ALT-1 How to Winterize a Motorcycle
Winterizing amotorcycleis as tedious as mowing the yard, doing the laundry, or hosing the boat. Never the less, winterizing can be a fun experience, or perhaps just a good use of idle time. Whether you're storing a lightning fast Suzuki Hayabusa, or packing away the Harley Roadster, properly winterizing a motorcycle is key. Here are a few short steps to consider, that will assist you when storing a motorcycle over the winter.
Step 1 -Hand Wash
Hand wash yourmotorcyclewith warm soapy water. Be sure to remove all insect debris, brake dust, and dirt. Towel dry the motorcycle once it has been thoroughly scrubbed and rinsed.
Step 2 -Wax On
Now that you're freedom cruiser is shining like a pearl, it's time to wax her for the winter. Using the wax of your choice, apply the wax in accordance with the directions labeled. Make sure that the wax has ample time to penetrate the imperfections, and create a lasting seal on the motorcycles clear-coat. Taking the time to be thorough when buffing, will make the spring-time reveal that much better.
Step 3 -Leather Treatment
Saddle-bags are critical to the functionality, beauty, and individualism of a bike. They too need special attention before the winter hibernation. Saddle-bags can be treated with various leather preserves available in both creams, and oils. When storing a motorcycle with empty saddle-bags, consider using cardboard or a similar material to protect the structure of the bag, and various pockets.
Step 4 -Chrome
Chrome is the metal behind the monster for the motorcycle enthusiast. Who doesn't like to see themselves in the reflections of a cleanly polished, ornately designed trim piece. Treating the chrome accents on your dreamy ride, will help ensure that the precious metals endure the rigors of the road-king. Some enthusiast recommend using aluminum-foil folded over itself to make a polish pad. This is a very effective non-scratch method, that will surely brighten a dulling headlamp assembly.
Step 5 -Gasoline
Hop on your ride for one last cruise before you put her down for winter. Time to hit your favorite gas station!Motorcyclesshould be stored with a full tank of gasoline, and a choice additive. Gas tanks that are left void of gas, tend to draw rust and moisture while sitting. Filling your tank with clean gas, and select additives, will eliminate corrosion and make it easy to start during colder months.
Step 6 -Tires & Wheels
Tires can be the thin line between caution and catastrophe. Even a slight imperfection in the wheels can cause irreparable damage at high speeds. When storing a motorcycle, always check the air-pressure in your tires. If a motorcycle's tire-pressure is low, while sitting for prolonged periods, flat spots and dry-rot (cracking) can occur. Using a common tire shine will help to lubricate the rubber, and define the intricate detail.
Step 7 -Moisture & Humidity
Now that the bike has been thoroughly detailed, and fueled for a cold winter, find the perfect spot to park it. Garages, sheds, and even storage units, are common places to store a novelty of this nature. Place a tarp below the motorcycle to prevent excess moisture absorption. Placing a tarp or cover over the bike is not recommended. Doing this will result in additional humidity, and increase the risk of accidents. Moisture is no friend of motorcycles, and can cause rust in virtually no time.
Step 8 -Battery & Starting
You're almost there! Knowing what to do with a battery prior to winterizing, can save you from having to buy a new one in the spring. Carefully remove the battery terminal connections starting with the negative, or ground wire first. Once the battery has been disconnected, use a wire brush and a can of pop, perhaps Pepsi or Coke, to scrub away any battery acid or other corrosive materials. Don't forget to reconnect the battery after the terminals have been cleaned, so that the motor can be started occasionally over the winter break.
These eight storage steps will surely protect a Harley through rain, sleet, and winter snow. Don't hesitate to winterize your bike or trike well this winter. It will truly pay off by next spring. When it's bye-byePunxsutawney Phil, and hello highway-hog, your bike will be ready to hit the road in style and shape.
