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Winter has officially arrivedΒ and with it comesΒ weather conditions which make motorcycling bothΒ veryΒ difficult and more dangerous than usual.Β Due to this, many keen motorcyclists choose to pack their bike up over winterΒ andΒ leave it in storage until the weather grows warmer again.Β This is a sensible solution to theΒ inconvenience ofΒ the unpredictable British elements.Β Β
There areΒ a number ofΒ factors to consider whenΒ storing your bike.Β Between inflating the tyres,Β tending to its various fluids,Β andΒ plugging any gaps in the body,Β itβsΒ notΒ quiteΒ as simple asΒ lockingΒ your bikeΒ in the shed andΒ getting it out when spring arrives.Β Β
Here, we outline some tips for storing yourΒ motorcycleΒ over winter to ensure it remains in peak condition.Β Β
Prepare your bike for storageΒ
To ensure your motorcycle remains in optimal condition through the harsher months, itβs crucial to carry out a few maintenance tasks.Β These includeΒ a thorough clean, the application ofΒ anΒ anti-corrosion sprayΒ to any areas of exposed metalΒ andΒ regreasingΒ any cables or linksΒ if needed.Β Β
Itβs advised to remove the bikeβs battery and store it in a warm place, to prevent it from dying.Β After removingΒ the battery,Β brim the fuel tank and change the oil.Β Prevent damp in the exhaust pipe or other gaps from which air could escape, by stuffingΒ itΒ with old rags.Β Finally inflate your tyres slightly more than necessary,Β as this will help them keep their shape while not in use.Β Β
Find the best storage spotΒ Β
Your motorcycle will remain in the best condition if you store it inside.Β An enclosed shed or garageΒ will do the job,Β preventing it fromΒ being damaged by the cold or damp.Β However, even though itβs stored inside, itβs essential toΒ cover your bike to protect it from dust and condensation.Β A motorbike cover would be ideal, but if you donβt have one available, a few old blankets willΒ suffice.Β Ensure you store the bike away from any windows, as exposure to sunlight can damage its paint.Β
Itβs importantΒ to take precautions against theft of your motorbike, as it would be costly to replace.Β Ensure your shed and garage locks securely andΒ consider installing a burglar alarm if youβve not already done so.Β Motorbike insurance will protect you against theft and damage, so itβs well worth investing in a good policy.Β
SuspendΒ your bikeΒ Β
Your bikeβs tyres can become flat if itβs unused for a long period of time. This canΒ partly beΒ prevented by overinflating the tyres, however,Β theΒ best way toΒ keep them in good nick is toΒ lift the bike off the ground.Β You can use paddock stands to suspend it in the air orΒ if you donβt have access to those,Β place an old piece of carpet between the tyre and the ground, so thatΒ less pressure is placed on the tyre.Β If you opt for the carpet method, remember to rotate the wheels every few weeks.Β Β