Do you know how to lay up your bike for storage? I didn’t – so I asked our resident mechanic for some tips for you all.
In Australia we are blessed that our winters are not so severe and we can ride pretty much all year round. But if you are going away for any period of time, you might want to follow these tips and protect your pride and joy and investment. If you follow all these tips – you should come back to a bike or scooter which you can get back on the road without too much effort.
- Fill the tank all the way to the top. This minimises the amount of oxygen and will assist in minimising rust.
- Inflate tyres – slightly over inflated even.
- Best to store the bike on stands and attempt to get the tyres off the ground
- Ensure the bike is clean and has a good layer of polish. Depending on the surface finish – WD40 (or similar) on the chrome and alloy parts can slow down oxidation.
- Plug exhaust pipes. This will prevent unwanted residents.
- Store in a cool, dry spot – out of sunlight and away from moisture.
- Remove or disconnect battery – if you have access to a trickle charger that would also help extend the life of the battery.
- Cover the bike with a cotton or soft fabric cover (an old sheet works well). Do not use plastic as this may sweat.
Ride safe and often
The Bikescape Team!
