battery care during storage periods, recognized by cell sulfation. Maintain proper electrolyte level, adding only distilled water if necessary. Ensure that battery care and terminal connections are clean. Charge your battery 12 hours every 2-3 weeks. Use an automatic charger with a maximum output of 3 amps. With an automatic charger of 3 amps or less you will not have any cell sulfation. One thing to remember is a one amp charger will taper off as the battery comes up to 13 volts, therefore you should charge your battery longer to fully charge the battery. NOTE: remove any motorcycle cover prior to charging the battery, batteris generate corrosive and explosive gases.

            To lubricate the chassis, grease the side and center stand pivots, etc. to purge any water or contaminants from these pivot points. Lubricate with a water-displacing light lubricant spray, such as CRC556 or WD40. Treat other pivot points when no grease fittings are provided, such as clutch or brake lever pivots, rear brake pedal and linkage pivot points, throttle body or carburetor linkage arms/springs, center stand and side stand pivots. Generously spray lubricant into handlebar switches and operate the switches (ignition off) several times to distribute lubricant. Lubricate all lock mechanisms, including ignition, fuel cap, seat lock, steering lock, saddlebags, alarm system, top box, seat hinges, latch supports and mechanisms to ensure trouble free operation.

            To protect the tires, park the motorcycle on the center stand and support the motorcycle with wood blocks to remove any weight from the tires. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressures and inspect/remove gravel, glass or other road contaminants from the tire treads. Now is the best time to check tire tread depth. Measure depth between tire treads at the center of the tire/road contact area. It should be 3/32 of an inch.

            Select a storage area such as a garage or storage room that is free from dampness and high humidity. Do not store the motorcycle in direct sunlight. Ensure that adequate ventilation is present as fumes from fuel and battery are explosive and dangerous. Selecting the proper cover is important. Use a vented cover which will allow moisture to escape, rather than retaining it.

            Protect your investment and it will be ready for you in the Spring.

                                                                                    Safe Driving, Roy Dyckman