Winterize It !
If you live in the north, chances are you've parked your
machine for the season ! Even if the weather's not that cold
where you live, the problems caused by not winterizing your
bike have more to do with the amount of time the bike is
sitting, than the actual temperature.
Most spring running problems come from failure to properly
store the bike for winter ! While you're indoors celebrating
the holidays, don't forget about your bike ! Is your battery
draining out it's last volts, while last October's fuel is
varnishing & clogging your bike's carbs or injectors ?
Here are some tips for keeping your bike
running right for your first ride.
Fuel
Fuel stabilizer can be purchased at most auto or motorcycle shops.
Fill the tank according to the instructions on the container, then
run the stabilized fuel through the system. Turn the petcock off,
and run the bike until it stumbles from lack of fuel, then use the
choke to run it completely dry. Most of the running problems & carb
overhauls in springtime can be avoided by just spending 15 minutes to
do this !
Oil
While the engine is still warm, drain the oil and remove the
filter. Once the oil is drained replace the drain plug, add fresh oil,
fill a new stock oil filter half way to the top with oil and install it.
Now that you've got fresh oil in the engine, don't start your bike !
The moisture and acids that are the by-products of
combustion will contaminate your new oil and can cause
corrosion during the months ahead.
Battery
Avoid having to buy a new battery at the start of riding
season ! Take it out now and store it where it's warm and
well ventilated if possable. What about charging ? Don't use an
auto battery charger, they'll shorten the life of AGM batteries
from over charging. I'd recommend a Battery Tender Jr.The
advantage of the Battery Tender is that you can leave it plugged in,
and it automatically maintains the optimal charge all winter, just
like the way an alternator charges it.
Tires
Last, don't forget about the effect of cold on your tires !
When the temperature drops so does tire pressure, which causes
flat spots and dry rot ! Take the weight off both tires if at all
possable.And make sure to check your tire pressure before your
first spring ride.