When you’re ready to ride…will your bike be?
Diamondback Bobbers readers have suggested several tips for winterizing your air cooled motorcycle. Following are the most reader suggested winter storage tips to be assured that your motorcycle is ready to run when the spring riding season arrives.
- Drain Oil and remove oil filter. Check for any visual leaks. Clean area around oil drain plug and oil filter mount. Re-install oil drain plug and new oil filter. Fill oil level to engine and motorcycle manufactures’ recommended oil levels.
- Locate and clean all lubrication fittings and oil points. Lubricate bearings (motorcycle chain if applicable) and oil chassis per motorcycle manufactures’ recommendations.
- Check Front & Rear axles for any signs of grease leaks and loose nuts. If there are no visible grease leaks, adjust final belt/chain drive for proper tension and re-torque rear & front axles per motorcycle manufactures’ recommendations.
- Inflate your motorcycle tires per motorcycle tire manufactures’ recommendations to the maximum pounds per square inch (psi). If you have air shocks, follow the same instructions.
- Fill the motorcycle’s gas tank to maximum to displace any air any time the motorcycle will sit for an extended period. If parking or storing the motorcycle without running it for more than 6 weeks, place a fuel stabilizer into the tank before filling it to the rim. If the motorcycle will be parked or stored for more than 3 months, drain a half-cup of fuel from the bottom of the tank (or enough to remove any standing water), and top off the top of the tank with the required amount of fresh gasoline every 3 months.
- Remove the battery and inspect it for any abrasions, possible signs of cracking or spider webbing and corrosion. If you have an unsealed battery that allows you to check and fill the fluid level, fill per motorcycle battery manufactures’ recommendations.
- Keep the motorcycle battery on a battery tender or charge the motorcycle battery once per month. Use caution and be careful not to overcharge the motorcycle battery.
- Wash and clean the entire motorcycle, wheels and tires thoroughly. Wax all painted surfaces. Polish all chrome. Dress the tires with a conditioning tire dressing. Dress leather items with a leather cleaner and preservative.
- Get your motorcycle tires off the concrete! Park the motorcycle on a neoprene runner or sheet of plywood. The neoprene or plywood will help preserve the tires from dry rot.
- Plug the exhaust pipes with cotton rags or another alternative material. This will keep bugs, spiders and small rodents out of your motorcycle exhaust system. As dumb as it may sound, take the exhaust plugs out prior to attempting to start the engine.
As a precautionary measure, Diamondback Bobbers always recommends reading and understanding your motorcycle owner’s manual. Consult with your motorcycle manufactures’ authorized dealer if you have any questions whatsoever.
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