Succeed in wintering your two-wheeler or quad

Essential checks

The immobility of the machine during wintering and low temperatures can cause mechanical problems. A control becomes essential.

1) The tires : checking the tires turns out to be crucial. Tires are important for motorcyclist safety. Par therefore, it is necessary to check their general condition, if it is known that deflation, cracks and tears of the tires can arise during immobility. The wear indicator for your tires is also a good indicator for carrying out a motorcycle service.

If you have not taken the precaution of raising the motorcycle in order to relieve the points of contact with the ground this winter and if you have not moved it regularly, these long months of waiting may have created a "flat" on the tire, where contact with the ground was made.

2) Battery : it is recommended to unplug your Battery motorcycle and store it in a dry place during the winter. However, you will need to put it to charge on a motorcycle battery charger.

On the other hand, if you have not taken the necessary precautions for storage, you will have to check the state of charge of your battery with a multimeter. If the indicated voltage is lower than 10.3 V, you will be obliged to change your battery for the restarting of your motorcycle. Pay attention to the cable connections and respect the polarity of the terminals.

• Voltage below 11V: the battery is probably damaged, and even if pass par a so-called "intelligent" charger may restore a small part of its capacity, it will be necessary to consider replacing it.

• Voltage between 11.5V and 12V: the battery should be ok, but it is discharged.

• Voltage between 12V and 12.5V: the battery is ok, but it is discharged. A good load should arranger that.

• Voltage of about 12.6V: the battery is full.

3) Brakes : the condition of the brakes is very important. Faulty brakes can put you in danger, so be very careful when doing your checks.

First, check the level of the brake fluid. If it is too low, it is best to check whether or not there is a leak or if your platelets are not deficient. To check that the brakes are working, start par carry out a standstill test. If the brake control seems abnormally soft, a brake fluid leak may be the cause.

4) Emptying : if the oil change was not carried out during the wintering, it will be done. Unlike the level check, the engine oil is changed with the engine warm. Don't forget to change the oil filter.

5) Coolant : with winter temperature changes, the rubber hoses work even when the bike is not running. This is why it is important to look carefully for possible traces leaks at the cooling circuit junctions. Check the level of liquid in the expansion tank, and top up if necessary

6) Chain : this is the time to check its tension, then lubricate it with a specialized lubricant after cleaning it if necessary.

For adjusting the tension of chain, refer to your user manual, the method and the setting itself changes according to the motorcycle model.

7) Cables, controls and lights: control the travel, play and movement of the various levers, the brake pedal, the selector and the gas handle. The movements must be fluid and without hard points.

Grease the various shafts of the controls using grease, preferably lithium.

With regard to cable (gas, clutch) use a specific lubricant or, failing that, a few drops of motor oil slipped into the sheath of the cable, and check that the ends are not frayed.

Switch on the ignition and check that no error appears on the dashboard. Put on your indicators and check that they work correctly. Check the proper functioning of the headlight, in the "low beam" position and in the "main beam" position. Don't forget the taillight, the brake light as well as theplate lighting.

Also remember to check the horn, often forgotten.