Motorcycles operated at our latitude should expect to take a few months off from driving each year. Before sending off for a “winter sleep”, you need to carefully consider the winterization options for your motorcycle so that it can be taken out and started without problems, and so that it can ride without problems in the new season.
Unfortunately, winter is a time when many thieves operate. All vehicles are often parked in "groups" and criminals look for opportunities to make bulk "seizures". Thus, it is possible that a “two-wheeled” friend left parked until spring will be subject to unlawful actions. Also, owners do not need to be reminded of the detrimental effects of winter weather and temperature on parked motorcycles. How to protect your vehicle?
Outdoor parking or garage
This is definitely the worst way to store a motorcycle in winter, although, unfortunately, you can see a considerable number of snow-covered cars in parking lots. In this case, the motorcycle receives a serious impact, incomparably more dangerous than thousands of kilometers in motion. If the owner is forced to leave it to spend the winter in such conditions, then you need to take care of the necessary minimum.
A thick case will do, which will take the first blows of the weather. It would be good if it was a ventilated shell under which moisture would not accumulate. Another important detail is theft protection, preferably several, but at least one chain anchor permanently attached to the ground.
If it is not possible to take the entire motorcycle home, you should at least bring the battery. In the spring, there may be some problems with the motorcycle, so you need to at least have a working starter battery.
Preservation of the car body, components and assemblies for a long time
To reliably preserve a car in a garage, you need to pay attention to all the details; some need to be dismantled and brought indoors. Let's take a closer look at each stage of the conservation process.
Preparing the body for wintering
Preparing the car body for winter:
send your car to a professional wash; carry out anti-corrosion treatment of the body, paying special attention to the bottom of the car and hard-to-reach parts. It is better to perform this procedure at a service station, it is more reliable; Auto wax or special preservative protective liquids are suitable for processing; chrome surfaces must be coated with grease; All rubbing parts need to be lubricated; when storing in a garage, do not close the car windows tightly, leave a gap of 10 mm, then condensation will not settle on the metal in the cabin; remove the floor mats or roll them up
Thick rubber blocks the access of air and there is always increased humidity under the rugs. The floor of the car must be open and well ventilated; to loosen the tension of the shock absorbers and springs, the car must be placed on stands; stands are also placed under the pendant. The wheels will be in the middle position, the suspension will be set to neutral for the winter; for winter the tires need to be lowered a little; Disconnect the shock absorbers and secure the lower ends of the rods tightly.
The body is ready for winter, let's start preserving the engine.
Preparing the engine for winter
What work needs to be done for the winter:
- It is not necessary to fill the spark plug cylinders with engine oil. For three-month storage, a sufficient amount of corrosion inhibitor is added to any good motor oil;
- We seal the air filter (at all joints) and close the inlet pipes with electrical tape, oiled paper or tape;
- it is also necessary to seal the air intake pipe, the oil filler neck and the oil dipstick;
- Be sure to close the exhaust pipe.
Advice. If the pipe is closed with a wooden plug and oil paper, it will be difficult to remove it in the spring.
You need to wipe all the wires and cover the holes in the covers of the brake and clutch hydraulic reservoirs with tape. It is also necessary to seal the cooling system tank.
Preservation of the car power system
Please pay attention to important details:
- You need to completely drain the fuel tank. Ideally, the tank should be removed, washed, and then reinstalled and refilled with fuel to the fullest; this is expensive, but will reliably protect the tank from corrosion;
- to compensate for the pressure in a full tank, install a drainage tube;
- You also need to lubricate the gas tank cap;
- remove and bleed the carburetor and fuel pump. If we leave the tank empty, then it is better to remove the fuel pump altogether.
For the winter, it is safer to remove the carburetor and store it separately. The carburetor channels are narrow and can become tightly clogged when wet.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=GbQJVkibrr0
Storage of electrical equipment and units
A normal working battery can be left in a cold garage; there is no need to remove it. What else needs to be done:
- It is advisable to wipe the case with ammonia or soda solution - this increases the resistance and the self-discharge of the battery is reduced.
- the terminals need to be cleaned and lubricated, but not with oil, but with grease;
- remove the terminal (to minus), disconnecting the ground, be sure to lubricate the disconnected input pin with oil;
- seal the breathers in the gearbox and rear axle with tape or tape
- remove the brake drums - you need to clean the belt and treat it well with graphite lubricant.
It is better to store old batteries in the house, recharging them regularly as needed. The remaining units of the machine will quietly overwinter under the protection of regular oil.
Underground parking or heated garage
A private garage with a working radiator, where you can maintain a constant neutral temperature, is a much better option than wintering under a tent or in the open air.
All you need is a soft, breathable cover that keeps dust out. However, it is a luxury that a small group of motorcyclists can expect. The vast majority will choose underground garages, often sharing one space with several other cars.
