Difference between revisions of "Winterizing your Motorcycle"

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# Check the antifreeze - If you are going to be storing your bike in a cold environment make sure to check the antifreeze.  It's possible the cylinder heads could crack or the water pumps burst if someone has replaced it with lower than a 50% glycol anti freeze(most likely straight water). You can normally buy an antifreeze tester at an auto parts store, they normally consist of a bulb attached to a tube, and if enough balls float then your antifreeze is good.
# Check the antifreeze - If you are going to be storing your bike in a cold environment make sure to check the antifreeze.  It's possible the cylinder heads could crack or the water pumps burst if someone has replaced it with lower than a 50% glycol anti freeze(most likely straight water). You can normally buy an antifreeze tester at an auto parts store, they normally consist of a bulb attached to a tube, and if enough balls float then your antifreeze is good.
# Clean your machine - Your machine should be cleaned thoroughly. Use conventional car wash or whatever you typically use to clean your ride. The chain should be cleaned, lubed and adjusted as needed. Metal polish can be used on the exhaust pipes and chromed metal parts. A good wax job is recommended on plastics and tank. Clutch cables and alike can be lubed.
# Clean your machine - Your machine should be cleaned thoroughly. Use conventional car wash or whatever you typically use to clean your ride. The chain should be cleaned, lubed and adjusted as needed. Metal polish can be used on the exhaust pipes and chromed metal parts. A good wax job is recommended on plastics and tank. Clutch cables and alike can be lubed.
# Secure your machine – Flip the [[petcock|fuel petcock]] to “off”, run switch should be set to “kill” or “stop”, lock the bars, and chain the bike to a fixed object or something that would otherwise be difficult to move. Commercially available chains like Bully and [[Kryptonite]] can be used for this purpose. The chain should ideally be wrapped around the machine’s frame and rear wheel. A brake disk lock can also be used on the front or rear brake rotor. A motorcycle alarm ([[Chatterbox]], [[Scorpio]], etc.) can be used if the battery remains in the machine in storage (see below).
# Secure your machine – Flip the [[petcock|fuel petcock]] to “off”, [[Kill switch|run switch]] should be set to “kill” or “stop”, lock the bars, and chain the bike to a fixed object or something that would otherwise be difficult to move. Commercially available chains like Bully and [[Kryptonite]] can be used for this purpose. The chain should ideally be wrapped around the machine’s frame and rear wheel. A brake disk lock can also be used on the front or rear brake rotor. A motorcycle alarm ([[Chatterbox]], [[Scorpio]], etc.) can be used if the battery remains in the machine in storage (see below).
# Battery power - Remove the battery if the bike is in a relatively cold environment for storage. You don't want the battery to freeze; it's a costly replacement. An automatic charger/maintainer [[Battery Tender]] is ideal; it keeps the battery unit in tip-top, The advantage of the Battery Tender is that you can leave it plugged in, and it automatically maintains the optimal charge all winter. Some Battery Tender units come with cable assemblies that allow you to maintain the battery without removing the battery from the actual machine.  
# Battery power - Remove the battery if the bike is in a relatively cold environment for storage. You don't want the battery to freeze; it's a costly replacement. An automatic charger/maintainer [[Battery Tender]] is ideal; it keeps the battery unit in tip-top, The advantage of the Battery Tender is that you can leave it plugged in, and it automatically maintains the optimal charge all winter. Some Battery Tender units come with cable assemblies that allow you to maintain the battery without removing the battery from the actual machine.  
# Get some lift - If your machine does not come with a center-stand, get set of race stands; basic sets start at $100. Many self-maintainers use them to help with chain adjustments and oil changes. Putting your bike on stands during periods of inactivity will protect expensive tires from flat spotting and warping. Additionally, moisture on the ground can be trapped beneath the tire and can corrode the rubber compounds.
# Get some lift - If your machine does not come with a center-stand, get set of race stands; basic sets start at $100. Many self-maintainers use them to help with chain adjustments and oil changes. Putting your bike on stands during periods of inactivity will protect expensive tires from flat spotting and warping. Additionally, moisture on the ground can be trapped beneath the tire and can corrode the rubber compounds.

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