Whether you’re storing your motorcycle in another country while you fly back home for a while, doing winter storage or just parking it for a few months, there are some basic things you should do so that when you’re ready to fire your bike back up again, it actually starts and runs. And if you happen to be planning to leave your bike in another country there are some logistical and legal aspects that you need to consider beforehand - all that on this episode.
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Consider environment - heated is best but be sure to cover the bike and protect from sun to reduce moisture buildup from heating and cooling.
Clean motorcycle very well - dirt substance can corrode metal.
Disconnect and ideally remove battery and put on trickle charger.
Spray protectant on vulnerable surfaces - motorcycle mechanic, Ronn Moffatt, recommends ACF-50 Anti-Corrosion Compound.
Over-inflate tires to max pressure on sidewall - less chance of coming back to flat distorted and possibly damaged tires from being flat.
Insulate tire from concrete if storing on it - prevents dry spots on tires.
Store on centre stand if you have one.
Service and lube chain - those spots will become mass rust if left.
Fuel Tank - fill with high grade fresh fuel.
Fuel Stabilizer - use quality stabilizer - mix to spec - do not oversaturate.
Plug Intake and Exhaust - sign on ignition switch or an obvious place as reminder to remove prior start attempt.
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Smell for nasty odour of animal intrusion.
Smell fuel for varsol or bad fuel odour.
Check machine over carefully looking for problems - cracked or broken lines, chewed wires, leaking, corrosion etc.
Check and inflate tires.
Check brakes - apply brake pressure to ensure closed system.
Check battery terminals for corrosion - clean.
Install battery.
Fire up - when experiencing a difficult start do not crank the starter too long before allowing it to cool.
* From our conversation with BMW certified motorcycle mechanic Ronn Moffatt.
Image: Ronn Moffatt
Show Contributors:
Grant Johnson: Grant is one of the founders of Horizons Unlimited and a regular co-host on our ARR RAW podcast.
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Ronn Moffatt: Ronn is a certified motorcycle mechanic from Peak Power Sports in Barrie, Ontario.