Properly preparing your motorcycle before storing it for the winter is essential, to prevent costly repairs; rust, corrosion and fuel contamination, to name a few. This should not be attempted by anyone; However, if you are technically capable, a little tool savvy, and take the time to do a little advance planning, following the process below will prevent engine seizure at start-up and ensure you get out in the spring.The First The The most important step in the winterization process is choosing a dry, clean, away from direct sunlight (to prevent UV rays from fading painted surfaces) and safe place to store your motorcycle for the winter months. Remove any chemicals, fertilizers, or other corrosive products from the storage area, as these items emit gases that can deteriorate rubber components and cause surface corrosion on the bicycle. Ideally the storage space should be a heated indoor area, but for most motorcycle enthusiasts, it will probably be in the garage. Once you've found the perfect place to store your bike, place a sheet of plywood on the floor to rest your bike on, as this will help prevent condensation from forming. Now that you have chosen and set up your storage space, you will need to gather all the tools and products needed to complete the winterization process. You will need four to five liters of high-quality engine oil, new oil and air filter, transmission fluid, fuel stabilizer, grease, S100 anti-corrosion spray, a trickle charger or battery holder, leather gloves vinyl, mothballs, steel wool, cleaning products and waxing products. Purchasing a torque wrench if you don't already have one is a great investment as most parts are aluminum and over-tightening will cause serious damage to the threads. At this point, you will need to fill...... half of the paper. ....be covered during storage. Sheets and tarps absorb and trap condensation that leads to rust. Tarps often bond to the painted surface in cold weather, ruining your paint job when removed. It is essential to purchase a specially designed motorcycle cover that is breathable and prevents corrosion by allowing moisture and condensation to escape and allowing for air exchange. Finally, it is neither necessary nor recommended to start the motorcycle engine even for short periods of time during the winter storage months. This may cause condensation to form due to engine combustion resulting from by-products in the oil. If possible, manually move the bicycle periodically during the months of storage to avoid flattening the tires. Simply following all of the steps above will ensure your motorcycle is in peak operating condition come spring, allowing you to hit the open road without costly repairs!
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