Here’s how it works: mothballing

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Here's how it works: mothballing
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Here’s how it works: mothballing

Mothball the motorcycle
Winter break

If you don’t want to use your motorcycle for some time, for example in winter, you should do a few things beforehand. They protect the material and make it easier to restart.

Klaus Herder

05/10/2009

If you take care of your motorcycle at the end of the season, you don’t have to worry about the first warm rays of sunshine in spring and try to make up for what you have missed in record time or even find that the first permanent damage has already occurred. Preparations for hibernation begin with an extensive vehicle wash.

Instead of using a high-pressure cleaner, which can damage bearings and plug connections, it is better to use a bucket and a sponge. At the same time, you can watch out for paint damage or oil leaks. Important: Rinse with plenty of clear water so that cleaning agent residue does not gnaw into sensitive surfaces over the winter. After it is completely dry, the motorcycle is prepared for the resting phase as described below.

Oil change


Here's how it works: mothballing

The combustion residues in the oil are no longer a problem for today’s engines, and thanks to special additives, aggressive substances no longer form in modern oils, but those who prefer to change the oil and filter (at operating temperature) can do so in spring when the weather is nice take off.

tank


Here's how it works: mothballing

In the case of motorcycles with a steel tank (can be easily clarified using a magnet test), the fuel tank must be full to the brim when parking so that corrosion does not stand a chance. It is best to overwinter aluminum and plastic tanks completely empty. This avoids aging of the fuel, during which the ignitable components can volatilize.

Carburetor


Here's how it works: mothballing

The float chambers of motorcycles fitted with carburettors must be completely emptied so that no deposits can form due to the oxidation of the fuel. In addition, stale fuel becomes extremely unwilling to ignite over time, which would otherwise lead to seemingly endless organ work at the start of the season.

battery


Here's how it works: mothballing

If the machine winters outdoors or if the battery cannot be charged while it is installed, it is removed and stored in a cool, dry place. If you don’t have a special freshness-keeping device, you can charge the battery after removal, during the rest phase and before installation. In the case of lead-acid batteries, top up with distilled water up to the max mark. Maintenance-free (MF) batteries must not be opened.

Frost protection


Here's how it works: mothballing

If the machine is outside or in an unheated room over the winter, then safe frost protection must be ensured with water-cooled motors. Sufficient antifreeze in the coolant prevents damage to lines and engines.

chain


Here's how it works: mothballing

At least before mothballing, motorcycle owners should take the opportunity to remove dirt and old grease from the drive chain with a special chain cleaner. After drying, you can use chain spray vigorously. In addition, the chain slack should be checked and, if necessary, readjusted according to the information in the manual.

Preserve


Here's how it works: mothballing

Thorough preparation also includes cleaning and caring for the angled and hard-to-reach corners. If you discover paint damage, it is best to fix it immediately and not wait until spring. Sensitive surfaces and the bearings can be effectively protected against corrosion with a special preservative spray (available from specialist shops).

Oil in the candle hole


Here's how it works: mothballing

This trick is not absolutely necessary for the relatively short wintering period. If the engine is not used for a longer period, however, a few drops of oil, which are trickled or sprayed through the spark plug holes into the combustion chamber, prevent the piston rings from corroding and sticking. After the treatment, crank the engine a few times with a kick starter without ignition or crank the rear wheel with a gear engaged so that the oil can form an even protective film.

tire


Here's how it works: mothballing

Before long downtimes, it makes sense to search the running surfaces and flanks for damage and cracks. In addition, inflate the tires at the front and rear with the correct maximum pressure (with passenger and luggage). Very meticulous contemporaries jack up the motorcycle in such a way that both tires are relieved – although pressure points (flat spots) are not to be expected if the pressure is correct.

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