With winter swiftly approaching and temperatures dropping, it's the perfect time to start planning for your motorcycle storage. Keep reading this post by Cam Synthetics in Concord for everything you need to know.
Successfully Storing Your Motorcycle
Riding in cold weather can be thrilling and exciting, but late fall and winter can bring temperatures where it gets too chilly to ride comfortably and even safely. That's why it's a good idea to be prepared to store your motorcycle in the right way and ensure it will be ready once spring arrives. Use the following tips to get started in no time.
The best way to keep your motorcycle in top shape is to have a reliable maintenance routine. For advice on the best products for its engine, call Cam Synthetics at (704) 791-6900, and one of their oil pros will be happy to help you out. Also, don't forget you can place your order in AMSOIL's online shop 24/7.
Store It in the Right Space
Motorcycle storage doesn't have to be complicated. While places like dealerships usually offer storage in the winter, it's also possible to store it safely in your garage. Dealerships and professional motorcycle storage spaces usually offer complete services that include perfect temperature, preparation for winter, and specialists that check it frequently to ensure it's in the best operating condition for picking it up. That said, it's also possible to store it safely at home. Choose a dark space that isn't too humid, for example, an area in your garage far away from windows, to avoid light and humidity that can damage your motorcycle's paint job and cause condensation that can harm its components.
Change Your Engine Oil
Now that you've picked the perfect spot for its storage, it's time to change its engine oil. Storing your motorcycle with old oil can be detrimental to its components as oil will break down and become sludge, damaging its components. The best way to prevent this is to get an oil change before putting it away for the season. While you're at it, it's also a good time to change its oil filter. Lastly, a light oil coating of your engine's internals can help you prevent rust caused by moisture.
Fill Up Your Fuel Tank
Filling your fuel tank is also essential before putting your motorcycle in storage. It might sound counterintuitive to fill a tank you won't use anytime soon, but leaving your motorcycle's tank empty while in storage can lead to condensation, which could rust your bike's internal components. Preventing this is easy, just fill up your tank before storing your bike and mix in a fuel stabilizer to help it keep its properties. This way, once spring rolls in again, your motorcycle will be ready to roll.
Removing your motorcycle's battery is a great way to ensure it doesn't lose its charge and die out while in storage. There are two options to keep your battery in top condition:
Use a battery tender: Connecting your battery to a tender will help keep it charged and in perfect condition when you take your bike out of storage.
Charge the battery from time to time: This option is helpful if your bike is stored somewhere easily accessible and if you have the time to attend to this task.
Both are excellent options, so choose the one that works best to ensure you'll have a functional battery when spring comes.
Give It a Wash
Our last motorcycle storage tip is to wash it before putting it away. Getting rid of moisture and debris is the best way to ensure your bike won't get damaged in storage. This will also help prevent corrosion. Once you're done washing it, give it a good wax to help shield it from moisture on its surface. Next, spray its exhaust with WD40 to help prevent rust, and use an exhaust plug to avoid bugs and critters from making your bike their home for the winter. Lastly, cover it with a bike cover to keep it clean and protect it from scratches.
We hope these motorcycle storage tips help you keep it safe this coming season. If you have more questions, call Cam Synthetics at (704) 791-6900, and don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online shop to see their full range of products.