This option also seems good - the cars are kept warm. However, the underground garage has its dark side. First of all, the continuous movement of cars generates a large amount of pollution, so the motorcycle must be tightly closed. Moreover, underground garages are the places where 2-wheeled vehicles are most often stolen. This can be avoided. This will require reliable security, including fastening to concrete. In addition, although this is good and probably expensive insurance, unfortunately, there is no 100% method against determined thieves.
Another thing to keep in mind when renting an underground garage space is that there are plenty of end-of-season rental sharing deals online, on motorcycle forums and in BK groups. Owners should approach them with extreme caution and never leave a car with someone you don't know or doubt their integrity. There is no need to describe the mechanism of potential crimes associated with storing someone else’s car - it is trivial.
Self Storage Errors
When storing a motorcycle at home, many owners make a number of mistakes that negatively affect its condition. These include:
- storing the bike in a room with unstable temperatures. Their frequent changes can lead to the formation of condensation on the surfaces of parts and mechanisms, which, in turn, becomes the cause of rapidly developing corrosion. In addition, temperature fluctuations negatively affect the condition of the rubber;
- lack of preliminary preparation. If you store a motorcycle in “as is” condition, its metal surfaces can soon become covered with rust, and its leather and plastic elements can become covered with a network of small cracks. To avoid this, you should use special preservative compounds;
- lack of ongoing control. To prevent possible troubles, you should periodically monitor the storage process, inflate wheels, treat (if necessary) metal surfaces, etc.
If you need seasonal storage of a motorcycle or other motorcycle equipment in Moscow for the winter or off-season, we will professionally solve your problem. For this:
- leave a request or contact us by phone to find out prices for storing a motorcycle in winter;
- deliver the equipment to the school’s covered area and enter into a storage agreement;
- pick up your motorcycle with the onset of the summer season or use it while completing training.
House or apartment
Although it sounds like something from outer space, the Internet is full of photos posted by motorcyclists who proudly display their cars as part of their winter home decor. If the "iron horse" is quite young, without leaks, it should not emit any obvious odors. Of course, the low-key aroma of gasoline is something that motorcyclists really enjoy, but it can cause problems with other family members.
There may also be some difficulties in delivering the motorcycle to the upper floors if the elevator is not of sufficient size.
Engine treatment
Many experienced car enthusiasts monitor the condition of the internal surfaces of the cylinders. To avoid corrosion in the inside of the motor, do the following:
- unscrew the spark plugs;
- add approximately 50 grams of oil to each cylinder;
- rotate the crankshaft using the starter;
- re-screw the spark plugs.
To prevent water from entering the engine, the hole in the air filter or exhaust pipe can be covered with tape or an oil-soaked cloth.
Technical fluids must be in the containers intended for them and filled completely. Antifreeze or antifreeze must be added to the engine cooling system. It is recommended to drain the water from the washer reservoir and remove it from the windshield wiper hoses.
Warehouses - motorcycle showrooms and services
According to experts, this is the best way for winter recreation for all motorcycles that do not have access to a private heated garage. Cars for wintering are a constant offer at almost all car dealerships, as well as a large group of motorcycle services. The biggest advantage of this solution is the almost complete peace of mind of the owner. The car is stored in a heated and, importantly, insured premises with protection and control - the owner does not need to worry.
Another advantage of this solution, especially in the case of motorcycle services, is the possibility of commissioning a complete service of the machine. Contrary to popular belief, motorcyclists do not fall asleep in winter. By providing them with a vehicle to store, owners can rest assured that they will take care of the condition of the battery and carry out a comprehensive check in the spring.
You can also ask for a full service with fluid and filter changes, which is definitely a very good idea. Thanks to this, in the new season, trips will begin on a fully serviceable and prepared motorcycle.
Storage and winter storage services are, of course, paid services that will always be more expensive than random places you find on your own. However, given the nature of the motorcycles, their high cost coupled with the ease of theft and the need for periodic maintenance, it is a valuable investment that will see owners repaid within the next season.
Stages of motorcycle preservation
The conservation procedure involves a number of actions, which, to save time and money, are best done in the following sequence:
- Cleaning. Before starting work, the motorcycle must be washed using a purchased product or body cleaning wipes. Its composition allows you to remove dirt and grease, which may contain moisture. It is better not to use any household detergents, as they can damage the surfaces. After bathing procedures, the bike should be dried using dry, clean rags or roll napkins. It is important to rinse everything not only on top, but also on the inside. All possible parts that can be reached must be wiped with special wipes.
- Installation. First, you need to place the motorcycle in a stable position: put it on the stand, and then put something under it and the front wheel to reliably hold the scooter in place. It is advisable to hang the motorcycle to relieve the load on the shock absorbers, forks and wheels. The bike must stand stable, it must rest on the stands, but not on the wheels.
- Wheels. Tire tubes need to be inflated to 3.5 kg/s. This pressure will protect the rubber during frost and prevent it from cracking.
