Forum

[sofiaspin]

With autumn turning to winter upon us when is the best time to change engine and gearbox oil, service all the things like brakes, cables and so on - now, before winter sets in so the bike is well sorted for the spring, or in say February? The key issue is whether to do it now or leave the old oils and so on in and around the bike for another five months.

[Nettshubby]

Usually, and perhaps most importantly, it is recommended to change the engine oil before the bike is laid up, or only used verry occasionaly, so that any water and acids from combustion are not sitting in the engine all winter.

[Beezabryan]

If you are intending a winter lay up then change engins oil & filter and drain fuel tank & carb, other stuff can be done at leisure

[Leon Novello]

As the other posts suggest. I recommend NOT draining the petrol from the tank; there is the risk of rust forming in an empty tank. It is better to fill the tank to the brim, add a dose of oily upper-cylinder lubricant first.
We ride all year round in Australia, so we don`t have this problem.

[papasmurf]

A motorcycle is for all year around, not just for fine days.

[Michael]

I tend to service in the spring, but thats cos I cover my bike in oily gunk and ride it through the winter, normally... that may change after my recent 'inversion' though. However, I would suggest filling the tank with petrol, not leaving it empty. I would also suggest that if you arevlaying it up, then service it first. That way if you spot any problems you will have a few months to sort them

[sofiaspin]

Ideally I would indeed be riding all year but previous experience of our wet and frozen north points to wheels not turning between Jan and March so I will go with the majority and get it all sorted before the end of November.