BMW Motorrad Winter Tech Tips (just received this week in my e-mail)
1. Fill your gas tank with fresh premium fuel that contains no ethanol. Premium contains no ethanol, or so says the sign on the pump.
2. Change your oil. A bike should not be stored with old, well used oil, its acidity levels will be elevated and could harm your engine internals. Run your bike after the oil change for a minute or so to get the fresh oil circulating.
3. Wash your motorcycle before storing. A coat of wax on the painted parts is a good idea. Always inspect your bike as you wash it. This is a great time to look for damaged, loose or missing parts. If your bike is being stored in a damp environment, consider using some light oil on any chrome parts, just make sure you remove it prior to starting the bike in the spring.
4. Lube your chain (if applicable) after you have washed and dried your bike.
5. Find a safe, secure spot to store your bike. If your bike has a centre stand, it is best to put it on this stand in order to get as much weight off the wheels and suspension as possible.
6. Put the battery on charge and fully charge it. If applicable, check the electrolyte level and top it up to the correct level with distilled water. The battery should then be stored in a warm, dry place. Never store your battery directly on a concrete floor, this could damage or permantely kill the battery. You can use a 2X4 to keep it up off the concrete. The battery should be charged every 4 to 6 weeks while in storage. [Note: Some MF (maintenance free) batteries require a special charger. There are some very good chargers that can be left connected to the battery for the whole storage period. Perfect if you want to connect and forget it until spring.]
7. Cover your bike with a breathable cover to help protect it and keep it clean. Be careful using a non-breathable cover (plastic tarp etc.) which could cause condensation and corrosion.
8. Depending on where your bike is being stored, if vermin are a concern, take the time to tape up the intake opening and exhaust outlet and put some moth balls under the cover, this will help keep the critters away. (I have also been told that dryer sheets also keep vermin away, but have never tried them.) Make sure you remove them before starting in the spring.
9. Finally, remember that thieves donÔÇÖt go away in the winter. Keep your bike locked up at all times and out of view if possible.
1. Fill your gas tank with fresh premium fuel that contains no ethanol. Premium contains no ethanol, or so says the sign on the pump.
2. Change your oil. A bike should not be stored with old, well used oil, its acidity levels will be elevated and could harm your engine internals. Run your bike after the oil change for a minute or so to get the fresh oil circulating.
3. Wash your motorcycle before storing. A coat of wax on the painted parts is a good idea. Always inspect your bike as you wash it. This is a great time to look for damaged, loose or missing parts. If your bike is being stored in a damp environment, consider using some light oil on any chrome parts, just make sure you remove it prior to starting the bike in the spring.
4. Lube your chain (if applicable) after you have washed and dried your bike.
5. Find a safe, secure spot to store your bike. If your bike has a centre stand, it is best to put it on this stand in order to get as much weight off the wheels and suspension as possible.
6. Put the battery on charge and fully charge it. If applicable, check the electrolyte level and top it up to the correct level with distilled water. The battery should then be stored in a warm, dry place. Never store your battery directly on a concrete floor, this could damage or permantely kill the battery. You can use a 2X4 to keep it up off the concrete. The battery should be charged every 4 to 6 weeks while in storage. [Note: Some MF (maintenance free) batteries require a special charger. There are some very good chargers that can be left connected to the battery for the whole storage period. Perfect if you want to connect and forget it until spring.]
7. Cover your bike with a breathable cover to help protect it and keep it clean. Be careful using a non-breathable cover (plastic tarp etc.) which could cause condensation and corrosion.
8. Depending on where your bike is being stored, if vermin are a concern, take the time to tape up the intake opening and exhaust outlet and put some moth balls under the cover, this will help keep the critters away. (I have also been told that dryer sheets also keep vermin away, but have never tried them.) Make sure you remove them before starting in the spring.
9. Finally, remember that thieves donÔÇÖt go away in the winter. Keep your bike locked up at all times and out of view if possible.
As for the ethanol issue I thought the premium available in my area does contain ethanol but maybe not.
I just rode 55 miles for a hamburger, then rode home and changed the oil and filter along with the gearbox and final drive oils. In a few days I'll do the brake fluid, fork oil, remove and blow out (or replace, depending) the air filter, grease the cable ends, check the clutch adjustment, check the valve clearances and check, maybe change, the spark plugs. The fuel filter and coolant are both ok. The bike should then be ready for the rest of the year.