Motorcycle Winter Storage?

Question

Hi, I just got a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R and I just want to know how to store it properly for the winter when it comes. I have a shed in my back yard but its moist there all year around and I don't want the motorcycle to rust, it happened to my sisters bike.Just need a few tips on how to store it properly. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

That's nice, considering the 09's aren't even out yet.

Answer 2

Here is a winter storage guide -

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maintenan...

Answer 3

First, wash and wax your bike.  This will help avoid rust

Fill the fuel tank full.  Add a product called Sta-bil to the fuel.  Run the engine a few minutes so the Sta-Bil gets into the carburetors.  The full fuel tank will reduce condensation in the fuel tank so it doesn't rust on the inside.  The Sta-Bil will keep the fuel from going bad and avoid gunk from forming inside the carburetors.

Change the oil and filter.

Remove the spark plugs and add no more than 1 ounce of motor oil to each cylinder.  Install the spark plugs but not the wires. Spin the engine over a short time to distribute the oil inside the cylinders.  Re-install the spark plug wires.

Lube the chain.

Remove the battery.  Store it in a safe place inside your house.

Get a good motorcycle cover.  This will help keep it clean and dry in your storage shed.

In the spring:

Install the battery

Lube the chain

Check the tire pressure

Check the air filters

Fire it up and enjoy.

Answer 4

Living room.  You want whats best for it, right?

Answer 5

All of the tips are good but how extreme you get depends on what region you are in. I you expect 30 below 0 on the regular go all out. If you are talking about some 10 to 20 degree nights here and there for 2 or 3 months then you may not need to be so extreme as removing plugs and adding oil to cylinders.

Unhook your battery. If you can, hook it back up and ride around your block every 2 weeks to keep the charge in the battery up. If you can't ride it, you may need to get a trickle charger.

Yes fill the tank and add sta-bil. Although I've never done it, I guess it works. Whatever amount of gas is in there from the last time I rode it is what's in there the next time I ride. 93 Octane.

Cover it with a tarp. I know they have those moisture shield motorcycle covers that are specially formulated to keep moisture out so you should be fine. I can't imagine a motorcycle rusting over in one winter unless you're in the tundra.