WINTER IS COMING: WINTERIZING YOUR MOTORCYCLE

Thanks to the bikers who make up the VFLUO team, we were able to offer you an article by collecting information and tips from everyone.

Contrary to popular belief, simply putting your mount under a blanket is not a strategy to adopt if you want to take it out on sunny days without worry. On the contrary, if you want to preserve it, there are certain conditions to respect.

Even if you start late, there is still time to do well. Make yourself comfortable, we tell you everything!

First step: the cleaning box

First of all, before even thinking about returning your motorcycle to the garage, it is important to clean it from top to bottom. Indeed, dust, earth and other dirt tend to be corrosive and attack the bodywork and mechanics if you leave them too long.

The insects stuck on the optics are also part of the things to be removed (this should also be done since this summer!). Better to remove them during cleaning, if you don't want it to turn into a chore when the good weather returns. A dry cleanser with a microfiber cloth (often used for windows) will do the trick and help prevent unintentional scratches.

You can possibly refine the cleaning thanks to the products of polish, anti rust,...

Choice of location: where to sleep?

Logic ? Not so sure... Where you park your motorcycle is very important. Opt for a dry and well-insulated place, because temperature changes and wind are the enemies of the paint on your bike.

Remember to cover your motorcycle with a sheet or blanket to protect it from dust and other debris.

Also avoid places that can be colonized by rodents, it is not uncommon for them to choose your motorcycle to take up residence there (promise, you don't want that).

For the most perfectionists, it is possible to cover your motorcycle with a cotton blanket, which will have the advantage of absorbing humidity (first responsible for corrosion and mould).

Draining the motorcycle: before or after winter?

Draining the engine is an essential step. Indeed, a running engine generates acids in the oil. These can be very harmful since they are responsible for corrosion.

We strongly suggest that you do it beforehand: before putting it in winter.

However, it should be noted that if the oil change has been done regularly, it is not necessary to do it at this time. You can wait for recovery.

The fuel in the motorcycle: empty or full tank?

Two solutions are available to you:

• Gasoline degrades on contact with air, I advise you to drain your tank. This also helps prevent corrosion of your tank.
• If you can't drain it, fill the tank completely. It will have less space for air so less condensation.

However, avoid lighting your motorcycle unnecessarily in the garage. A hot engine is an engine that creates humidity. And water is ultimately bad for the engine.

For the more technical among you, it should be noted that the SP98 takes about 3 weeks to switch to 95 and to make a deposit. While the SP95 meanwhile takes 3 months to create a deposit.

To avoid this problem, a gasoline stabilizer is a good compromise.

The battery: if we took care of it?

It is important to disconnect the battery starting with the negative terminal then with the positive terminal.

If the battery is dirty, the parts exposed to corrosion (terminals) must be cleaned with a mild detergent.

Then it is advisable to store it on a support and not on the floor in a temperate room. However, if you are unable to store it, you can leave it in the motorcycle.

When reconnecting, connect the positive terminal first, then the negative.

Other useful information

If you have the possibility, put your motorcycle on a stand, this will relieve the suspensions.

In this article, we have listed the essential tips for taking care of your motorcycle as much as possible. The list is not exhaustive ! Besides, we would love to hear your biker tips and tricks to support the article.

You now have all the keys in hand to prepare your motorcycle for wintering.