Proper Care in the "Off" Season:
Many riders do not operate their motorcycles throughout the winter due to low temperatures and snowfall.

For this reason, BMW of North America, Inc. has prepared these suggestions on how to properly condition your motorcycle for periods of storage and inactivity. We urge you to follow the simple instructions and advice contained here, referencing specific model information from your Riders manual and Service Technical manual, to maintain the highest level of safety and preserve the value of your investment.

Please note: if your motorcycle is inactive for an extended period - even in the SUMMER - it is strongly recommended to follow these same procedures.

Oil Changes

• Change the engine oil and oil filter and refill with BMW Engine Oil or an equivalent brand name of motorcycle oil, following the viscosity chart in your Rides manual or Service and Technical manual. Start the engine and allow the clean oil to circulate throughout the engine for approximately 3 minutes.
• If the motorcycle will be stored for longer than 3 months, drain and replace all other oils (Gearbox, Drive shaft, Rear Drive, Front Forks on telescopic fork models). Run the motorcycle for approximately 3 minutes, using several gears to ensure proper oil coverage in transmission and rear drive.
  
  This will reduce the risk of any moisture or contaminants from damaging your motorcycle's vital internal parts.

Fuel Tank

• Filling the tank with fresh fuel will prevent the tank from rusting. Add a fuel stabilizer, such as Stabil. Fuel injected bikes should be run for a few minutes to pump the stabilizer through the system.
  
  Clean and drain carburetor float bowls and jets before storing to prevent deposits caused by fuel that evaporates over time.
  

• Storing a dirty motorcycle can lead to corrosion on alloy castings as well as chromium and cadmium components, because dirt retains moisture.

• Thoroughly wash and dry the motorcycle. Polish and wax all chrome and painted surfaces.
• Spray the unpainted castings such as engine, gear box, rear drive, and related hardware with S100® Corrosion Protectant or a product such as WD-40 to retard corrosion and rust. Be careful to avoid the tires and brake discs.

• CAUTION: Do not spray any lubricants or preservatives with a petroleum base on Pearl effect paint.

Battery Maintenance

• The greatest cause of battery failure is insufficient battery care during storage periods, recognized by cell sulfation.
• It is acceptable to leave the battery installed in your motorcycle, assuming you provide proper care as follows:
  – Maintain proper electrolyte level, adding distilled water as necessary
  – Ensure that battery case and terminal connections are clean.
  – Use an automatic charger with a maximum output of 2 amps (for BMW's with 12 volt systems).
• Consider the BMW - Battery Tender® with quick-connect socket for hassle-free connections.
  
  WARNING: Remove any motorcycle cover prior to charging battery! Batteries generate corrosive and explosive gases. Read battery charger instructions before charging battery.

Chassis Lubrication

• Grease the side and center stand pivots, etc., to purge any water or contaminants from these pivot points.
  
• For other pivot points where no grease fittings are provided such as those listed below, lubricate with a water displacing light lubricant such as CRC 556 or WD-40.
  
  – Clutch or brake lever pivots
  – Rear brake pedal and linkage pivot points
  – Throttle body or carburetor linkage arms/springs
  – Center stand and side stand pivots
  
• Generously spray lubricant into handlebar switches and operate the switches (ignition "off") several times to distribute lubricant. Allow excess lubricant to drain/evaporate prior to operating with ignition "on".
• Lubricate all lock mechanisms, including ignition, fuel cap, seat lock, steering lock, saddlebags, alarm system, top box, etc. Additionally, lubricate seat hinges, latch supports and mechanisms to ensure trouble-free operation.

Tires

• Park the motorcycle on the center stand and support the motorcycle with wood blocks to remove any weight from the tires.
• Inflate tires to the recommended pressures and inspect/remove gravel, glass or other road contaminants from the tire treads.
• Now is the best time to check tire tread depth to see if new tires should be on your gift list. Measure depth between tire tread at the center of the tire/road contact area. Compare your measurement with information listed in the Rider's manual or Service and Technical manual.

Selecting a Storage Area

• Select a storage area such as a garage or storage room that is free from dampness and high humidity. The daily temperature change should be minimal, but a heated area is not necessary. Do not store the motorcycle in direct sunlight.
• Ensure that adequate ventilation is present, as fumes from fuel and battery are explosive/dangerous. Do not store near open flames or sparks.

Covering Your Motorcycle

• Selecting the proper cover is important. An unvented, air-tight cover may lead to corrosion and rust due to trapped moisture/vapor.
• Use a vented cover, which will allow moisture to escape, rather than retaining it.

Original BMW Parts

Bob's BMW carries a complete line of Original BMW Parts and Accessories for the maintenance of your motorcycle, including:

• BMW cleaning products and waxes
• BMW Special Performance lubricants and greases
• BMW Battery Tender® battery charger with quick-connect sockets