Expert: Collin Bradham - 10/14/2006

Question
I live in New York were the winter can be severe. I have a 1985 honda shadow vt700. I need some tips on storing a motorcycle for the winter months. Is it best to fill the gas tank and use an antibreak-down additive or to drain the system. Should I flood the carburetor with marvel oil to prevent varnish build-up. What about the engine oil?  Are there coating you could recommend to preserve the chrome and leather parts.  thank you for your input  armand

Answer
Drain fuel system completely.  It isn't necessary to fill the carb, unless u wanna b extra nice, cause if there's no gas varnish will not b present.  Change your oil at the very beginning of the next riding season. As for the leather u can use just about any leather treatment found in the automotive section at Wal-Mart.  The Chrome will be fine, just keep it clean.