Winter Storage

[bill harrison]

Some of my bikes might end up being left unused for a few months now, I was going to get some spray for protecting the bike, any good tips?  I normally use WD 40 but a friend reckons a good covering of furniture polish is best!

[Angus]

I have used ACF50 for the last couple of years it seams to work well. I have seen write-ups that suggest WD40 is not a good idea.

[a101960]

I have used ACF50 for the last couple of years it seems to work well.

+ 1 on that excellent stuff

[Butch (cb)]

Indeed, that too is my understanding.

Concerned also about the reported hydroscopic and other scary stories on the properties of ethanol, I'm also adding some kind of fuel stabiliser to my bikes going into storage this year. I went with something called Sta-Bil though I've no idea if it could yet be oil of snake, or how I'll know.
 

[East_Coast_BSA]

Indeed, that too is my understanding.

Concerned also about the reported hydroscopic and other scary stories on the properties of ethanol, I'm also adding some kind of fuel stabiliser to my bikes going into storage this year. I went with something called Sta-Bil though I've no idea if it could yet be oil of snake, or how I'll know.

I've tried "Sta-Bil" and also this other stuff call "Star-tron".  To be honest I never noticed any difference with or without it added to the gas.  The gas will go sour after a while anyway.  I started using Race Gas and that by far is the best.  I run it through the mowers, bikes and everything else.  When it evaporates out of the carb it doesn't leave any film and it washes out the ethanol.  It will also last three years (as long as it's not in direct sunlight).  Avgas works just as well and will last just as long.  High lead and no ethanol is the way to go.  Most additives work better with some fuel brands than others.  The problem is you never if it's going to work at all.

[nimrod650]

after polishing alloy casings with solvol autosol ect a light spray  and buff with mr sheene furniture polish protects the shine for weeks

[bill harrison]

Sounds good, thanks.  I'll try ACF 50 and I'm not too bothered about the fuel.  I always use BP Ultramax or whatever which is supposed to contain less ethenol and I'm still getting out on my Summer bikes so the bikes will only be left for 2 or 3 months with a bit of luck!

[nimrod650]

Some of my bikes might end up being left unused for a few months now, I was going to get some spray for protecting the bike, any good tips?  I normally use WD 40 but a friend reckons a good covering of furniture polish is best!

you can buy a dummy spark plug that draws the damp out of the bores in long winter storage mate uses them on his classic car