7
7-3
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
Storage
Short-term
Long-term
NOTICE
Always store your motorcycle in a cool,
dry place and, if necessary, protect it
against dust with a porous cover.
Storing the motorcycle in a poorly
ventilated room or covering it with
a tarp, while it is still wet, will allow
water and humidity to seep in and
cause rust.
To prevent corrosion, avoid damp
cellars, stables (because of the
presence of ammonia) and areas
where strong chemicals are stored.
Before storing your motorcycle for
several months:
1.
2.
3.
Follow all the instructions in the “Care”
section of this chapter.
Fill up the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer
(if available) to prevent the fuel tank from
rusting and the fuel from deteriorating.
Perform the following steps to protect the
cylinder, piston rings, etc. from corrosion.
a.
b.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Lubricate all control cables and the
pivoting points of all levers and pedals
as well as of the sidestand/centerstand.
Check and, if necessary, correct the tire
air pressure, and then lift the
motorcycle so that both of its wheels
are off the ground. Alternatively, turn
the wheels a little every month in order
to prevent the tires from becoming
degraded in one spot.
Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic
bag to prevent moisture from entering
it.
Remove the battery and fully charge it.
Store it in a cool, dry place and charge
it once a month. Do not store the battery
in an excessively cold or warm place
[less than 0 °C or more than 30°C]. For
more information on storing the battery,
see page 6-20.
Remove the spark plug cap and spark
plug.
Pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into
the spark plug bore.
c.
d.
e.
Install the spark plug cap onto the
spark plug, and then place the
spark plug on the cylinder head so
that the electrodes are grounded.
(This will limit sparking during the
next step.)
Turn the engine over several
times with the starter. (This will
coat the cylinder wall with oil.)
Remove the spark plug cap from
the spark plug, and then install the
spark plug and the spark plug cap.
WARNING
To prevent damage or injury from
sparking, make sure to ground the
spark plug electrodes while turning
the engine over.
TIP
Make any necessary repairs before
storing the motorcycle.
