There are plenty of reasons why you need to store your Harley Davidson motorcycle. It could be because of winter, maybe it needs repairs and work done
or perhaps you aren’t going to ride for a while and you want it protected from
the elements. Whatever the reason you want to make sure that it is stored
properly to protect it and maintain its quality. Here are a few tips for what
you can do to make sure that your Harley is safe during the winter or any other
time it needs to be put into storage:
1.
Scrub and wash: Never, no
matter how tempting it is do you want to store a dirty bike. That just creates
problems in the long run as it can cause your paint job to corrode and can even
have a long term effect on certain parts. Also make sure that you dry it thoroughly
as well.
2.
Lube, Oil and Change: This won’t
be a fun task but you should change out the filters, oil and make sure that you
lube all moving parts. Letting bad oil and filters sit as well as not lubing
moveable parts can lead to rust, moisture getting into the engine or other
issues.
3.
Gas Tank Preparations: Fill
your gas tank up and use a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas tank from forming
moisture and damaging the fuel pump. Several times stored bikes will have their
pumps actually crack and break causing them to leak which can do serious damage
to a bike if it sits for a long period of time. You also want to make sure that
you have plenty of anti-freeze in your coolant system. You do not want water
freezing in your bike because it will cause cracking when it begins to thaw.
4.
Tires: When tires sit in the
same position for long periods of time they develop flat spots. If you can keep
the tires off of the ground while in storage it will prevent this from
happening. Motorcycle stands are affordable and easy to get. If you cannot get
them then perhaps put down some carpet or something that will keep them from
sitting directly on concrete.
5.
Put a lid on it: Pipes, filters
and anywhere else that is accessible can become home to some unwanted guests.
Plug or cover up where you need to in order to prevent this from happening. This
does not include covering up your bike. Putting a simple cover on it is
important to keep dust off the paint and parts but do not think that a simple
cover alone will protect it.
Obviously there are a few tips you don’t have to follow if you aren’t
storing the motorcycle over the winter or it doesn’t get extremely cold where
you live. However, no matter where you are you want to make sure that you store
your Harley in a spot that is well protected from the elements as well as out
of the way. For example, if you are putting it in the garage make sure it is
not in the center as it could be in the way of cars coming in and out. The less
you have to move a motorcycle in storage the better because you run the risk of
it falling over or a mistake occurring.
