12/18/09 Scooter/Moped Winterizing
As everyone knows in Chicago we have a shorter season than we would like.
Proper care must be taken to get your vehicle ready for winter storage.
For starters all scooters, mopeds, and small bikes should always use premium. They run better and cleaner.
- Fill gas tank
- Add a stabilizer such as Amsoil Fuel Stabilizer.
- Shake the bike back and forth to mix in.
- Start the bike, and if the weather is ok, ride for 5-10 minutes to pull the stabilized fuel into the fuel system. If in bad weather, just run the bike on the center stand for 5-10 minutes. Make sure you ventilate if in a closed space!
- Either take the battery out (typically located under the floorboard), or remove battery cover. Hook up a Deltran battery tender to the positive and negative terminals and plug into wall. Charge your battery indoors if you don't have a heated garage.
- Trickle chargers are “smart” chargers and turn on and off automatically, keeping the battery at an optimal charge.
- If you plan on taking an occasional winter cruise, you are done.
- If you don’t plan on riding until spring, then you can get FOGGING OIL from City Scooters.
- Pull the spark plug cap off and remove the spark plug. Spray liberally into the spark plug hole. Then turn the key on and try to start the bike. (it won’t start with the plug out) This moves the piston up and down and lubricates the inside of the motor. If you have already removed the battery, you can kickstart the motor to turn it over and this will do just fine.
- Check the tire pressure, most scooters/mopeds require 35-38 psi. We recommend putting a little more, up to 40 psi, because cold weather will cause some pressure loss.
- Last but not least, cover the scooter/moped/bike with a weatherproof cover. If inside, an old bed sheet will do nicely.
All parts are available here at City Scooters
We can solve all your service needs from winterizing to tires, oil changes, rebuilds, and performance work!