If you're looking to save money on after-storage motorcycle repairs, it all starts with proper preparation in the late fall months. Before you put your bike up for the winter, take some time to do some preventative maintenance and care. The attention you give your bike now may save you some costly repairs when you bring it back out for the summer. Here's a look at some of the things you should do.
Get a Tune Up
One of the most common reasons a bike won't start up in the spring is because it needed a tune up in the fall and didn't get it. When you schedule a tune up for your bike, the technician will go over all of the key components to ensure that everything is in good condition. Then, he or she will change out the oil and the transmission fluid for you.
When you flush the oil and replace the filter, it eliminates any particles that were in the oil pan. Particles can come from dirt in the engine, metal shavings and other debris. If you don't have the oil and filter changed, those particles will stick to the bottom of the oil pan.
Another important consideration is the air filter. Replace a dirty air filter with a fresh, clean one, then make sure to seal the air box. If you don't seal it tight, it could become home to rodents. Finally, the technician will replace the spark plugs and wires, then lubricate the cables and chain for weather protection.
Top Off the Fuel
The worst thing you could do for your bike before storage is to let the fuel tank run low. Temperature changes throughout the season can result in condensation forming in the air inside the tank, which can contaminate the fuel. Opt for a non-ethanol gas, then add a fuel stabilizer to the tank so that the gasoline doesn't gum up the fuel lines. Run the bike for about fifteen minutes at an idle after you add the stabilizer so it circulates properly.
Preserve Your Battery
It's always best to remove the battery from the bike completely before storing the motorcycle, because otherwise the cold weather will drain it. You don't want to have the battery end up drained of power by the time spring arrives, so it's in your best interest to connect it to a trickle charger at home when you store your bike. Call a local bike mechanic, like Supreme Motorsports 1, if you have further questions.
Share3 September 2015
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