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Tech Tips‎ > ‎

Winter Storage

When storing your motorcycle there are some important steps that should be taken to prevent damage and costly repairs.

Fuel System:

If your motorcycle has a plastic fuel tank remove all fuel from the tank. This can be done by removing the tank and dumping the fuel or removing the fuel line and opening the fuel petcock. If draining through the petcock; make sure a storage container is at the end of the fuel line.

If your motorcycle has a metal tank add a fuel stabilizer and top off the tank completely. This will prevent moisture build-up causing rust on the inside of the tank.  If filling you tank be sure to run the motorcycle with the fuel stabilizer for a few minutes to insure the rest of the fuel system has fuel with stabilizer. For carbureted motorcycles it is a good idea to drain the carburetor(s) of fuel.  Once the bike will be back in use I prefer to drain the fuel tank and use the fuel in a vehicle with a large tank that is not as demanding of the fuel (like my truck or lawnmower).  * Note if the fuel has gone bad or if there is any question on the quality of the fuel properly dispose of it at your local hazardous waste receptacle (it is usually free). Old fuel can cause damage to vehicles and we are not liable for fuel related damage.

Draining the carburetor(s) is fairly easy. Most carburetors have a drain screw on the bottom of the float bowl.  Use the correct sized flat blade screwdriver to turn the screw counter clockwise, be sure not to remove the screw all the way out. You should see fuel escaping out of the bottom of the carburetor, once this stops turn the screw clockwise until it seats.  Some carburetors (mostly off-road and ATV's) will have a hex bolt at the bottom of the float bowl. Remove the bolt and reinstall once fuel is drained.   Use caution not to touch the air mixture screw or the idle screw.  The photos below show a few examples, the red arrow points to the drain.

 
 
 
 

When working with gasoline be sure you are in a well ventilated area, it is disposed of correctly and avoid prolong contact with skin and eyes.  

 

Cooling system:

When storing a motorcycle in an environment that may drop below freezing make sure your cooling system (on liquid cooled bikes) is not only topped off, but also the coolant is able to handle the temperatures it will   be exposed to.  If your coolant is over 2 years old it is a good idea to change it.  DO NOT USE AUTOMOTIVE COOLANTS!!!  Automotive coolants use chemicals that will damage a motorcycle cooling system.  The biggest one being silicates. Silicates are used in automotive antifreeze to prevent corrosion similar to the possess of sandblasting rusted parts (it can also be used as a media for media blasting), the motorcycle cooling system is too small and delicate to handle them.

 

Engine and Transmission:

· Over time Engine/ Transmission oils become dirty, collect moisture and change the pH level. Always change your oil before storage, old and dirty oil can cause major engine and transmission damage even when sitting.

  • Remove the spark plug(s) and spray fogging oil down each cyilinder.  With spark plug(s) removed, crank over engine for a few secconds.  Next re-install the spark plugs.  This step will protect the inside of your engine from mosture and corrotion as well as help the lubrication system in the next start-up (after storage).

· Never use automotive oils in your motorcycles!  Most motorcycles share fluid with their engine, transition and clutch. Automotive oils are not able to handle the shearing that takes place in a transmission; they contain friction modifiers that will damage your clutch as well as they are not designed to handle motorcycle engines. I know, I know, good motorcycle oils are expensive; but luckily they don't require much oil and it if far less expensive the repairs using the wrong oils led to.

If you wish for your chain to last the winter it is a good idea to use a good chain lube like Dumonde Tech, PJ1 also makes a chain lube that is good.

Controls: 

· All Cables should be lubed before storage.  Use a cable lube tool to lube the cables, I have found that the product Chain Wax works well. 

A good quality tool will make the difference between lubing your cables or  garage floor.  The tool below have two set screw allowing even pressure, made out of quality aluminum that will not flex.

 

 

Battery:

· Remove Battery

· If possible, place battery in a climate controlled environment.

· A battery maintaining device (such as a battery tender) should be used.  This will prevent sulfating condition and keep the battery charged.  A standard trickle charger will not be sufficient, they can over charge the battery and do not provide any protection for the battery.

  Intake and Exhaust:

  • Cover openings such as exhaust tips and intakes to prevent small rodents, insects and foreign objects from entering the engine. Plastic bags held inplace with rubber bands work well.  Rubber plugs (found at the hardware store) do a great job covering the exhaust tips.

If you have any questions at all please feel free to give us a call at 509.474.1456 or email at info@stexmotorsports.com

Don't forget to always use shop safety procedures and common sense.  DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICE TO YOUR MOTORCYCLE THAT YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED FOR, COULD RESULT IN INJURY, DEATH OR DAMAGE TO YOUR MOTORCYCLE.  The above information is for entertainment purposes, STEX Motorsports LLC. and associates cannot be held responsible for improper servicing.  Please use common sense so our lawyers don't ask us to remove this and any other technical information.