A bike left for months without care will not start. Petrol goes stale, the battery runs flat and rust forms. Do at least the minimum list. The extra steps give more protection for longer storage. When you take the bike out again, follow Bring a stored bike back into use.
Safety
- Petrol vapour burns. Work outdoors and away from flames.
- Battery acid burns. Wear gloves and eye protection.
The minimum
- Fuel: add fuel stabiliser as the label says and run the engine until the treated fuel has reached the carburettor. Then either fill the tank right up with fresh petrol that has no alcohol in it and the right amount of stabiliser, or drain the tank and spray a light oil that mixes with petrol onto the inside to stop rust. Either way works.
- Carburettor: drain the fuel from the float bowl using the drain screw at the bottom. See Drain fuel.
- Battery: take it out. Top up with distilled water if it is not sealed. Clean the case and the battery box with baking soda and water. Charge it fully on a slow charger, and recharge about once a month. A float charger can stay connected all the time. Use the charger type the battery maker advises: Test and charge a 12 V battery.
Extra steps for longer storage
- Wash and wax the bike. A coat of spray wax on bare aluminium helps stop corrosion.
- Change the engine oil and filter, and the other oils and fluids (gear oil, coolant, brake and clutch fluid) that are due.
- Take out the spark plug or plugs. Pour a small amount of engine oil into each cylinder, ground the plug leads, and turn the engine over a few times to spread it. Refit the plugs. A water-displacing oil sprayed in first helps dry the cylinder.
- Use distilled water and coolant made for motorcycles in a liquid-cooled engine.
- Use the brake and clutch fluid grade written in the manual.
- Spray rubber and plastic with a protector.
- Cover the bike with a cover that lets air through. A plastic sheet traps damp and causes rust.
- Store it in a dry place out of the sun.
- Every month or so, turn the engine over by hand a couple of times to keep parts oiled.
Check your work
- Fuel is treated or drained, the battery is charged and off the bike, and the cover is breathable.
If it did not fix the problem
- Hard start after storage: Will not start after storage.