Winter Storage - Tips?

[Explorer]

Dear Everyone,

I am storing the 1150 GS for the next few months.

I have filled the tank and put in a fuel additive.

I am planning to leave the battery attached and a 'Maximiser' plugged into the power socket. This, according to the Maximiser brochure, should lead to the battery being kept up to full charge by the Maximiser periodically testing the battery charge and refilling it (apparently every hour). I am aware there has been a lot of previous controversy/debate on this subject and the effect such behaviour might or n might not have on the battery but I would appreciate thoughts?

The bike is in a dry, unheated garage on its centre stand. Uncovered.

Anything else I could/should do?

Thanks in advance and a Happy New Year to you All.

Explorer


PS. No need to tell me I am a wimp and should get it out and ride it!

 

[Stewart H]

Sounds like you have most of it covered there, you could gild the lily by giving it an overall spray with duck oil or something if you wanted to.
Stewart

 

[JoeC]

Spray with WD40, ACF50 etc, pump tyres up, give it a cup of horlicks every night.

 

[Timolgra]

Sounds like you have most of it covered there, you could gild the lily by giving it an overall spray with duck oil or something if you wanted to.
Stewart

I agree, Duck oil is by far the best

 

[MarkShelley]

If the bike is in a ventilated garage and not coming out until the weather is better why on earth would you want to cover it in ACF50 or anything else?

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Dehumidifier for me

 

[Taff]

Spray with WD40, ACF50 etc, pump tyres up ....

Serious? I thought that when you're storing a vehicle, you were supposed to remove some pressure, not pump it up. Something to do with the rubber perishing.

 

[wessie]

Serious? I thought that when you're storing a vehicle, you were supposed to remove some pressure, not pump it up. Something to do with the rubber perishing.

sticking the bike at the back of the garage for a few months is hardly likely to lead to tyre degradation.

For long term storage the bike should be put on stands as sitting on the same bit of tyre will weaken the walls in that area. I've no idea about pressure on tyre degradation. For long term storage the main thing would be to keep the tyres in the dark as sunlight will hasten degradation.

 

[bose]

tyres

sticking the bike at the back of the garage for a few months is hardly likely to lead to tyre degradation.

For long term storage the bike should be put on stands as sitting on the same bit of tyre will weaken the walls in that area. I've no idea about pressure on tyre degradation. For long term storage the main thing would be to keep the tyres in the dark as sunlight will hasten degradation.

Yep its gets sunny this time of year in a garage or shed dont 4get the sun cream too

 

[wessie]

Yep its gets sunny this time of year in a garage or shed dont 4get the sun cream too

Comprehension's not your strong point, is it old fruit

 

[RIXTER]

tyres

Tyre degradation over four months !!!!! Get real boys....No chance of a tyre having flat spots,perishing or any of that over that time period, I've done it often enough.The main problem I've had is the fuel so I fill 'em with 4 star as unleaded only has a shelf life of 6 weeks.Come February...No probs.

 

[D6]

iv never even done that, filled up wi unleaded,
cleaned the bike,
charged it every month, always been ok,

 

[Big Jets]

I deliberately left my tank empty ,as I was gonna do some work and was gonna remove it ,but I done feck all to it .Soon as the snow clears Ill take it a hurl and fill it up .Thanks for the reminder chaps.

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

Ref the Charger,
I’ve been using the Optimate for years now, still the original battery. It has been said that the constant charging, maintenance can lead to dry cells (Conventional battery) all I can say is my nine year old battery is still going good. Yes it is due to go, but I’m sure the optimate keeps it good.

Never worried about tyers or fuel and never had any problems.

 

[andy malton]

storage

I Never-
keep fuel in the tank
inflate/deflate tyres
cover it in wdacfduck stuff
I Always-
keep it plugged into an optimate
It aways-
starts and rides away just like it did 6-8 months prior,just give it a general checkover tyre pressures and oil etc

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

I Never-
keep fuel in the tank
inflate/deflate tyres
cover it in wdacfduck stuff
I Always-
keep it plugged into an optimate
It aways-
starts and rides away just like it did 6-8 months prior,just give it a general checkover tyre pressures and oil etc

+ one

 

[kanhulk13]

As mentioned in some other forums and likely here too:

- block ingress into the exhaust (esp. moisture)
- block ingress into the air intakes esp. air box
eg. stuff rags in it!

A light spray of WD40 around the wires and engine to keep out moisture and some metal polish on the tank wouldn't hurt. If we are getting really picky how about some vaseline/contact grease on/around the battery poles. Let's keep the mistress happy...

 

[Timolgra]

A light spray of WD40 around the wires and engine to keep out moisture and some metal polish on the tank wouldn't hurt. If we are getting really picky how about some vaseline/contact grease on/around the battery poles. Let's keep the mistress happy...

The reason a couple of us suggested using Duck oil all over the bike is because WD40 can adversely affect rubber and plastics, particularly in the wiring causing it to go brittle over time.

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

The reason a couple of us suggested using Duck oil all over the bike is because WD40 can adversely affect rubber and plastics, particularly in the wiring causing it to go brittle over time.

Does it

Isn't that what it was designed for

Well, we learn.

 

[Explorer]

Mine has a gel battery so hopefully no probs with 'lead cells' (though there may be lead in there I don;t think there is any acid)?

Thanks for all the miscellaneous tips. It is like in so many things, some think one thing, others think the complete opposite - all depending on individual experiences. It seems that whatever you do it probably will (a) not fall to pieces in a dry garage, and (b) probably start again. We'll see!


PS What sort of duck do I need to shoot for the oil?