Don’t Let Winter Storage Wreck Springtime Fun

  • Published
  • By Jimmy Lide
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As we motorcycle riders prepare for the upcoming months of winter, I would like to share a short story that could have ended in a different, tragic way.

Last summer, I was working the 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. shift as a police officer for a large city in Alabama. After getting ready for work, I got onto my motorcycle as I had done many times in the past.

I departed my residence and headed toward Interstate 65 for the 12-mile ride to work. After leaving the apartment complex I was living in, I realized that I had forgot a piece of gear that I would need for duty. I turned around and started back to the house.

As I sat at a red light less than a mile from my home, a motorist sitting beside me at the light got my attention and pointed out that my front tire appeared to be low on air. Once I got back to my residence, I conducted what should have been done prior to ever getting on the motorcycle, an inspection.

As I inspected the front tire, I discovered that the tire was not low on air, it was completely flat. The tire had dry rotted during storage and I had failed to perform a proper inspection on the motorcycle. I was fortunate that this did not end tragically for me and my family.

What are the lessons that can be taken away from this situation? For those of us who place our motorcycles into some type of storage during the offseason, there is some preparation that should take place and once the motorcycle is removed from storage it is paramount that all riders perform a thorough post-storage inspection.

Additionally all riders should be performing pre-ride inspections. Listed below you will find steps to take prior to placing your motorcycle in storage for the winter/rainy season.

· Prepare the engine for storage. Perform oil and filter changes to help preserve your engine.

· Protect your fuel delivery. Turn off petcock and drain bowl by screw or run engine until it dies. Fill tank with gas and treat with a manufacturer-recommended fuel stabilizer.

· If storing the bike for more than six month, consider protecting rings and pistons by removing the spark plugs and placing a tablespoon of oil in each cylinder, ground ignition leads and turn engine several times to spread the oil, then replace spark plugs.

· To protect the exhaust, apply a WD40 or a similar product inside of the pipes to keep moisture out and prevent the pipes from rusting. Additionally, cover the opening with something to prevent water and animals from entering.

· Attach a battery tender to your battery to keep it charged.

· Ensure the motorcycle is clean when placing it in storage. Dirt and grime can damage the bike cosmetically and mechanically.

· Consider changing your brake fluid and hydraulic clutch fluid.
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Unload the suspension by using a center stand if equipped. If not, consider using blocks to prop the motorcycle. This alleviates stress on the suspension and tires.

Proper storage of your motorcycle may prevent costly repair bills when you are ready to ride. More importantly, it may be the difference between a safe enjoyable ride and a tragedy.

Once removing your motorcycle from storage, conduct a thorough inspection. Have it done professionally if you do not have the knowledge and always inspect your equipment prior to each outing. Live to ride another day.