Wintering: storage method

A motorcycle that should not be used for a long time, especially during the winter months, requires some preliminary care before leaving it immobilized. Of course, you need to get her to sleep safely, not outside.

The ideal and easiest way is to take it out regularly at least once every two weeks to get it up and running. If this is not possible, here are the method and pitfalls to avoid.

MOTORCYCLE

It should first be cleaned from the outside to remove all traces: salt, bird droppings and others that may attack varnishes and / or paints. Of course, you should make sure the bike is dry before retracting it, and especially before putting on the tarp.

Then chrome and metal parts are protected from a thin layer of oil or a specific product.

We are thinking about chain lubrication.

Air intakes and muffler outlets can be connected.

The motorcycle is then placed on a center stand on a firm and level surface where it is not in danger of toppling over. Turn the handlebars as much to the left as possible, block the direction and remove the ignition key. It is advisable to lay the tarp down, remembering to drill at certain points to avoid any condensation and moisture problems. Some people prefer to use an old sheet instead of tarp, which also avoids condensation.

PETROL

Attention! An empty tank will rust, unless it is greased with a little oil in advance, leaves it open in a moderate and dry place. Otherwise, condensation will form inside.

1. Therefore, the fuel tank must be completely filled with gasoline, if possible mixed with a gasoline degeneration inhibitor (different quantities depending on the product, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations).
2. Run the engine for a few minutes until stabilized gasoline fills the carburettors.

ENGINE

1. Turn off the petrol valve, then turn the engine until it stops.
   
   Another way is to drain the carburetors using a drain.
2. Pour a spoonful of engine oil into the spark plug ports, replace the spark plugs, and start the engine several times (electric starter but circuit breaker off).
3. Drain engine oil thoroughly and remove oil filter. No need to rest with the oil filter. Fill the crankcase with new engine oil into the fill port.
4. If the motorcycle is liquid cooled, remember to supply antifreeze.

CHAIN

If the motorcycle has to sleep in the garage for only two months, the above lubrication board is sufficient. Otherwise, there is a method that is valid for long periods of time.

1. Remove the chain,
2. Put it in an oil and oil bath, soak it
3. Brush vigorously, then remove excess oil
4. Keep chain lubricated.

BATTERY

The battery must be disconnected, except for injection engines.

1. Remove the battery first disconnect the negative terminal (black) and then the positive terminal (red).
2. Clean the outside of the battery with a mild detergent and remove any corrosion from the terminals and connections of the wire harnesses to be greased with a certain lubricant.
3. Store the battery in a location above freezing point.
4. Then consider charging your battery regularly with a slow charger. Some smart chargers will automatically charge as soon as they detect a voltage lower than usual. This way the battery never runs out of power ... good for its overall life.

TYRES

1. Inflate tires to normal pressure
2. Motorcycle on center stand, place foam under the tires. Thus, the tires are not deformed.
3. If possible, keep the tires off the ground: insert a small wooden plank, use a workshop stand.

APPEARANCE

• Spray vinyl and rubber parts with a rubber protector,
• Spray unpainted surfaces with anti-corrosion coating,
• Coating painted surfaces with automotive wax,
• Lubrication of all bearings and lubrication points.

OPERATION TO BE PERFORMED DURING STORAGE

Charge the battery once a month at the specified overcharge rate (amps). The typical charging value varies from motorcycle to motorcycle, but is around 1A x 5 hours.

The “Optimized” charger costs only 50 euros and avoids the need to change the battery at the end of winter, because if it is completely discharged for too long, it can no longer hold a charge after that, even when recharging. The battery can also hold a charge, but can no longer provide sufficient power and therefore the power needed during startup. In short, a charger is a small investment that rewards quickly.

METHOD FOR RETURN TO SERVICE

• Clean the motorcycle completely.
• Return the battery.

NOTE: Be careful to connect the positive terminal first and then the negative terminal.

• Place the spark plugs. Crank the engine several times by placing the transmission in top gear and turning the rear wheel. Place the spark plugs.
• Drain engine oil completely. Install a new oil filter and fill the engine with new oil as described in this manual.
• Check tire pressure, pump to set correct pressure
• Lubricate all points indicated in this manual.