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Bike storage over winter

Discussion in 'Tech Help' started by SumGuy, May 23, 2015.

  1. SumGuy
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    SumGuy Member

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    Hi all

    Just wondering what advice I should follow for storing my bike over winter. At the moment I only have a cover over it and was thinking of starting it about once a month. I'm not sure that will be good enough and am wondering whether I should invest in a front and rear stand (to protect the tyres) and a trickle charger rather than turning it over every 4 weeks.

    Appreciate any advice.

    Thanks.
     
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  2. lucifer_mr2
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    lucifer_mr2 Veteran Member Veteran Member Supporter

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    Get it serviced before you put it away, if it isn't due just do an oil change. Raise the wheel off the ground, or put the tyres to max pressure. Trickle chargers are great, flat batteries chemically die. Don't start it unless you are ready to ride. Starting it up and idling isn't good for it.
    Apart from that, not much else really. Bikes aren't that fragile.
     
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  3. Humptey
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    Humptey Member Supporter

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    You've pretty much nailed it. And what Lucifer said. Turning it over has a lot less to do with battery maintenance and a lot more to do with getting fluids moving around and making sure all the rubbery bits don't dry out and crack. You still want a trickle charger, they're a minimal cost, supercheap have them for around $20 (or maybe i got mine on special).
     
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  4. Yedi
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    Yedi Guest

    Alternatively, harden up and just ride it :p
     
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  5. SumGuy
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    SumGuy Member

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    I was betting on at least one comment like that! [emoji6]
     
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  6. davo231481
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    davo231481 Member

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    I'm sure you'll get a few more. Nothing more refreshing than a blast in the frigid wastelands of winter riding.
     
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  7. Jimmc
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    Jimmc Member

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    Hi Greg, I would say yes to the stands and trickle charger and as far as starting it I would be doing it weekly or fortnightly. With my car when it is left for a few weeks or longer the tyres have flat areas for the first few ks.
     
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  8. Yedi
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    Yedi Guest

    Yeah, just couldn't help myself :D
    Seriously though, this is on the money :thumbsup:
     
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  9. Gosling1
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    Gosling1 Forum Whore of Death Veteran Member Supporter

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    if the bike is being laid-up for 6 months - its worth draining the fuel and keeping it for the mower. Anything less than 6 months - don't bother. All the other advice above is on the money :up
     
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  10. SumGuy
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    SumGuy Member

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    Thanks fellas. Appreciate that.
     
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  11. Epona
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    I'm sure you must have a valid reason for not riding in the winter... If not then the winter months are wonderful for riding. The days are crisp and clear it puts a whole different perspective on the landscape... It's a truly beautiful time of year to be out on two wheels... Just saying. :)
     
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  12. SJM
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    SJM Member

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    Wouldn't it be better to fill the tank to avoid rust. maybe fill with premium
     
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  13. SumGuy
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    SumGuy Member

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    Not a bad point. I recall getting rust in the tank of a bike I didn't use for a while and it was close to empty. That said, owners manual suggests draining tank and clearing fuel lines for storage, but doesn't give guidance on length of storage.
     
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  14. SJM
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  15. Gosling1
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    Gosling1 Forum Whore of Death Veteran Member Supporter

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    we live in one of the driest countries on the planet, in a town with humidity readings that over winter - are drier than a nun's nasty.

    Rust is not and has never been a problem in Canberra - yes, on the coast with its humidity and salty air - rust is a problem. But not here. Tanks can be drained and left dry - as long as they are stored inside a shed, then there will not be any issues with rust at all

    :cool:
     
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  16. supamodel
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    supamodel Secret Aaaaaagent Man Staff Member Moderator Supporter

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    ... and some modern bikes have plastic fuel tanks. WOO. Don't think a Ninja 1K is one, but that'll become more common in the quest for lightness.
     
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  17. Gosling1
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    Gosling1 Forum Whore of Death Veteran Member Supporter

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    that stuff is great for marine engines - especially for water in the fuel systems - and diesel motors. For bike/car motors in short periods of storage - its basically a waste of money....

    The only time I would consider using stuff like that - is for long-term storage if the bike/car was being kept in a shed for 2-3 years - say for an overseas posting or something like that :ridgy
     
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  18. Jonda500
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    Jonda500 New Member

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    +1 It is bad for your bike to start it if you're not going to ride it! To lubricate the seals etc. it's far better to turn it over without starting it - if you don't have a kickstarter maybe you could use the starter motor with the kill switch off and then recharge the battery?
     
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  19. Gosling1
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    Gosling1 Forum Whore of Death Veteran Member Supporter

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    no kill switch = no power to the starter motor. The only way to do what you describe - is to pull all the plug leads off the bike so it cranks over but does not start. This doesn't really do anything to help the motor during long periods of inactivity.....if the oil stays cold, it will just lead to cold oil being circulated through the motor.

    Better to leave it alone completely until you are ready to start riding it again regularly.

    :cool:
     
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  20. supamodel
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    supamodel Secret Aaaaaagent Man Staff Member Moderator Supporter

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    ... except some Hondas.

    But yeah, in general, you need plug leads off to do that. PITA. Bike won't die sitting around for a couple of months not being turned over.
     
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