How do I prepare my motorcycle for winter storage?

Question

For my Shadow 600. Aside from turning off the gas, do I need to do anything? Disconnect the battery? I probably won't ride it for about three months. And this is in Dallas, so I'm not planning on any freezing weather. Thanks.

Answer 1

Wash the bike thoroughly to remove any residue that might harm the finish.
Wax bike.
Pour the correct amount of gas stabilizer in the tank and fill the tank to the brim with fresh gas. Run the engine a few minutes to get the stabilizer in to the whole fuel system to prevent varnish.
Change oil to remove any trace of moisture.
Remove air filter, pull spark plug wires off and crank starter while spraying fogging oil into intake. That will coat cylinder walls and prevent rust.
I recommend propping bike up so tires do not touch the ground.
A cover is a good idea but even an old blanket will help If you have a shed to put it in. I keep a bunch of mothballs under mine in a box to keep the mice away or they will chew up the wiring.....

Answer 2

Fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Start the engine and let it run about 5 minutes. This will get the fuel with the stabilizer in the entire fuel system. Fill the tank again. A full tank has no room for condensation. I like to change the oil before putting my bike into storage, other people do that when they take it out . Wash the bike and lube every grease fitting. Change the fork oil. That should do it. I change the fluids before storing the bike. That way it is ready to ride on the first warm day of spring. If you can, get the wheels off the floor.

Answer 3

I like to change the oil and remove the battery. Keep that battery warm and charge it once a month, otherwise you end up buying a new battery almost every year. If you have a liquid coolant, test it and make sure it's still good for low temp. Some people get gas stabilizer, I don't and have never had a big problem with old gas.

Answer 4

Well first off fuel stabilizer is for my Car, not my bike. It does not get cold enough in Texas to put that bike away, at least not in Houston where I ride. Get yourself a good set of ski pants, thermals and heated gloves, keep riding bro, keep riding.

But if you do, remember one thing, today's fuel is made with a 10% mixture of ethanol, which does not store very well. Check with your dealship as to what fuel stabilizer will work with this new fuel. I saw at the local Honda Shop that it is not wise to let this new blend sit in the bike for more than 2 weeks as problems will start to raise its ugly head for you.

Personally I think corn belongs on my plate, not in my tank.

Keep the rubber side down and RIDE!

Answer 5

here is the answer you need!!!!
I am in Buffalo NY. i have been riding for over 15 years and this is what i do and no problems/.
pull the battery out and bring it in where it is warm..ie basement will work.. put a trickle charger on it every couple of weeks. fill the gas tank up a little fuel stablizer and you are set. it has worked all the years for me

Answer 6

Make sure you put fuel stabilizer in it! Remove the battery, place on center stand, make sure the fuel tank is full, change the oil before storing it, and after (leaving old oil in allows particulate to settle, and the fresh oil will be contaminated once to pour it in).

Answer 7

change oil and filter for fresh oil. run it for a bit before storing.
change coolant and bleed system.
top up tank to fully full and seal (put cap on tight)
put up on centre stand, or if there isnt one, invest in some wheel-off-ground- stands for both ends
cover bike
store under cover, a shed is the best bet

Answer 8

Just follow the directions -
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maintenance/motorcyclewinterstorage.htm
Don't pay any mind that this article is for "winter" storage.

Answer 9

coat all metal and chrome parts with a good paste wax,
buff in the spring, it retards rust

Answer 10

put it in garage!