Winter Is Coming

Sitting here in sunny Western Australia, it’s easy to forget that some parts of the world get a bit cold and damp during winter. If you’re in one of those areas, where winter is bearing down, it is likely your motorcycle is going to be parked up for an extended period of time. It’s also no secret a lot of you grey nomads will leave the bike in the shed whilst you migrate North for the winter so here’s what you need to know before you head off.

Fuel Stabiliser:

A petrol additive to stabilise the fuel is a good idea. We can argue until the cows come home on the quality of petrol in Australia but, for a few dollars, it is good insurance to add a fuel stabiliser to your tank prior to parking up the bike. It will prohibit oxidation and binds with water to protect against rust and corrosion. Once you’ve added a stabiliser, be sure to run the engine for a while to get the treated fuel
down into the injectors.

Leave The Fuel Tank And System Full:

Speaking of injectors, most of you reading this will be riding fuel injected motorcycles. There hasn't been a proper motorcycle released with a carburetor since the last century. If you do possess a motorcycle with a carburetor we can be confident you know your way around the motorcycle and probably stopped reading this way before now. For the rest of you, please keep your tank full of fuel. It will
help prevent corrosion and and the fuel injection will be primed for when it comes time to start the bike again. And avoid unnecessary starts during a lay off. They are not needed and nothing wears an engine like cold starts.

Battery Tender:

Invest in a good battery tender, it will pay for itself in the first year and you’ll have a good healthy spin when you get back to your bike. It is good practise to hook a tender up whenever you’re away from the bike. A good battery tender will deliver periodic bursts of high voltage, low current charge to the battery to dislodge sulphate deposits on the plates which will aid longevity of the battery.

Change Your Oil, But Not Just Yet:

If you’re reading this, we’re guessing you are onto your maintenance and the oil in your bike is fine, insofar as it is topped up and changed regularly. Leave it for now, but it will need to be changed after a long period of no use as the oil may attract moisture and we all know oil and water do not mix. Whilst on oil, don’t forget to lube the chain!

Wax And Cover:

Again, this is not just for periods of extended lay-up, but your motorcycle should have a good layer of protectant at all times. A good quality wax will keep your painted, chromed and plastic surfaces looking new. Remember also, when it’s cold and wet outside, there are few pleasures greater than toiling away on your motorcycle in a warm, dry environment.

Lastly, a bike cover will protect your investment from dust, when indoors and the elements when outside. Nothing will destroy a motorcycle quicker than the Australian sun so make sure you have it covered at all times. It also adds a level of security if your bike is visible to passersby.