RAMCO BLOG
Winter storage for a carburetted motorcycle: fuel and moisture
Prepare before parking: manage the tank and float bowls separately and follow the storage instructions for your motorcycle.
Ramco Motor ·
Why can storage cause carburettor trouble?
During prolonged storage, petrol can deteriorate and leave deposits that restrict small fuel passages. Moisture is another concern. Water can enter through a leaking filler cap or contaminated fuel. Under certain conditions, water can mix with ethanol-containing fuel and later separate. This does not automatically happen in every tank.
1. Deal with existing problems first
Does the motorcycle already start poorly, leak petrol or run only with choke? Record the symptoms and have them investigated before storage. Standing still for a few months will not repair an existing fault.
2. Treat the tank and carburettor separately
A full tank does not mean the carburettor is ready for winter. The tank holds the main supply; the float bowls contain small quantities of fuel that can remain behind. Some motorcycle manuals specify storing the tank filled and draining the float bowls. Other storage procedures differ. Find the instructions for your exact model and year.
3. Choose fresh, suitable fuel
Use fuel approved by the manufacturer. If the storage procedure specifies or permits a stabilizer, use the correct dose and follow the instructions to get treated fuel through the system. Adding it to the tank alone does not immediately treat fuel already in the carburettor. Stabilizer does not make old petrol fresh again or replace cleaning.
4. Have the float bowls drained when required
If your manual requires draining, use the specified drain screw and collection method. The drain screw is not the mixture screw. If you cannot identify it confidently, have the work done. Handle petrol outdoors with the engine switched off and cool, away from flames and sparks, using an appropriate fuel container. Take contaminated petrol to a suitable collection point; never pour it down a drain.
5. Keep moisture out while allowing ventilation
Store the motorcycle clean and dry in a dry, ventilated place. Use a breathable cover. Covering a wet bike with non-breathing plastic can trap moisture. Have a damaged filler-cap seal or suspected water contamination checked. Do not add a “water remover” without knowing whether it is appropriate.
Before closing the garage door
Also follow the model’s battery, tyre, chain and fluid instructions. Record what you did to the fuel system and when. After winter, check for leaks and complete the prescribed inspections before riding.
Need somewhere to store your motorcycle?
Ramco has indoor space for up to five motorcycles in Slijk-Ewijk, near Nijmegen and Arnhem. Transport can be arranged. Discuss dates, availability and preparation in advance; an enquiry does not reserve a space.
Yamaha — Motorcycle care and storage (modelhandleiding; geen universele procedure): https://www.yamaha-motor.co.th/docs/default-document-library/b6f-f8199-e2684acff023984b8b8911a9253ba5d4f4.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=b278be0f_0
Honda — Storing Your Honda (modelgebonden opslag en brandstofveiligheid): https://cdn.powersports.honda.com/documentum/MWOM/ml.remawmom.agjg2525omen.pdf
MTD — oude benzine, afzettingen en stabilisatoren (algemene brandstofprincipes): https://support.mtdproducts.com/articles/en_US/FAQ/25-1
Gold Eagle — stabilisator herstelt geen oude benzine: https://www.goldeagle.com/tips-tools/top-five-sta-bil-product-myths-debunked/