When a motorcycle sits for any extended period of time, moisture accumulates inside the engine due to the normal heating and cooling of the day and the moisture content of the air. When the motorcycle is started, heat starts building up and the moisture passes through its various stages form a solid to a liquid, and finally to a gaseous stage. This can be seen on the windshield of your car (if it sits outside) as dew or frost appears on it. Unless the bike is heated up to full operating temperature (greater than 180 degrees), the moisture will not be totally dissipated. This, in conjunction with normal exhaust byproducts causes acid to form and accumulate in the oil!

So, many people say, "I’ll just run the bike longer to make sure it gets heated up!" That’s not a good idea either! Unless an engine can run under a load and at varying RPM, normal emissions cause carbon to build up in the heads and cylinders. Over a period of time, this will cause the engine to run very poorly.

Now the question is, "So what SHOULD I do?" Really, the best bet is to properly winterize your bike. For example, ensure the gas tank is full and add a fuel stabilizer to it so varnish doesn’t form and clog things up. Then get a battery tender to make sure your battery is maintained at the proper voltage. And finally, store your bike in a manner that will reduce the normal environmental effects on the many finishes it has. (H-D recommends putting down a sheet of plastic, cover the plastic with a carpet remnant, park your bike on the carpet, and finally cover it all with a breathable, good quality storage cover.)

Did you know that tires can lose up to 7 psi of air pressure overnight? In areas where temperatures vary a great deal this is especially true. So, if your bike has been sitting for a week or more, it could have lost up to 20 pounds of air. Riding on under-inflated tires will cause poor handling (feels like the front end is very "heavy"), and cause your tires to wear out more quickly. The reduced handling can also cause catastrophic results - more noticed if you get into a tight situation and ask the bike to perform to the max. Take a couple of extra minutes to check and adjust your tire pressure so when the time comes we’ll all be out riding together!

Harley has also given us some information on proper storage of bikes (and especially tires) to help reduce the aging effect. One of the more important items they stress is to try to avoid frequent and varied extremes of temperature. They aren’t talking about the normal heating and cooling of the day, instead they mean don’t keep your bike near a heat source (i.e. heater vent, space heater, etc.). The effect of the heat blowing on your tires will cause them to age more quickly, causing them to "dry out", more commonly referred to as "dry rot". It is actually better to keep them stored in a cooler, more constant temperature. Another notable item is to try to avoid parking your bike (for an extended period) where the sun shines on your tires. Radiant heat from the sun will have the same effect as a heater! Finally, their third tip is, if you do go for a ride, please make sure you clean your bike and tires before putting it up again. Salt and chemical residue left on any surface will cause it to deteriorate. Again, this means the rubber will actually dry out and become brittle requiring replacement.

Quite often you'll have to ride at night. After all, it is dark 50 percent of the time.

Dusk is really the worst time, when people's eyes are adjusting from daylight to headlights. Be especially careful just after sunset.

Usually it is advisable to slow down a little when riding at night, especially on nay sort of winding road.

Use your own headlight and those of other traffic to keep an eye on the road surface. It is more difficult at night to see the patch of sand or something that fell out of a pickup. The distance between you and the vehicle in front becomes even more important at night. Give yourself room to react.

Steel-mesh bridges can be externally unnerving, (like the Wilson Bridge). Keep an even throttle and keep the bike straight. Don't grip the handlebars too hard. If there is a vibration in the handlebars, do not fight it. This is a natural feedback from your timers going over these thousands of little squares.

Some parts of the country have rain grooves in the highway. They're not very popular among motorcyclist. This is when the road surface, usually concrete, has several dozen grooves running lengthwise down each lane. The purpose of the groves is to prevent cars and trucks from losing traction when it rains.

Company is always nice, Some company weighs 100 pounds, other company weights 200 pounds. Putting extra weight on the motorcycle will affect the handling. Adjust your suspension and tire pressures to compensate for the amount of company you've brought along. (Check your owner's manual.) Also realize that your braking capabilities have changed; take that into account. The more weight you have on the motorcycle, the longer it takes to stop.

Passengers should be instructed to always mount from he same side, and to warn you before thy climb on. This goes a long way to preventing a muddled heap laying on the ground.

Passengers need the same protection that you do - proper clothes and helmet. Ten-foot scarves flapping in the wind may look dashing, but not on a motorcycle. You don't want shoe laces or loose pants legs catching on rear wheel or chain parts.

Never carry anyone sidesaddle. Passengers should always straddle the bike with their feet secretly planted on the footrests. Tell passengers not to put a foot down when you come to a stop. Show them where the hot things are - like header pipes and mufflers. Caution passengers against coming in contact with the hot parts to prevent any injuries. Also, rubber soles can melt leaving a mess.

Instruct passengers to hold onto you at your waist or hips. Ask them to lean forward slightly when you leave from a stop or accelerate along the highway.

Also, When you break, passengers, should be firmly braced against your waist and should lean back slightly. You don't want their weight to shift forward.