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Australia has a great climate for motorcycling – year-round warm weather and little rain. But this doesn’t mean you can get away without annual maintenance – what riders in colder climes call winterizing. So take advantage of rainy days to make sure your motorcycle is ready for that perfect riding weather. Here’s how!
Change the Oil and Filter
If you are planning to put your motorcycle in storage for a limited time, then change the oil and filter. There is some online debate about whether to change the oil and filter before storage or after you remove the bike from storage.
Change It Before Storage, And Here’s Why.
Engine operation produces combustion by-products, such as moisture and acids. Those harmful by-products can cause problems if they’re left in your engine during storage. Moisture can lead to rust formation on engine parts. Once rust starts to form, it doesn’t stop. When you fire up the engine again, rust particles can flake off into the oil and scour bearings and other parts during operation, leading to wear.
Likewise, acids in the oil can cause problems. Acids corrode metal, which can lead to engine wear and, eventually, failure. It’s best to drain used oil from the engine before storage to prevent these potential headaches.
Here’s a fun fact: motor oil doesn’t naturally resist rust formation. Instead, special additives must be added to the formulation to guard against rust. Not all motor oils contain enough rust inhibitors for storage, which is why it’s best to use a properly formulated oil specifically made for motorcycles.
By the way, AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil contains rust inhibitors for maximum protection all season and every season. Watch the video for tips on changing oil in a Harley-Davidson.
Stabilize the Fuel
While we’d all be doomed without oxygen, too much of it has a negative effect on gasoline. Over time, gasoline oxidizes and breaks down. That simply means oxygen molecules alter the gasoline’s chemistry (think of a cut apple turning brown). Oxidized fuel forms varnish, gums and insoluble debris that can clog tiny fuel passages in the carburettor and fuel system. This can lead to hard-starting and poor operation when you get back on the road – assuming the engine starts.
Use a gasoline stabilizer to fight oxidation. A good stabilizer resists oxidation to keep fuel fresh. If storing longer than four months, add Gasoline Stabilizer prior to the final outing of the season to ensure complete distribution throughout the fuel system.
Maintain the Battery
There are a couple of ways to maintain the battery. You can remove it from the bike and store it where it will be safe from the weather, like a basement or garage. Make sure to store it off the ground.
You can also leave the battery in the bike. Whichever works best, be sure to attach a trickle charger to the battery. It automatically maintains the optimal charge throughout the storage period. That way your bike will fire up right when you’re ready.
Wash And Dry the Motorcycle
Wash all the dirt, dust and bugs from the bike before storing it for the season. Use a mild soap and a sponge. A brush works well for wheel spokes but avoid using a stiff brush to clean areas where you might scratch the finish. Rinse and dry with a clean cloth or chamois.
Avoid getting water into the pipes. If you do, start the bike and run it until warm to evaporate accumulated water.
Cover And Store
Once the bike is dry, cover it with a quality dust cover, even if stored indoors. You can also block the pipes with rags or dryer sheets to deter mice or other pests from colonizing the exhaust pipes. Just remember to remove them before starting the bike.