the Winter season is here

be sure to check these items on your bike

Now that the winter is coming, there are a few things that come to mind concerning the care of your motorcycle.

do not start your bike unless you plan on riding it !!

Condensation building in the inside of your motorcycle can cause a lot of damage !  when you go from cold to hot (starting and stopping your bike) you cause a buildup of moisture.  you must get your fluids up to at least 180 degrees for water vapor to burn off.  the vapor getting hot along with petroleum base oils can cause metal corroding acids !  this applies not only to your motor but your transmission and primary fluids as well !

you want to assure that when you start your bike it will start!!  motorcycle batteries do not like this cold weather!,  The batteries start to lose voltage at the rate of one volt per month. even though this does not seem like a lot, it will stop your bike from starting in under 50 degree weather.  The best way to make sure that you don't loose power is to keep your motorcycle on a battery tender.  This is a low amp device that plugs into your wall and into your bike and shuts off automatically once your battery is fully charged.  no muss no fuss and no overcharging !  Make sure you know what kind of battery you have.  the older batteries that are filled with acid have an overflow tube and if the battery overcharges it could loose some of the fluid.

if you are not going to ride during the winter, you should use a fuel stabilizer.  Be sure to run your bike so the stabilizer gets into the entire fuel delivery system and then top off your tank.  When you let fuel sit for long periods of time you risk the fuel solidifying in your float bowl and carburetor. If this happens, it will prevent your fuel from properly passing through the jets.

you want to ensure that your have your bike stored properly.  most people will put a cover on and call it a day.  condensation, the water vapor that builds up from the temperature changes that take place every time you open and close your garage, can ruin your chrome, polish and eventually your paint.  The "golden rod" prevents condensation from building and keeps the temperature under your cover the same at all times !