The good weather is back, the first sunny days are shining through, along with your desire to go for a bike ride. You go down to the garage and how would you like to find it? Nice and clean, of course, with all its parts in perfect working order. Then you'd like simply to turn the key and set off. This is a perfectly normal wish, and yet if we really want to find our bike in this condition, and not rusty, its tyres worn and ruined and the battery completely flat, we need to prepare it carefully before we put it to rest for the winter season. Here are the six steps to storing your bike perfectly this winter.
1) General cleaning
A thorough clean prevents dirt from building up, which is not only more difficult to remove later, but also damages the bike's surfaces, oxidizing metal parts and making the paintwork matt and dull. For proper cleaning, it is advisable to use high-pressure washing systems with care, as they may damage seals, oil guards, brakes, and use specific, non-aggressive cleaning products formulated to clean without damaging painted, rubber and chrome parts. In addition to the classic body cleaner, there are special products for cleaning the brakes and the chain.
After washing, the bike must be dried thoroughly: it is important not to store it with any stagnating water or moisture. Start with a soft cloth, then you could use compressed air to reach the most hidden areas. Be aware, however, that there is a danger of pushing air into places it shouldn't reach, for instance in the electrical contacts and between the chain links. The best thing is to warm up the bike properly by taking it for a spin. Once it has cooled down, use a polish specifically designed for bodywork, painted, plastic and metal parts. The effect is not only aesthetic but also protective. Again, there are specific products for various surfaces, paintwork, plastic, rubber and metal.
2) Cleaning the chain
Given that there are multiple types of chains, which are susceptible to rust and dirt to different extents, for on-road and off-road use, maintenance of this part of the transmission is essential. The first thing to do is to clean it thoroughly, together with the pinion and the ring gear, gently, using a special detergent, avoiding jets of pressurised water, metal brushes and solvents or petrol which could ruin any O-rings. It should then be lubricated, again using a specific product, which in addition to ensuring its smooth operation penetrates the mechanical parts and protects them. Carry out these tasks with the bike on its stand, turning the wheel as you go, using the products with the help of a brush and a cloth. It is important that lubrication is complete, that no dry parts remain.
If the final drive is shaft or belt driven, maintenance is not required, so follow the instructions in the operator's manual.
3) Tyre maintenance
If we don't take a few simple precautions, then the tyres could become damaged, in other words the part resting on the ground could become warped, losing the perfect shape of the tyre. The best way to preserve them is to use two stands so that the tyres are not in contact with the ground and therefore weighed down by the weight of the bike. A great solution is to use the central stand, which, in addition to lifting the rear tyre, leaves the front wheel sufficiently unburdened by weight since it is close to the centre of gravity of the bike. If you only have the side stand, the first thing to do is to inflate the tyres a little more than indicated in the operator's manual and periodically change the position of the points in contact with the ground by turning both the front and rear wheels by a few degrees every so often. In any case, check the pressure periodically.
4) Battery maintenance
Leaving the bike stationary tends to reduce the battery charge, albeit slowly, and this is particularly the case with electronic bikes. The best solution is to use a battery maintainer, a device that assesses the condition of the battery and optimises the current output to keep it at its best. It must always be connected. It is important that you choose the right model, not only for a conventional or lithium battery, but also to avoid damaging the electronics of more sophisticated motorcycles. In addition to this, it is a good idea to buy a quality product, both for the duration of the maintainer itself and for safety reasons, since the device needs to be connected to the electricity mains continuously.
If you don't have a garage, another solution is to remove the battery and place it in a dry place and recharge it periodically. Do not allow it to become completely discharged, otherwise it may suffer damage that will affect its performance and durability.
Lastly, attention must be paid to assembly: these days, there are many bikes with sophisticated control units; in general nothing needs to be done, at most the on-board clock will need resetting; in any case, consult the bike operator's manual.
5) The tank
The problem with the tank is the risk of corrosion, which has however been limited to steel models for the last few years. These days, almost all of them have an anti-rust and anti-corrosion treatment. If in doubt, the solution is to keep it completely full to the top, so there are no empty spaces where condensation can occur. Add a stabilising additive to the fuel for added peace of mind.
6) Oil change
An oil and filter change is recommended before winter storage, as the used oil and filter, although still efficient, is rich in carbon and acid residue, which can create deposits and affect the engine, although not in a severe way. New oil has detergent properties and is also protective. To complete the task, we recommend you also change the brake oil.
One last piece of advice
It is a good idea to cover the bike with a dust cover, as long as it is made from breathable material; even if the storage place is not damp, keeping it under a waterproof cover could cause condensation to form. Do not start the bike from time to time unless you take it for a short spin, as this could do more damage than good. And before you set off again, remember to reinstate your insurance cover.
