PAULBACH
New member
Part of a newsletter from Chicago BMW.
Recommendations of how to take your bike out of storage and go Touring. It should work as well for other Beemers.
Springtime Chores
"Speed Week" is to the motorcyclist what the "Rite of Spring" is to the lawn and garden industry, the sun lotion industry, and the travel business. It's just about here so there are some chores you should consider before you take that first ride of the year.
Has your motorcycle been in cold storage for three or more months? If so, there are some things you should do before you turn the key. First, check the tire pressure. Chances are it's not up to specs. If you don't have a compressor at home, you might want to buy a simple bicycle pump to do the job. We suggest you never ride on under-inflated tires. Next, check all the lubricants. Top them off if they are low. When you pull out the dipstick, check it carefully to see if there are signs of rust or water. If so, call us to make arrangements to have your bike brought in for springtime service.
If the lubricant levels are OK then check your battery. Newer batteries are sealed but older ones need to have the acid levels checked. Of course, we're assuming that you've had the battery on a trickle charger so it's still alive. If not, turn on your lights to make sure you've got enough juice. If you don't, you may need a new battery. Juice is OK? Fine, let's continue.
Did you put a fuel stabilizer in the tank before you put the bike up? If not, you may have a problem. Check the contents of the tank with a flashlight. Obviously, don't use a match or flame. We know someone who did...oops.
If you're still not too sure, take a gas can to the local gas station and fill it with 91 or higher octane gas and top off the tank. Then rock the bike from side to side to get it to mix with the existing fuel. All set? Let's roll the bike outside and clean it up. Make sure you wipe down the fork legs. You don't want to have the dust work its way inside the sliders.
Now, you're finally ready. Make sure you're in neutral. Stand beside the bike pull in the clutch lever, turn the key, and start the engine. Did it work? If so, let it warm up for at least five minutes before you ride off. Even then start off slowly and test your brakes before you accelerate to highway speeds. If it didn't work, call us.
Recommendations of how to take your bike out of storage and go Touring. It should work as well for other Beemers.
Springtime Chores
"Speed Week" is to the motorcyclist what the "Rite of Spring" is to the lawn and garden industry, the sun lotion industry, and the travel business. It's just about here so there are some chores you should consider before you take that first ride of the year.
Has your motorcycle been in cold storage for three or more months? If so, there are some things you should do before you turn the key. First, check the tire pressure. Chances are it's not up to specs. If you don't have a compressor at home, you might want to buy a simple bicycle pump to do the job. We suggest you never ride on under-inflated tires. Next, check all the lubricants. Top them off if they are low. When you pull out the dipstick, check it carefully to see if there are signs of rust or water. If so, call us to make arrangements to have your bike brought in for springtime service.
If the lubricant levels are OK then check your battery. Newer batteries are sealed but older ones need to have the acid levels checked. Of course, we're assuming that you've had the battery on a trickle charger so it's still alive. If not, turn on your lights to make sure you've got enough juice. If you don't, you may need a new battery. Juice is OK? Fine, let's continue.
Did you put a fuel stabilizer in the tank before you put the bike up? If not, you may have a problem. Check the contents of the tank with a flashlight. Obviously, don't use a match or flame. We know someone who did...oops.
If you're still not too sure, take a gas can to the local gas station and fill it with 91 or higher octane gas and top off the tank. Then rock the bike from side to side to get it to mix with the existing fuel. All set? Let's roll the bike outside and clean it up. Make sure you wipe down the fork legs. You don't want to have the dust work its way inside the sliders.
Now, you're finally ready. Make sure you're in neutral. Stand beside the bike pull in the clutch lever, turn the key, and start the engine. Did it work? If so, let it warm up for at least five minutes before you ride off. Even then start off slowly and test your brakes before you accelerate to highway speeds. If it didn't work, call us.