Posted by
sgtslag on
Mar 07, 2013; 5:55pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Winterizing-the-bike-tp3433181p4037523.html
Actually, these steps apply to any storage term longer than four weeks, in any climate. If dew forms around where a bike is stored, it will form within the gas tank -- freezing temperatures not required. Gasoline goes bad after a period of time in storage (may take longer than one month, I really don't know how long it is good for). Flooded batteries will slowly evaporate off their electrolyte, as well as self-discharge, no matter the temperature. Tires will develop flat spots over time of sitting, regardless of temperature.
What usually happens, is the long storage occurs without warning: health issues crop up suddenly; job situation changes, and the (luxury) of bike riding dies; or something else happens. Then the bike is quickly forgotten about, and the carbs, gas tank, tires, and the battery, all go to hell from neglect. This is how barn-find's happen. Life sucks, sometimes, but with proper storage practice, a bike can be put back onto the road just by uncovering it, and riding it.
Even if a bike is kept in a warm climate, storage measures can save a lot of money, and effort, if applied properly. My father suffered a stroke, and his bike was forgotten in the garage, for three years, no preventative measures taken at all. The gas, and carbs, were green, smelled unusually foul, and took a lot of work to clean up for the bike to be sold (as a running, ride-able, bike). Wish I had moth-balled it for him, but it was forgotten with everything else we were dealing with. Cheers!
1979 CB750K (sold, 2012, but not forgotten)
1983 Kawasaki 440 LTD Belt Drive (sold, 2011)
1993 Kawasaki Voyager XII