Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I dont have a center stand or a maintenance jack to lift my bike off the ground when I'm ready to store it. So short of buying a lift, can I reduce the tire cupping effect by moving the bike a foot or so every week or is it a waste of time?

Its normally stored in a unheated garage so temp is the only issue other than just sitting there. Temp of floor does go below freezing for over a month plus.

So practical ideas on reducing tire cupping over the winter that don't cost me anything?

Do you mean flat spots on your tires?

Here's what my local dealer's service manager recommended:
-overinflate the tires by 2 lbs psi.
-get the tires off the ground, park it on some lumber. (I use pieces of 2 x 6 under the tires and the stand)
- move the bike around every once in a while. (I move it a few inches every weekend)

I've done this the past 2 yrs and haven't had any problems with flat spots.

Johnj wrote:Do you mean flat spots on your tires?

Yes flat spots, from storage over time on concrete in cold weather.

try about 6 psi over and run around at medium speeds o heat cycle them. If that doesnt work you need new ones

Hmm, I've always just inflated and parked the bike for the winter. No problems so far, but my bikes tend to be pretty light (relatively speaking).

Just ride it, oh, wait I'm in AZ! Sorry, please disregard!

Just ride it, oh, wait I'm in AZ! Sorry, please disregard! Laughing

You guys just love to brag don't ya!


I have actually been considering a major relocation so I can escape winter with my bike... this coming from a snowboarder...

Well I guess I'm lucky, for the past 40 odd years I just parked on what ever was under the tires, radial tires don't get flat spots that will last for more than one mile, if that long, if they even get one.

this is very complicated but i think you will understand completely.
ride in the winter as long as there is no ice. but never ride on icy roads