Prepping Your Vehicle for Storage: Motorcycle

For the final entry this April, our blog is finishing up our series on prepping vehicles for storage. The last two entries have been spent discussing the preparation of a car or other automobile for long term storage. While summer is not traditionally the season to be storing your bike, there may be extenuating circumstances that have you rolling your baby into storage. If so, here are the steps to address.

Clean, Clean, Clean

Give your bike a good wash down. Letting bug juices or water spots or any other gunk sit can cause your finish to corrode. After washing and letting it dry, add wax to create a barrier that moisture and rust will have a harder time breaking through.

Battery Tending

Check the fluid level on your battery, if able. If the battery acid is low, that can be the cause of shorts and is caused by neglect. If you have a ‘maintenance free’ battery than the upkeep needed will be a battery maintenance system just as a battery tender. Hooking your bike battery up to one of these will keep it as fresh as possible.

Fuel System & Oil

This can differ depending on what fuel system your bike uses. First fill your gas tank completely and treat it to a fuel additive. If you use this type of additive regularly, nothing to worry about, however if you don’t then you’ll want to take your bike out for a spin and get that additive thoroughly throughout your fuel system. The best preparation for carbureted fuel systems is to run a fuel treatment and drain the carburetors. Replace your oil and filter before storing.

Prop your bike up on its center or paddock stands to prevent your bike tires from going flat while it is sitting, throw a cover over it and you’re about as good to go as you can be!