Maintaining your Harley Davidson motorcycle during the summer months can be a ritualized process of tuning, cleaning, riding and lots of standing back and admiring.
So to keep your Harley in pristine condition over the winter months follow these simple common sense tips..
Engine & Gearbox Take your Harley out on the road and ride for a few miles to get both the engine and gearbox up to temperature.
Fill the fuel tank with gas and add a fuel stabilizing product and allow it to enter the fuel system by riding.
Once back home, drain the oil from the engine and gearbox while both are still warm.
Over time oils break down and turn acidic causing corrosion and etching to the internal parts.
This process depends on the regularity you change your oil and filter.
Check your battery, top up the levels and add a little grease to the terminals, consider attaching a charger to keep the battery charged, alternatively start the engine weekly while stored to keep the battery charged.
Apply a little grease to the chain and running gear to avoid those frozen links and putting strain on your chain when you roll it out in the spring.
Exhaust Cover the exhaust ends to avoid anything entering the system, there's nothing worse than adding the sound of a rattle to the ubiquitous tones of your Harley.
Tires Before you store your Harley inflate the tires around 10lbs over pressure to avoid any flat spots which can warp the side wall of the tire.
Body Wheels & Tins Wash and dry your Harley Davidson thoroughly, and apply wax to all relevant areas that may be prone to corrosion.
Ensure that the bike is completely dry as any remaining moisture could lead to corrosion and rust.
Storage Finally, store your Harley in a ventilated room or garage, cover it with a sheet, and put it out the way of children, prying eyes and learner drivers.
Following these simple common sense but essential steps will keep your Harley Davidson in pristine condition over the winter months, preserving its value and condition, and when the spring comes remember to make the necessary checks with oil levels, tire pressures, and exhaust caps.
So to keep your Harley in pristine condition over the winter months follow these simple common sense tips..
Engine & Gearbox Take your Harley out on the road and ride for a few miles to get both the engine and gearbox up to temperature.
Fill the fuel tank with gas and add a fuel stabilizing product and allow it to enter the fuel system by riding.
Once back home, drain the oil from the engine and gearbox while both are still warm.
Over time oils break down and turn acidic causing corrosion and etching to the internal parts.
This process depends on the regularity you change your oil and filter.
Check your battery, top up the levels and add a little grease to the terminals, consider attaching a charger to keep the battery charged, alternatively start the engine weekly while stored to keep the battery charged.
Apply a little grease to the chain and running gear to avoid those frozen links and putting strain on your chain when you roll it out in the spring.
Exhaust Cover the exhaust ends to avoid anything entering the system, there's nothing worse than adding the sound of a rattle to the ubiquitous tones of your Harley.
Tires Before you store your Harley inflate the tires around 10lbs over pressure to avoid any flat spots which can warp the side wall of the tire.
Body Wheels & Tins Wash and dry your Harley Davidson thoroughly, and apply wax to all relevant areas that may be prone to corrosion.
Ensure that the bike is completely dry as any remaining moisture could lead to corrosion and rust.
Storage Finally, store your Harley in a ventilated room or garage, cover it with a sheet, and put it out the way of children, prying eyes and learner drivers.
Following these simple common sense but essential steps will keep your Harley Davidson in pristine condition over the winter months, preserving its value and condition, and when the spring comes remember to make the necessary checks with oil levels, tire pressures, and exhaust caps.