Motorino Winterizing Tips 

When the riding season ends these tips may be useful for keeping your Motorino in ideal condition until next season. 

Storage : Find a proper place -  How long are you going to store your machine? Going on a business trip for several months? Consider location security at a premium. Ideal locations include vehicle garages and storage facilities that are secure and climate controlled. A dry environment will delay the onset of corrosion.  The rain cover can actually do more harm than good, as it traps moisture. While useful when parking the bike outdoors, the plastic rain cover should not be used indoors. Instead use a good breathable cover or a soft cotton bed sheet to keep the dust off.  Another consideration is the amount of human traffic in this area. More traffic means more chances for somebody to accidentally tip your bike. 

Battery:  Lead acid batteries do not fare well in extreme cold.  You don't want the battery to freeze; it's a costly replacement.   To prolong the life we recommend you remove the battery if it is removable and store it someplace warm and dry. For XPv and XPr models you need to keep the whole bike in warm place. Storing the battery on concrete, or any other thermally conductive surface, will cool it and shorten its life.  Ideally place the battery on wood or carpet.  Our new (2008) bikes can be safely plugged in for extended periods, but older model bikes and chargers do have a danger of overcharging, and should be monitored while charging. The output of our new (2008) chargers is very low will not overcharge the batteries, it can be left plugged in all winter.  When you plug the battery on charge monitor your charger indication lights for the first 14 hours. If you notice the light on the charger does not turn green, no matter how long the batteries have been charging, bring it to your dealer for check up. If you chose to leave the battery in the bike remember that a battery can freeze and eventually, crack if left in an unheated area. 

 Body: Clean the body with a wet towel. If you use a hose be careful not to direct the stream inside the body where the electric parts are. To preserve the color of the body you can use a UV resistant wax.  Store your bike in a dark place if possible. Daily exposure to sun will deteriorate the color and the gloss finish.

 Frame and metal parts: There are a few unpainted parts that need to be lubricated to protect them from rust – the chain, pedal axle, front and rear chain sprockets. Spray them with liquid grease or chain lubricant. Don’t use DW40 – it is degreaser and won’t protect your metal parts.

 Tires: Check the tire pressure. Ensure you have at least 45 psi, and remember to check the tire pressure again in the spring before you ride again.  If you cannot store your bike raised off the ground, you should roll the bike a few times during the winter to avoid ‘Flat Spots’ on the tires.  Avoid exposing tires to intense sunlight.