As the temperature drops and winter weather approaches, motorcycle riders face the annual challenge of storing and protecting their bikes until warmer days return. Proper winterization not only protects your motorcycle from cold weather damage but also ensures it’s ready to ride come springtime. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps for winterizing your motorcycle to keep it in peak condition until you’re ready to hit the road again.
1. Clean Your Bike Thoroughly
Cleaning your motorcycle before winter storage is crucial. Dirt, road salt, and grime can corrode metal parts if left on the bike for months. A thorough wash removes harmful residues and keeps your bike looking new.
- Steps: Use a mild detergent and a soft sponge, rinse well, and dry with a microfiber cloth. Pay extra attention to hard-to-reach areas, especially around the chain, wheels, and engine.
- Protective Coating: Consider applying a coat of wax to your bike’s painted surfaces and a rust-preventive spray to metal parts. These add a protective barrier against moisture and corrosion.
2. Change the Oil and Filter
Old oil contains contaminants that can cause corrosion if left sitting in the engine over winter. Fresh oil, on the other hand, keeps internal components lubricated and protected. Even if your last oil change wasn’t too long ago, it’s a good idea to change it before winter storage.
- Steps: Drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and refill with fresh oil. Check your owner’s manual for the correct oil type and quantity.
3. Stabilize the Fuel
Gasoline can degrade over time, forming varnish and gum deposits that can clog fuel lines, injectors, and carburetors. Adding a fuel stabilizer helps prevent this, keeping your fuel fresh and protecting your fuel system from corrosion.
- Steps: Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank, following the instructions on the product label. After adding, run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilizer circulates throughout the system.
4. Top Off the Tank
A full tank of fuel helps prevent condensation from forming inside the gas tank, which can lead to rust. After adding fuel stabilizer, fill the tank to prevent moisture buildup.
- Tip: Avoid ethanol-based fuel if possible, as it can attract moisture. If ethanol-free fuel is unavailable, the fuel stabilizer should help mitigate any issues.
5. Battery Maintenance
Cold weather can drain your motorcycle battery, so proper battery maintenance is essential to avoid a dead battery come spring. A battery tender or trickle charger is ideal for keeping your battery charged during long periods of inactivity.
- Steps: Remove the battery from your bike if possible, and store it in a cool, dry place. Connect it to a battery tender or trickle charger to maintain the charge over winter.
6. Lubricate Moving Parts
Winter is the perfect time to give your bike’s moving parts some extra care. Proper lubrication prevents corrosion and ensures smooth operation when riding season returns.
- Parts to Lubricate:
- Chain: Clean the chain thoroughly, then apply chain lubricant.
- Cables: Lubricate the throttle, clutch, and brake cables to prevent them from becoming stiff.
- Kickstand and Pivots: Apply a light oil to the kickstand pivot and other moving parts, such as foot peg hinges and lever pivots.
7. Protect the Tires
Tires can develop flat spots if they remain in one position for extended periods. To avoid this, you can take a few preventative measures:
- Elevate the Bike: Use a motorcycle stand to lift the tires off the ground, relieving pressure on them.
- Inflate Tires to Recommended Pressure: Properly inflated tires reduce the risk of flat spots and help maintain their shape.
If you don’t have a stand, try to roll the bike slightly every few weeks to shift the weight distribution on the tires.
8. Cover the Exhaust
Moisture can enter the exhaust system and cause rust. Covering the exhaust openings is a simple step that can prevent this issue.
- Steps: Plug the exhaust openings with plastic bags or exhaust plugs to keep out moisture, dust, and any critters that might seek shelter in your pipes.
9. Store in a Climate-Controlled Environment
The ideal winter storage location for a motorcycle is indoors, in a climate-controlled environment. If that’s not possible, an enclosed garage or a sheltered space with a quality motorcycle cover can offer protection.
- If storing outside: Use a durable, waterproof cover that’s designed to resist wind, rain, and snow. Make sure the cover is breathable to avoid moisture buildup beneath it.
10. Use a High-Quality Motorcycle Cover
A good motorcycle cover is crucial for protecting your bike from dust, moisture, and potential scratches. Even if you store your motorcycle indoors, covering it adds an extra layer of protection.
- Tips: Choose a breathable cover that fits your motorcycle snugly. A cover that’s too tight or too loose can cause issues, like scratching the paint or allowing dust to collect.
11. Additional Winter Prep Tips
If you want to go the extra mile with winter preparation, consider these bonus tips:
- Drain the Carburetor (if your bike has one): Running the bike until it burns out the last of the fuel can prevent carburetor gumming and clogging.
- Check and Lubricate Fork Seals: Cold weather can cause seals to dry out. A light coating of lubricant keeps them supple and helps prevent cracks.
- Check Coolant Levels (if liquid-cooled): Ensure your coolant mixture is fresh and suitable for winter temperatures. A balanced antifreeze mixture can help protect your engine from freezing temperatures.
Getting Ready for Spring
Once the weather warms up and it’s time to ride again, bring your bike out of storage with these key steps:
- Unplug the Exhaust: Remove any exhaust plugs or coverings.
- Reconnect the Battery: If you removed the battery, reinstall it carefully.
- Check Fluid Levels: Check the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and fuel before your first ride.
- Inspect the Tires: Verify that they’re properly inflated and check for flat spots or cracks.
- Test Brakes and Controls: Ensure everything is working smoothly and safely.
Taking the time to winterize your motorcycle ensures it stays in top condition through the cold months and is ready for smooth rides when spring arrives. By following these steps, you’ll protect your investment, avoid costly repairs, and extend the life of your motorcycle. Winter may be a time for rest, but your bike will be more than ready to roar back to life when the first warm day of the new season arrives.
Happy winterizing!
