MOTORBIKE MAINTENANCE FOR WINTER STORAGE

Motorbike maintenance
Motorcycle

3 min read

Your motorbike’s going away for winter because you know it deserves better than icy lanes and road salt. That’s why those in the know will be treating it to a proper lube, clean and shield of protection so it’s raring to go when better road conditions come calling.

Get your lavender lube and whip through these motorbike maintenance jobs.

CLEAN UP THE MUCK

Rinse your motorbike to loosen splattered bugs, stubborn mud and road salt, and use a soft-bristled brush to help. Dry fully with a clean, dry rag.

Those in the know won’t be using a jet washer for motorbike maintenance because they know it damages rubber seals and bends delicate radiator fins, which traps moisture, encouraging corrosion and leaving you with leaks.

LUBE MOVING PARTS

Lubing is the easy part of motorbike maintenance because all you need is your red straw. Fix it on and put your GT85 spray to work. Make sure you hit all these areas:

  • Chains: roller chains, O-ring chains, X-ring chains
  • Clutch lever pivots
  • Folding footpeg hinges
  • Fuel cap hinges
  • Gear-change lever point
  • Lock mechanisms
  • Moving mirror mounts and adjustment joints
  • Seat hinges
  • Stand pivots

PROTECT EXPOSED METAL FROM RUST

After treating the moving parts to the good stuff, you’ll want to focus on the rest of your motorbike maintenance on the metalwork. Winter damp and road salt can make a mess of exposed bolts, chrome and engine casings. Once your motor’s fully clean and dry, take your GT85-covered rag and buff it along all the exposed metal parts and watch it bring back the shine.

PUT YOUR MOTORBIKE SOMEWHERE DRY AND SECURE

A garage is a great place to keep your pride and joy but it’s still not safe from damp.

Make sure you store it:

  • in a clean and bone-dry condition. Keep the garage as ventilated as possible.
  • with a breathable dust cover over it.
  • with wheels raised off the ground with a centre stand or paddock stands to prevent flat spots. If you can’t, keep the tyres pumped to the recommended PSI and roll the motorbike every fortnight.
  • with a blocked exhaust and air vents to keep rodents away but remember to remove them before firing it back up.

MORE ABOUT GT85

To get your filthy mitts on more of your favourite lavender lube, chuck a GT85 Triple Pack in your Amazon basket and get it delivered to your door.

For more motorbike maintenance advice, head to our blog and hit the motorcycle tab for all the best kept secrets.