Proper Storage Techniques

If you're one of the unfortunate people that has to store your bike, here are some steps you want to follow...
  The most important thing about storing your bike is the place you choose to store it in.
You want a dry place and you do not really want windows or direct sunlight on the bike, UV rays and sunlight in general can fade paint, leather, rubber, etc.

Ok final preps..

• Change the oils (engine, tranny, primary)
  
  
• Fill the tank with fuel and stabilize the fuel then ride it for one last short ride to get the stabilizer through the system: I recommend "Seafoam" for this since it contains lite oil and naptha; the lite oil coats your tank and the naptha cleans. However, it does not remove carbon buildup from cylinders as commonly believed.
  
  
• If carburated flush out the bowl (see owners manual)
  
  
• Use "engine fogging oil" (follow instructions on can) any brand is ok.
  
  
• Remove the battery and clean with a baking soda and water paste, using an old toothbrush, then rinse.
  
  
• Charge the battery every couple weeks using a battery tender or similar charger.
  
  
• Detail the bike.
  
  
• Coat ALL electrical connectors with "Dielectric Grease" (any brand); Take the connector apart and coat the metal connection itself then re-connect.
  
  
• WD40 is your best friend when it comes to storing your ride... use it to coat areas that may rust... it is also paint friendly so overspray won't harm paint. I take off parts like the shifter pedal etc. and coat the splines as well because these areas trap moisture. Give a good spray up the pipes too, then stuff the ends with clean rags.
  
  
• Check tire pressures and bring up to specs. If you have a bike jack, jack up the bike and put it on blocks (wood with sill plate gasket material or similar is best: available at home depot, etc. between the frame and the wood to prevent moisture transfer) this relieves the shocks and tires. Also, it is best to have a sheet of plywood under the entire bike to prevent moisture transfer... even cardboard will do.
  
  
• Use a motorcyle cover to cover the bike not plastic... motorcycle covers (good ones) breath and do not trap moisture. This will protect the bike from moisture, dust, spills, etc.

While the bike is in storage, don't go out to start it up, this will only cause condensation and shorten the life of the bike, just patiently wait 'till you can ride again... (frigg)

When you fire up the bike in the spring, burn off the tank of fuel with the stabilizer in it then add some " Redline SI-1" to the next tank of fuel... this cleans the cylinders (yes even some carbon), carbs and or injectors better than any product I know of (other than water, rice, walnut shell... I won't get into that right now) and you are good to go again (I like that part best) :)