Drain the engine oil. With the engine getting hot in use and cooling when not in use condensation forms and this contains moisture. In extreme cases the moisture in the oil can attack the main bearings and seals. That is why Kawasaki and Beezeees recommend you change the oil when storing your bike for an extended period.

Drain the carbs. Stale fuel dries up and granulates in the jets forming a strong resin type compound that restricts the jets and in extreme cases affects the running. This resin is very hard to get off without ultrasonically cleaning.

We drain the floatbowls and squirt some light oil in there. This oil will mix with petrol when you are ready to use the bike again and should be cleaned out in the combustion process, or you can drain the oil out before filling the carbs with petrol.

Drain the fuel tank. Again, fuel will go off after a few months and its performance will be compromised. We drain the fuel leaving a small amount in there, say 200ml, then add the same amount of engine oil to this and swish it around the tank so the oil coats the inner surface. This petrol /oil mix can then either be drained out when you are ready to ride the bike again, or will be diluted when you fill the tank up with petrol once more in the Spring time.

Disconnect /Remove the battery - We have found that most Z1s will start with the kickstart even after the bike has not been run for a few months. And a short run should bring the battery up to service spec. We have not used a trickle charger like the Optimate on any Z1, however if the battery is weak, or you have electronic ignition fitted, you may need to charge the battery before reconnecting and starting your bike.

Remove the spark plugs and place a few drops of light oil into the cylinder bores. Do not overdo it, just a few drops. Then turn the engine over with the kickstart a few times before putting the spark plugs back in.

Release some pressure in the tyres, and keep them off the ground.

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Use a specialist storage container such as the Bike Bubble available from Beezeees.These are great, not only do you keep the dust and condensation off your bike, you keep the kids, pets and partners off too!

1. Check the electrolyte level in the battery, top up and charge it if necessary before refitting.

2. Inflate tyres to normal riding pressure, 26 psi for the front and 31 psi for the rear tyre.

3. Check the engine oil level, or fill with new engine oil to correct level.

4. Make sure spark plugs are tight.

5. Check all the points listed under Daily Checks.

6. Fill the tank with gasoline.

7. Off you go.