Summer has faded into Fall. Autumn leaves have emblazoned the landscape and are now filling garbage bags awaiting pickup by the curb. Looks like it's time, once again, to put your bike to bed for a well-deserved winter's nap. Here are some things you should be sure to do prior to storage of your two-wheeled companion.

Cleaning - Give your beauty a good cleaning and wax or polish. Nothing causes rust like moisture trapped in with a little dirt crowded into a nook or cranny. While you're there you can check out critical places for the next step.

Bolt-tightening - Even the smoothest-running engine can have harmonics in it that will loosen things up over time. Sit down with your iron horse and give all the bolts, clips and screws that you can reach the once-over.

Fluids - Now is a good time to change all the fluids and get er ready for the spring thaw. While you're at it, give the tires and brakes a once-over as well. If they need replacing now, they'll need it in the Spring as well (along with everyone else's bike). Cracks on the sidewall will only get worse (and potentially dangerous) with the inactivity of winter. If there is a pretty good possibility that you'll ride the bike during its hibernation period (and a fluid change isn't due yet) then chances are you can skip this step.

Gas stabilization - This one's pretty simple. Gas goes bad. It takes anywhere from two weeks to a month, but it will eventually deposit a layer of varnish which is deadly to injectors and carburetors alike. Treat that last fill-up with gasoline stabilizer and she'll fire right up in the Spring.

Battery tending - Buy yourself a good, inexpensive battery charger and keep the battery hooked to it in "trickle" mode. Some chargers will automatically switch to this mode once a full charge is reached. There are also motorcycle chargers which provide a dongle that permanently attaches to your battery so plugging the bike into the battery tender is simple and quick.

Learn more about this author, Walter Riggs.
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