Hitchcocks Forum

Hi, any tips on storing my ELECTRA over the next few winter months, or should I just start it every weekend. Many thanks.

Starting it now and again will only create condensation in the cases, more harm than good..

Change the engine oil, put a squirt in the cylinder and leave the piston at TDC compression stroke..

Top up battery and leave connected to a smart charger, eg Optimate or similar..

Oil chain and cables, then spray wheel rims and brightwork with ACF50 or WD 40..

Spray a drop in the switch gear not forgetting the steering lock..

Pump up tyres and then leave well alone...

Many thanks. Never thought about condensation.

If you are going to start the bike at all be sure to take it out for a good long runs to ensure the oil and motor reaches a good temperature. However you'll probably still get plenty of Enfield brand mayo in the oil though. I did an oil change a few years back and when the oil and water had separated out there was a pint of water there in the container, not something you'd want in your engine rotting it from the inside out.

Also;
Leave the tank full to stop condensation in there.
Drain the carburettor float bowl.
Store on the centre stand to keep the weight off the tyres.
The battery is best removed from the machine and charged now and again.
As other say - don't start it. (though I do turn mine over occasionally)

I’m not sure if it is a good idea nowadays to leave fuel tanks full of petrol. The ethanol content contains water which will, over time, separate out and fall to the bottom of the tank. This often causes corrosion and rust. I’d suggest emptying the tank and leaving the tank cap off.

Its not that easy if its an EFI Electra with fuel pump etc to drain..

Maybe a drop of fuel stabiliser in the tank will keep "Effinol" from separating just for 3 months...

If its a carbed X model then yes switch off supply and drain the carb..

I keep hearing about modern petrol going off but I never seem to have a problem. I recently started a mower which had 4 year old petrol in it and it was fine. I always use the cheapest supermarket fuel.

However, the other way to do it is empty and open as Presto says.

"I recently started a mower which had 4 year old petrol in it"



Your grass got a bit long had it?



Sure it wasn't a combine harvester? LOL!