It’s that time of year again, so I thought I would post the storage procedures that are contained in the 1978 BMW Owner’s Manual for those of you that don’t have access to such. The following is a reproduction of the storage procedures specified by BMW on page 35 of the 1978 BMW Owner’s Manual:

1. If you intend to lay up your motorcycle during the cold season of the year or for a long period, the following precautions will help to guard against corrosion and superficial damage:
2. Drain the oil when the engine is warmed up, clean the oil mesh strainer and oil sump.
3. Add corrosion inhibiting oil up to the lower mark on dipstick (app. 1 Liter = 1.05 US quarts). Run the engine for about 1 minute off-load. Remove the oil filter and close the empty filter chamber. When storing for more than 6 months, drain oil from gear-box, swing arm and final drive and add corrosion inhibiting oil. Contents: gearbox 0.4 liter (0.4 US quart), swing arm 0.05 liter (0.05 US quart). Place the machine on its center stand, engage 2nd gear and turn the engine at a fast idle for a few seconds.
4. Unscrew the spark plugs and add 15 to 20 cm (cubed) of upper cylinder protecting compound to each cylinder through the spark plug holes. Turn the engine over for a few moments with the starter, and leave the pistons at top dead center. Screw the spark plugs beck in.
5. Clean the carburetors and close the fuel taps.
6. Remove the battery and take to a service station for maintenance and storage.
7. Thoroughly clean and dry the motorcycle. Spray the brake and clutch pivots and the center stand pivots with a suitable lubricant.
8. Apply a coating of acid-free grease to all bright metal and chromium plated parts, and spray the motorcycle with a protective oil.
9. Store the motorcycle in a dry room on its center stand. Place wood blocks under both front fork ends and the rear swinging arm so that the wheels are clear of the ground.

Restoring the Motorcycle to Service

1. Drain out the corrosion inhibiting oil and fill with fresh oil of the normal grade. Do not forget to install the full-flow oil filter element.
2. Install the battery, connect the leads, tighten the terminal nuts and apply terminal grease to the posts and clips.
3. Clean the spark plugs and check the gaps. Correct if necessary. Before screwing in, apply a small amount of graphite grease to the threads.

Actually, the fuels and lubricants are listed on page 66 (not page 67) of the Owner’s Manual and reads as follows:

Corrosion inhibiting oil: SAE 20 engine corrosion inhibiting oil
Acid-free grease: Corrosion inhibiting grease
Protective oil: Vehicle bodywork preservative compound … print blurred in my manual, but looks like… designed not to attack paintwork, rubber components or plastic and should be easy to remove.

Roy Truelsen #4363