Tech tip #2: Winter storage and maintenance of motorcycles
October means that the motorcycle season is more or less over, and winter storage of your motorcycle is just around the corner. Before putting it away, there are some maintenance tasks that are worth doing. This will help ensure that your motorcycle is ready to go when spring comes.
-Central maintenance points:
- Degrease and wash the bike with car shampoo. Remember to dry it afterwards. If you have a small compressor with a hose and blow tip, it might be a good idea to blow out water/moisture from the switches on the handlebars and other parts connected to the electrical system, such as multi-connectors, plug caps, etc. Using electrospray on the aforementioned points afterwards contributes to good contact at the current-carrying point, and acts as an anti-irritant. If you give the bike a round of polish, it will protect the paintwork.
- A simple service with replacement of air filter, oil and oil filter is recommended. If the spark plugs are old, they and the plug caps should also be replaced. Old plug caps develop resistance (ohms), and can reduce the strength of the spark at the spark plug.
- Change brake fluid every 2 years. Due to its hygroscopic properties, it attracts moisture, which reduces the fluid's properties. Also check the wear of the brake pads, and replace them if they have reached the wear mark.
- MC that is liquid-cooled should be checked for freezing point and level in the expansion tank.
- If you have a motorcycle chain, it should be cleaned, lubricated and adjusted for tightness. If your bike has a cardan shaft, it is okay to change the cardan shaft oil.
- Moving parts and cables should be lubricated with oil. If your bike has grease nipples, use a grease gun and fill with suitable grease.
- Remove the battery and charge it with a maintenance charge. Use a charger that is suitable for the battery type on your motorcycle. The battery should be stored in a dry and cool place.
- To avoid rust in the fuel tank, it should be filled completely.
- Finally, park the bike on the center stand. If your motorcycle lacks a center stand, a depot stand or motorcycle jack can be a good solution. It is an advantage that the tires do not stand with the weight of the bike as a load on the ground throughout the winter because this can lead to "flat" spots on the tires that cause height loss. Measure the tread depth and check the tire tread and tire sidewall for any damage.
