Storage of Motorcycle

1. Clean the entire motorcycle thoroughly. Remember, any salt or corrosive contaminant will have a long while to do it's damage if you leave it.
   
2. Run the engine for about five minutes and the drain the engine oil. After prolonged use, the old oil is contaminated with water and acids which are not good for the standing machine.
   
3. Refill the engine with clean oil of the correct grade.
   
4. Empty the fuel tank of petrol. Drain the carbs by running the engine until they are dry. (if fuel is left for long periods of time it can break down and block the jets.)
   
5. Remove the empty fuel tank and put 250 ml of motor oil into it. Roll the tank around to thoroughly coat the inside and then drain off the excess. This applies to mainly steel tanks.
   
6. Remove the spark plugs and spray oil into the cylinders. Turn the engine over several times to distribute it and expel any excess. Engine oil or Redex upper Cylinder Lubricant can be used.
   
7. Reduce the pressure in the tyres by about 20%. If possible mount the motorcycle on a box so that both wheels are off the ground to prevent flat spots on the tyres occurring. If not turn the wheels every month or so.
   
8. Spray or smear oil onto none painted metallic parts. Avoid getting this on rubber components or the brakes. You can use grease, but it is hard to was off and I would only use this if I was running the bike through the winter.
   
9. Lubricate the drive chain and control cables.
   
10. Remove the battery if possible and store in a dry, warm place. Give the battery a slow charge once a month to keep it topped up.
    
11. Remove the exhausts and place them in dry, warm storage. Fill-in the exhaust ports to prevent moisture entering. If you can not remove the exhausts, cover them in a layer of oil and then tie-wrap plastic bags over the ends to stop moisture entering.
    
12. Cover the motorcycle with a plastic sheet to prevent dust and dirt settling on it. Clothe sheets should be avoided as they will get damp and hold the damp against the metal.

1. Refit the exhausts or remove the plastic bags.
   
2. Refit the battery, apply Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) to the connections to prevent corrosion.
   
3. Tighten the spark plugs.
   
4. Refill the fuel tank and prime the carbs.
   
5. Inflate the tyres to normal pressure.
   
6. Check the drive chain is correctly tensioned.
   
7. Test the brakes to make sure they work and return to a free position on release.
   
8. Lubricate nuts, bolts, screws and moving parts.
   
9. Check the Centre and Side stands are free and return to their correct positions.
   
10. Test the lights, indicators if fitted, and horn.
    
11. Check you are still legal, Tax, MOT and Insurance.
    
12. Start-up and suit-up. Drive carefully and stay safe.

1. It is possible to buy a sealed polythene bag to put your bike into, from which you can vacuum the air to prevent damp being a problem. Also silicon crystals are available to soak up the damp, which are placed in the sealed bag.
   
2. Protection from Salt - Scottoiler FS365 Spray:

   Designed for motorbikes, the FS365 spray is a very good corrosion inhibitor. It is specially designed to neutralise the effects of road salt - and in fact it’s special additives become more effective in the presence of salt! It is water-based, so it can penetrate into the smallest spaces. Once it does, it evaporates, leaving the additives behind to protect your bike. The FS365 does wash off in water - so, just reapply after a wet ride. The FS365 comes in a 1-litre spray bottle at about £7-00 to make this very quick and easy. The spray is perfectly safe on all plastics, painted surfaces and composites - and in fact leaves a fantastic shine and makes it much harder for dirt to stick..