Dirt and grime will damage motorcycles, both cosmetically and mechanically, so use these tips to preserve your bike during long term storage:
- Wash your motorcycle before storage; check out our How to Wash a Motorcycle tutorial, and be sure to let your bike completely dry before covering it, as trapped condensation can cause rust.
In order to ensure that your chain doesn't corrode, follow our Chain Maintenance Step-by-Step tutorial.
- Use a degreaser to clean sludge from the outside of the engine.
- After washing your bike, apply wax to any paint surfaces, and chrome polish to chrome; this will keep moisture away.
- Hopefully you'll be able to keep your bike out of the weather; if you do, use a breathable piece of fabric or a bike cover to keep dust off.
- If you can't avoid leaving your bike exposed to the elements, you might not want to cover it since covers can trap moisture and do more harm than good.
