Previous Ride Tips can be found here
We were recently asked how we store our bikes for the winter and I wanted to touch upon this.
We live in Florida so for us we do not actually store our bikes for any lengthy period of time. We do however let them sit during the colder months with little or no activity.
So if you are like us and your motorcycle only sits for a short period of time (say 3 months or less) with little or no activity we recommend the following:
- Place the motorcycle on a battery tender.
- Make sure your fuel tank is full.
- Once a week disconnect the battery tender and start the motorcycle (let it run for about 15 minutes).
- Move the motorcycle forward or backwards a little.
- Shut the motorcycle off.
- Reconnect the battery tender.
If however you live in an environment where you are going to be storing the bike and do not wish to do any weekly maintenance on it we recommend:
- Top off or even change all your fluids.
- Make sure you fuel tank is full.
- Place your batter on a battery tender (this can be done with it installed or not installed on the bike).
- Lift your motorcycle off the floor if at all possible so that the tires are not sitting on the floor.
- Wash/Clean your motorcycle.
- If you have a chain drive then lubricate it, if belt inspect the belt in case you need to order a new one before riding it again.
- Put caps over your exhaust or place a rag in the opening of the pipes (this prevents something from making a home in your exhaust pipes).
- Place a cover over your motorcycle to keep dust and other dirt off it while being stored.
When it is time to bring your motorcycle out of storage, be sure to inspect the tires, belts, chains, oil levels, brake pads, etc. before starting it. Then start the bike and let it run for about 15 minutes before riding.
Ride Hard, Ride Safe, and enjoy the journey.