- Metal parts. It is important to lubricate all steel and iron parts and surfaces with a universal aerosol, which removes moisture, cleans, and helps prevent and “treat” corrosion. A popular product on the domestic market is WD-40.
- Rubber parts. To ensure safety and prevent damage, all rubber parts of the motorcycle must be lubricated with silicone grease.
- Chain. Like all parts, it must first be cleaned, and then a thick layer of oil must be applied for lubrication.
- Engine oil. To preserve the engine, prevent corrosion and reduce gasoline consumption, you need to change the old oil in the spring. It is important to wipe the walls of the container to remove sediment and fill in high-quality oil, since over time, stationary cold oil releases lower fractions that settle at the bottom of the crankcase and can block the passages of the lubrication system and oil filter. Also, exhaust gas bubbles dissolved in oil cause active corrosion processes on metal parts in contact with such oil.
- Spark plugs, cylinders. If you have a domestic bike, the motorcyclist has quick access to spark plugs. For preservation, this is useful in that you can add 5 ml of oil to the cylinders to protect the pistons throughout the winter. If you have the opportunity to “check” the motorcycle 2-3 times a month, it is recommended to simply turn the pistons several times using the kick starter leg or the starter.
- Gas tank. Gasoline is a material whose shelf life expires one month after production. When preserving a metal gas tank, it is important to understand that an empty tank is more likely to rust than a tank that is filled to the brim. In the case of a plastic tank, it is not necessary to fill it, because frost will not harm it. It is only important to lubricate it with silicone when accessing from the outside.
- Run. After filling the gas tank to the brim and adding oil, you need to start the engine and let it warm up. The running mechanism will allow oil, lubricants and aerosols to cover the surfaces of the treated areas.
- Frame. Apply car body wax polish or regular lubricant to all metal surfaces. For plastic surfaces, it is better to use a special plastic polish.
- Make plugs. Exhaust pipes and spark plug holes are covered with rags or polyethylene to prevent moisture from entering.
- Case. Its use depends on the condition of the motorcycle garage - if it is a dry, well-ventilated room, then a cover can be used to prevent a couple of drops from falling or dust from settling. In the case where the garage has not been insulated, is in constant dampness and takes a long time to dry, by covering the vehicle with a cover, you can create a mini-greenhouse, which will only contribute to the formation of rust. Also, polyethylene coatings with high levels of moisture can stick to the coating and peel off along with the paint.
At this point, conservation can be considered complete. It is important to remember about the iron horse during the cold period of the year, especially if the snow begins to melt - this can prevent the flooding of personal belongings and protect the insides of the bike from rotting.
Rescue from rodents
It’s clear that when preserving motorcycles for the winter, we must not forget about electrics and electronics. One missing contact in the spring can seriously complicate the life of a motorcyclist. Therefore, it is better to treat all easily accessible connectors and terminals with an appropriate product - Liqui Moly Electronic-Spray is an option. The composition successfully fights the formed oxides on the contacts, displaces moisture and protects the metal from corrosion - ideal!
In addition, not only corrosion, but also small rodents can damage the wiring. To protect against them, special chemistry has also been developed - some products kill rats and mice, others (for example, Liqui Moly Marder-Schutz-Spray) help repel them, making the storage object uninteresting for these animals. Of course, the latter option is more practical.
Winter prices
The cost always varies. It all depends on the storage conditions, period and the company itself. When registering, an agreement is always drawn up and several documents and acts are required to be filled out. Basically, prices start from 1500 rubles. For large models the cost starts from 2800 rubles. for the entire season. Storage in a warm, protected box is better for the condition of the equipment and more reliable for the owner.
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Container
Another convenient and interesting storage method can be a regular 5-ton container. They are easy to buy in the city, the cost does not exceed 1 thousand USD, and installation will require the services of a crane operator and a trawl. In fact, you can install it anywhere, and you will not be forced to demolish it, since it is not real estate. On the other hand, if there are tensions with local governments, you can always move your property. The container has a convenient height and width; it can be additionally sheathed with wood, install shelves, or even supply electricity to it. By adding a secure lock, you will get a convenient place to store your motorcycle at a very reasonable price.
Photo gallery
Preserving motorcycle equipment for the winter, although not a complicated procedure, still requires due attention. In our small photo selection, we will look at how this is done in different parts of the world.
4). Prepare the fuel system
Fill the tank with gasoline until the tank is full so that there is almost no air in it, as condensation may appear there and the tank will gradually begin to rust. Add fuel stabilizer to gasoline. Before the new season, it is better to drain this “old” gasoline and refuel with new one.
7). Check antifreeze
If you will be storing your motorcycle in a place where temperatures may drop below zero, be sure to check the antifreeze level in the cooling system. It is very important! If you fill it with water, you may find a cracked cylinder block when you come to pick up your bike in the spring!
