Do you know how to prep your motorcycle for winter?
Who: Ohio motorcycle riders
What: Avoiding Ohio motorcycle accident injuries
Where: Toledo, Ohio
When the weather gets warm, there are few things that motorcycle riders want to do more than get back on their bikes. In order to make sure that their spring and summer riding is safe, it is important to remember that how you prepare and store your motorcycle in the winter makes all the difference on how that bike will ride in the spring. The better a bike rides, the less likely a rider will experience an Ohio motorcycle accident injury.
Read these great tips from www.totalmotorcycle.com in our continuing coverage on preparing your bike for winter:
5. Battery Storage
The battery must be removed from the motorcycle when it is in storage. Motorcycles often have a small current drain even when the ignition is switched off (dark current), and a discharged battery will sulfate and no longer be able to sustain a charge.
A conventional battery should be checked for electrolyte level. Add distilled water to any of the cells that are low and then charge the battery.
Battery charging should be performed at least every two weeks using a charger that has an output of 10% of the battery ampere hour rating. For example if the battery has an AH rating of 12 (e.g. 12N12A-4A-1 where the 12A is 12 amp hours), then the charge rate of that battery should not exceed 1.2 amps. A higher charge will cause the battery to overheat. Charge the battery away from open flame or sparks as the gas (hydrogen) given off a battery can be explosive. Elevate the battery and keep it from freezing. Exercise the proper caution appropriate to caustic substances.
6. Surface Preparation
Waxing and polishing the motorcycle might seem like a waste of time since you are putting it away and no one will see it. But applying wax is a very important part of storing a motorcycle.Wax will act as a barrier against rust and moisture.
Don’t forget to spray any other metal surfaces (such as the frame or engine) will a very light spray of WD-40. This will keep these areas shiny and protect from corrosion as well.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an Ohio motorcycle accident, contact our Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers at 800.637.8170 for your free copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book today.
