subject: Preparing the Moped for the Winter Months [print this page] Preparing the Moped for the Winter Months
Some time towards the end of autumn, you will need to think about packaging away your 50cc moped and preparing it for the cold season.
It's not really that I haven't attempted to ride my moped in the wintertime in the past, I have, and it really is a hazardous activity when you rely on steadiness on two wheels in dicey conditions.
I have vivid memories of sliding down the main Longbridge Road on my backside, with my little 50cc moped sliding beside me. The fall wasn't really the problem, it was the fact that there was a double-decker bus and an 18 wheel lorry right behind me who couldn't stop either. By the time the bus had stopped it was no more than 8 feet behind me, and if it hadn't stopped, well let's just say I wouldn't be writing this now.
So, let's get these 50cc mopeds packed up for Winter, and make sure they are in good condition for the coming Spring.
First things first, I generally empty the oil. I take out every last drop, and replace it with a half load of winter oil. I know it seems like a waste, because in the spring I will take this out and replace it with normal oil, it's just something I do.
Do you remember the B.O.L.T checks? Of course you do? You do it every time you get on your bike don't you? Okay, but now it's really important to check your brakes, oil, lights and tires. Any metal work that is damp, or any debris caught in the bike may cause problems while it is packed away. Things will rot, damp will oxidise and your bike may suffer as a result.
Personally, I spend a bit of time trying to avoid getting condensation on my bike by lagging with an absorbent material around places like the handlebars, spokes, and any metalwork around the exhaust and electrical system. Again this isn't compulsory, but it does help. Make sure whatever you lag your bike with his absorbent, simple plastic tape will actually trap moisture in and will be a real problem next spring. So this activity is best done when you're sure that your 50cc moped is completely dry.
My 50cc moped spends the Winter in a shed in my back garden. It's not warm but it keeps the damp and cold of it. The shed serves as my kids playhouse in the summer, but it's the ideal place for my moped in the winter.
The worst elements on your bike would be snow. It will sit on the exposed surfaces for days before it melts gradually oxidising anything underneath it can rot rubber, rusted metal, and even discolour plastic and facias.
I don't advise a plastic bike cover for the whole winter. Temperature changes can be quite sharp, and these bike bags can become condensation traps, and actually make any rust problem even worse.
There may be times during the winter when it is possible to ride your 50cc moped for a day or two, but whether you do this or not, I recommend getting your bike out at least once a month
So to make sure everything is fine, about every two weeks pop out and start her up. Let the engine tick over for five minutes and recheck the bike for any issues that may have occurred.
I have seen perfectly good moped pushed into the back garden in the Autumn, and come the following Spring it is just a pile of rust on two wheels. There is no need for this to happen if you take some basic precautions when finishing your riding year. It's great to keep the value of your bike, and have it ready for when you need it in the following spring.
Take care of your bike, and it'll take care of you.
