SEASONAL STORAGE OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE

Oil Change

Top of the chart is changing the existing oil, as this will reduce the risk of any moisture or contaminants damaging vital internal parts.

If the motorcycle will be stored for longer than 6 months, drain and replace all other oils (Gearbox, Drive Shaft, Rear Drive, Front Forks). Run the motorcycle for approximately 3 minutes, using several gears to ensure proper oil coverage in transmission and rear drive. This will reduce the risk of any moisture or contaminants damaging your motorcycle's vital internal parts.

Change the engine oil and oil filter and refill with high quality motorcycle oil, following the viscosity chart in your Riders Manual. Start the engine and allow the clean oil to circulate throughout the engine for approximately 3 minutes.

Brake and Clutch

If the annual brake fluid change has not been performed recently, it is advisable to change the brake fluid, as contaminated fluid will cause corrosion and deterioration of the hydraulic brake system. Fluid should be light amber in color. If it is dark or cloudy, the system must be flushed and fluid renewed.

Fuel Tank

Fill the fuel tank completely with fuel will prevent the tank from rusting from trapped moisture.

If your motorcycle has them, clean and drain carburetor float bowls and jets before storing to prevent deposits caused by fuel that evaporates over time.

Cleaning and Waxing

Because dirt retains moisture, storing a dirty bike can lead to corrosion on alloy castings, as well as cadmium or chromium surfaces.

Thoroughly wash and dry the motorcycle. Polish and wax all chrome and painted surfaces.

Spraying the unpainted castings such as engine, gear box, rear drive, and related hardware with a protectant such as S100 or ProtectAll, will retard corrosion and rust.

A light coating of Vaseline on exposed nuts, bolts, and plated hardware will further protect against adverse conditions.

For longer periods of storage, or when more drastic temperature change or salt mist is unavoidable, coat motorcycle (other than rubber items) with a preservative spray such as Rubber Care, especially alloys and chromium/cadmium parts.

Caution: Do not spray any lubricants or preservatives with a petroleum base on Pearl Effect paint.

Battery Maintenance

The greatest cause of battery failure is insufficient battery care during storage periods, which can be easily recognized by cell sulfation.

Except for areas with extremely low ambient temperatures, it is acceptable to leave the battery installed in your motorcycle, assuming you provide proper care as follows:

• Maintain proper electrolyte level, adding distilled water as necessary.
• Ensure that battery case and terminal connections are clean.
• Charge your battery for 10 hours every 2-3 weeks, or use a battery tender.
• Use an automatic charger with a maximum output of 3 amps (for BMWs with 12 volt systems).

Consider the BMW Motorcycle Battery Tender with quick-connect sockets for hassle-free connections.

Warning: Remove any motorcycle cover prior to charging battery! Batteries generate corrosive and explosive gases. Read battery charger instructions before charging battery.

Chassis Lubrication

Grease the side and center stand pivots, etc., to purge any water or contaminants from these pivot points. Lubricate the following items with a water-displacing light lubricant spray, such as WD 40.

• Treat other pivot points, when no grease fittings are provided, such as:




• Clutch or brake lever pivots
• Rear brake pedal and linkage pivot points
• Throttle body or carburator linkage arms/springs
• Center stand and side stand pivots




• Generously spray lubricant into handlebar switches and operate the switches (ignition "off") several times to distribute lubricant. Allow excess lubricant to drain/evaporate prior to operating with ignition "on".




• Lubricate all lock mechanisms, including ignition, fuel cap, seat lock, steering lock, saddlebags, alarm system, top box, etc. Additionally, lubricate seat hinges, latch supports and mechanisms to ensure trouble-free operation.

Tires

Park the motorcycle on the center stand and support the motorcycle with wood blocks to remove any weight from the tires.

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressures and inspect/remove gravel, glass, or other road contaminants from the tire treads.

Now is the best time to check tire tread depth to see if new tires should be on your shopping list. Measure depth between tire tread at the center of the tire/road contact area. Compare your measurement with information listed in the Rider's Manual or Service Manual.

Selecting a Storage Area

Select a storage area such as a garage or storage room that is free from dampness and high humidity. The daily temperature change should be minimal, but a heated area is not necessary. Do not store the motorcycle in direct sunlight.

Ensure that adequate ventilation is present, as fumes from fuel and battery are explosive/dangerous. Do not store near open flames or sparks.

Covering Your Motorcycle

Selecting the proper cover is important. An unvented, air-tight cover may lead to corrosion and rust due to trapped moisture/vapor.

Use a vented cover, which will allow moisture to escape, rather than retaining it.

We recommend selecting a quality indoor or outdoor motorcycle cover. Many sizes are available for motorcycles with or without touring fairings and luggage.

Original BMW Parts

Original BMW Parts and Accessories are recommended for the proper maintainance of your motorcycle. Island BMW can offer these supplies and specialized model tips when you come in next time.

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