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It's
that
time
of
year
when
we
must
face
the
inevitability
of
(sigh)
putting
our
beloved
freedom
machines
away
for
the
winter.
Here
are
a
few
tips
that
will
ensure
your
bike
is
ready
to
go
at
the
first
sign
of
Spring.
Storing
your
motorcycle
properly
during
the
winter
months
may
just
help
you
safeguard
against
needing
to
get
your
bike
serviced
for
something
that
may
have
been
avoidable.
Decide
where
you’re
going
to
store
your
motorcycle
Ask
your
dealer
if
they
have
a
storage
program.
If
they
do,
you’re
in
luck
because
they’ll
often
prep
and
store
it
for
you
over
the
winter,
and
make
sure
it’s
ready
to
ride
in
the
spring.
If
you
prefer
to
store
it
yourself,
you’ll
need
a
spot
that
is
dry
and
not
in
the
way
of
your
day-to-day
activities.
Also
consider
storing
it
away
from
windows
so
that
condensation
is
less
likely
to
occur,
and
the
paint
and
plastic
components
don’t
fade
from
the
sun.
Change
the
oil
Even
if
it’s
not
due
to
be
changed,
have
the
oil
drained
and
replaced.
Dirty
oil
contains
nasty
by-products
that
are
corrosive
to
your
bike’s
inner
metal
surfaces.
While
you’re
at
it,
change
the
filter
too,
that
way
you’ll
be
ready
to
ride
come
spring.
Fill
‘er
up
Fill
your
tank
with
gas
and
add
a
fuel
stabilizer.
Filling
up
is
important
in
minimizing
the
condensation
of
water
vapour
on
the
inside
of
your
tank,
which
in
turn
can
rust
your
tank.
The
fuel
stabilizer
on
the
other
hand
helps
to
curtail
the
gumming
up
of
fuel
lines,
carburetors,
injectors
and
other
parts,
and
keeps
the
gas
in
your
tank
good
until
the
spring
(gasoline
breaks
down
over
time).
Run
your
bike
a
few
minutes
so
that
everything
is
mixed
well.
Drain
the
carburetor
If
your
bike
is
carburetted,
drain
it
and
any
of
the
fuel
lines
of
any
leftover
gasoline.
Sediments
found
in
fuel
can
clog
up
the
lines
while
old
fuel
can
start
to
break
down
and
cause
a
gummy,
harmful
varnish
to
appear.
Remove
the
battery,
or
attach
a
battery
tender
When
not
in
use,
batteries
will
lose
their
charge
over
time.
So
if
you
choose
to
remove
the
battery
entirely
from
your
motorcycle,
store
it
in
a
warm
dry
place.
Alternately,
you
keep
the
battery
in
the
bike
but
attach
a
battery
tender.
A
battery
tender
keeps
your
battery
charged
without
overcharging
because
it
turns
itself
off
and
on.
Clean
and
wax
your
motorcycle
Cleaning
your
bike
before
putting
it
away
for
the
winter
isn’t
about
making
it
looking
good
while
not
in
use,
it’s
about
keeping
it
looking
good
for
years
to
come.
Remove
all
road
grime,
grease,
tar,
stains
and
bugs
from
painted
surfaces,
chromed
components,
leather
and
wheels.
Then
dry
it
thoroughly
and
wax
it.
Waxing
will
act
as
a
barrier
against
rust
and
moisture
and
will
protect
your
finish
from
fading.
Check
your
tire
pressure
As
it
gets
colder,
tires
tend
to
lose
their
pressure.
So
before
putting
your
motorcycle
into
storage,
make
sure
your
tires
are
inflated
to
their
maximum
recommend
pressure.
This
will
discourage
the
appearance
of
flat
spots
on
your
tires,
as
will
moving
the
bike
around
every
couple
of
weeks,
so
it
is
not
sitting
on
the
same
tire
spots
all
winter
long.
As
well,
avoid
having
the
tires
in
direct
contact
of
extreme
cold.
For
example,
if
you’re
storing
your
motorcycle
in
a
garage,
park
the
bike
on
top
of
a
wood
board.
This
will
protect
the
rubber
from
cracking
or
rotting.
Cover
your
motorcycle
Whether
storing
your
bike
outdoors,
in
a
garage,
or
indoors
invest
in
a
quality,
cover
to
keep
your
bike
safe
from
the
elements.
Cover
materials
should
be
breathable
so
that
condensation
doesn’t
occur,
but
if
you’re
storing
your
bike
outdoors
it
should
be
waterproof
as
well.
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M
&
S
Harley-Davidson
160
Falling
Spring
Road
Chambersburg,
PA
17202
www.msharleydavidson.com
Click
here
for
store
hours
and
map.
To
subscribe
to
this
newsletter,
click
here.
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