New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Rider Education Information by Gary Mandak

Riding Educator, New York Chapter "W"

A long winters nap

Now that winter has finally arrived and put an end to our motorcycle riding, we should treat our motorcycle to one last maintenance check. It is very important to spend extra time now to make sure your bike is properly stored this year for riding next year.

Clean machine

Wash and wax your bike to get rid of the dirt and bug debris. Check your radiator as it may have a big bug buildup. You really don't need those extra wings on your Goldwing. While cleaning, you should look for possible leaks or missing items and repair as needed. After washing, you could blow dry your bike with a leaf blower, as long as it is not an electric one. You may get a charge out of that if you try blow-drying your bike while standing in water. After it is dry, put mothballs or laundry dryer sheets around your bike to keep mice away from the wiring and air inlets. You may want to cover your exhaust tips with plastic bags to keep the critters from nesting in your exhaust. Make sure the mufflers are not hot or you will have tattooed your mufflers with "Thank you for shopping with us"

Gas Treatment

Add some fuel stabilizer and fill your gas tank. Let you bike run for at least 15 minutes to make sure the stabilizer is mixed throughout the system. Spraying fogging oil into your carburetor intake while running will coat the cylinders and prevent rust from forming. You can also remove the spark plugs and put a tablespoon of oil in each cylinder instead of fogging oil. Make sure you turn the engine over to allow the oil to coat the cylinders if you are removing the spark plugs.

Fluid replacement

After your last ride, it is the ideal time to change the oil and filter. After the oil is changed, put your safety switch to off and turn the engine over to get the oil throughout the engine for lubrication. Antifreeze and brake fluid should also be checked and topped off as needed.

Battery

Remove your battery and store it inside at room temperature. If you have a battery charger, put the battery on trickle charge at least once a month. Automatic chargers are available to constantly trickle charge during the storage period. If you have a "wet" battery, remember to top it off with distilled water and check it periodically so it will not dry out.

Cover

It is best to store your bike in a secured area with a breathable cover. The cover can be bike specific or use a cotton sheet. The breathable material will not allow moisture to gather on the bike and cause rust. If you can pull it off, try storing your bike in the living room for the ideal climate controlled environment. You may end up in the doghouse, but the bike will be secure. I know, that may get ruff.

If you store your motorcycle properly in the fall, you should have no problems when you get ready to ride in the spring. Now that the bike is properly stored for it's long winters nap, order some catalogs and start buying more new toys for next year.

Enjoy your holidays!

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter "W" Educator