Tuck your bike in for the winter

Ah, Fall, that time of year when a biker’s fancy turns to thoughts of snuggling up with a good book and cup of hot chocolate.

Okay, maybe not quite, but when the weather turns cold, it’s time to think about what to do with your motorcycle for the winter.

Winter weather can play havoc with a motorcycle, especially if it’s left out in the elements. And, if not properly winterized, even leaving it in an unheated garage may not be the best idea. Besides, if you’re like most folks, there’s not enough room in the garage for the bike, the family car, the boxes, the bicycles and garden tools.

But, there is something you can do to get your bike through the harsh winter weather and have it ready to ride next spring.

Store your motorcycle at Route 15 Honda/ Yamaha and forget it for the winter.

The storage service only costs $300, but you must provide a full cover and a Battery Tender. Of course, Route 15 Honda Yamaha sells those at a discount if you use this service.

Included in the price of winter storage is an oil and filter change. Your bike will be safe and warm for the winter and ready to ride when you get it back.

If you can’t bring your machine in, Route 15 will pick it up and deliver it for a nominal fee. They will also drain your carburetor and throw in a free can of Stabil.

If you have a place to store your bike, another choice is to bring your machine in and let Route 15 prep it for winter storage. Then you can take it home and wrap it up for its winter rest. Pick up and delivery is also available for this option for a small fee.

Finally, you can prep it yourself. Here’s the recommended procedure:

* Fill Fuel Tank and add Stabil

* Run for about 15 minutes

* If machine will be in an area that freezes, remove the battery and store in a warm area. Install Battery Tender

* Otherwise you can install a Battery Tender while the battery is still on the machine

* If the machine has a center stand, use it and raise the front wheel off the ground

* If no center stand, put cardboard under both wheels

* Spray some silicone spray (WD 40) into the exhaust to keep the baffles from rusting

* Cover bike with a cover that ‘"breathes"

* Change the oil before storing the machine and again in the spring

So, protect your investment by storing your motorcycle for the winter at Route 15 Honda/Yamaha.

If you do, you might even be able to get your car in the garage.

What a novel idea. J