Advice on getting the bike parked/winter ready

[Tigerlea]

Not sure this should be here or under General Bike chat... but as some could be considered maintenance, I thought here a good bet!

I've never owned a bike over the winter months so I have no idea how to get the bike ready. Additionally, I don't own a garage, nor do I have access to one. I have a little paved drive where I'm hoping my bike will be safe from the elements... ish.

So, with that knowledge, and knowing there is no way I'm going to get on a bike over the winter months so I'll be parking it until Spring.. what should I do to get it ready/safe/in a good state ready to be parked up for an unknown length of time..?

Any advice will be massively appreciated. Thank you!

PS ~ yes, I did search through the forums.. didn't really help.. soz.

[UnknownStuntm...]

Bike cover, acf-50, fuel stabiliser. Shouldn't crumble to bits with that lot. If the bike is on concrete, try and put something under the tyres too (wood or stiff cardboard if you can't find anything else), but make sure it's stable. I'd go and start it once every couple weeks and let it warm up too.

[linuxyeti]

Not riding it at all? Blimey?? Ok, well, I'm sure others will chip in, on your paved drive, can you not get something like this ...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorbike-Waterproof-Storage-Shelter-Tent-Black-Protection-Security-/222283001820?hash=item33c1196fdc:g:FxUAAOSwNRdYAqqA

Give the bike a good clean, then lube as and where needed, then cover anywhere appropriate with acf-50, or at the very least WD40/GT350.

Also, disconnect, or even remove the battery, and put it on a trickle charge, as the cold/prolonged inactivity will do the battery no good at all.

Personally, if I wasn't going to ride in the wet/snow/ice, I would get the cover, and ride it on dry days at least ...
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[grr666]

Can you store vehicles at big yellow storage type places?
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[NJD]

[UnknownStuntm...]

[Shinigami]

[chris-red]

I wouldn't bother with fuel stabilizer, if you can get it off the tyres do, (center/abba stand) take the battery inside. Throw some ACF50 at it and put a decent cover over it.
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[Bloggsy]

Park the bike up and get it winter ready,ride the bloody thing that's what it is designed for, in 50 years of riding I have never put a bike into hibernation for the winter.

[Pigeon]

If you do get a cover, whats the wind like where you are?
By that, I mean bike covers increase the surface area of your bike without increase its weight. Wind catches it and boom the bike goes over.

If you're in a protected spot, or can tie things down then that would help.

ACF50, fill the tank with fuel, lube the chain well with oil (to avoid finding it covered in rust). Secure it well from thieves and wind. Remove battery and put it on charge every couple of weeks.

There is no law says you must rest your bike over winter, but equally none to say you must ride. Stating the obvious a bit there.

[Nobby the Bastard]

[NJD]

[pdg]

I have the same problem every year toward the end of spring.

Riding in summer is just shit - it's hot, sweaty, too bright and there's all these horrible 'bikers' out getting in my fucking way.

Definitely don't ride your bike over winter, you'll ruin it for me.
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Any and all advice given should not be followed - if you have to ask it means you don't know so get a man in to do it for you.

[Nobby the Bastard]

[pdg]

[Nobby the Bastard]

I think I found the explanation.

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=4374884&highlight=#4374884
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[ScaredyCat]

Get it serviced, or service yourself it before you put it away. Don't go starting it every few weeks there's no point, in fact it's a bad idea. Put an optimate on it. Fill it up with fuel. ACF-50 it.

If it's staying outdoors and you're putting a cover on it make sure it wont rub on the paintwork when the wind picks up. You could bubble wrap to protect the areas where it would rub, or use something else.
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[Tigerlea]

[Nobby the Bastard]

[Tigerlea]

[kgm]

I would:

-fresh oil change
-brim the tank and add stabliser. Alternatively remove and drain the tank and keep it indoors.
-remove battery and stick on trickle charger
-Thorough clean and cover in ACF50 (apply with a brush and avoid brake disks)
-Ensure all pivot points are lubricated
-Put it on a stand if possible (tyres can develop slight flat spots if they sit still on a hard surface for prolonged periods) or put something softer under the tyres.
-block up any open ports with a rag
-put a decent cover over it.
-I wouldn't start it unless I was actually going to ride it.

I have a CX500 that was sitting in a garage for 30 years untouched. Basically all of the above had been done in some variation (grease rather than ACF50 - what a bugger to clean off) and it's absolutely immaculate considering.

That said I have never taken a bike off the road for the winter but that will be changing with my CX500 - it's old I don't want to salt it. The newer bikes can suffer that.