How to store your motorcycle

Multiple factors can militate against that regular weekend ride and, as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Let's say you work a five-day week. On Saturday there are lawns to be mowed and kids to be taken to football or basketball. You save Sundays for a ride with your mates. But it doesn't always work out. Other commitments, terrible weather, or even mechanical maladies can interfere with the ideal world. Before you know it, you've missed three consecutive rides.

Battery charging systems
It doesn't take long for a motorcycle battery to go flat. So the first obvious accessory you need is a trickle charging system. That way, while the bike sits idle in the garage, shed, or in the front room, at least it's battery is being kept healthy for the time when you do get around to that Sunday ride. Alternatively, you can remove the battery and keep it on a charging device. If you are never planning to leave the machine more than three or four weeks between rides, you can fit a switch that disconnects the battery. But it will still lose charge over a longer period, so the trickle charge approach is smarter.

Motorcycle covers
If you need to store your motorcycle for more than a few weeks, it is probably worth thinking about one of the latest high-tech covers. Some have a double skin, which means you can store your bike outside. You actually ride the bike into the fully enclosed bubble. The more expensive systems even come with a battery charger and backup power should the mains fail.

Motorcycle stands
Front and rear stands which will keep the tyres off the ground are also a good investment and they make working on the bike - if you are that way inclined - so much easier.

Fuel and fluids
It is also a sensible idea to buy a fuel additive to stop whatever petrol is left in the tank losing several points of octane rating. Alternatively, run the fuel level low and refill the tank before the next ride. You may even want to consider changing the engine oil and brake fluid before the bike is placed in storage.

Get your motor running
Ideally, you should take the machine for a good ride at least once a month. Do a complete visual check. Then use a tune gauge to check both tyres. Lubricate the chain. Warm the engine for a minute or so before taking off. Open the throttle slightly so it is running at about 1500 rpm, which will warm the engine more rapidly without incurring excessive dry-start wear. Then try to ride at least 20 or 30 kilometres. Allow close to 20 km for everything to warm up nicely, then run the engine up to higher rpm to make sure the spark plugs aren't fouling. Make sure you use the brakes gently and then a bit harder.

Before you return the motorcycle to storage, make sure it is dry and clean. Then relax until next time.

Source: JUST BIKES, September 2010, Issue #255