How to Winterize Your Motorcycle, Dirt Bike, ATV/UTV, or Jet Ski: A Complete Guide

When winter rolls in, your powersports machines deserve the same care you give them during riding season. Whether you’re storing a street bike, prepping your dirt bike for the off-season, parking your ATV/UTV, or pulling your jet ski out of the water, proper winterization protects your investment and ensures your machine is ready to run hard when spring returns.

Here’s your all-in-one winterization guide from Motomentum.

3 min read
How to Winterize Your Motorcycle, Dirt Bike, ATV/UTV, or Jet Ski: A Complete Guide

When winter rolls in, your powersports machines deserve the same care you give them during riding season. Whether you’re storing a street bike, prepping your dirt bike for the off-season, parking your ATV/UTV, or pulling your jet ski out of the water, proper winterization protects your investment and ensures your machine is ready to run hard when spring returns.

Here’s your all-in-one winterization guide from Motomentum.

1. Start With a Full Clean

No matter what you ride, step one is always cleaning. Dirt, salt, mud, and moisture can cause corrosion or damage during storage.

Do this for all machines:

  • Thorough wash and dry
  • Apply wax or protectant to painted/metal surfaces
  • Use corrosion inhibitor on exposed metal parts

For jet skis, make sure to flush the cooling system and remove any remaining saltwater.

2. Refresh or Top Off Your Fluids

Old or degraded fluids can cause corrosion while sitting idle.

Motorcycles / Dirt Bikes / ATVs / UTVs:

  • Change engine oil and filter
  • Top off coolant (use proper antifreeze for freezing climates)
  • Check brake and clutch fluid
  • Grease suspension and pivot points where applicable

Jet Skis / PWCs:

  • Change the oil (if 4-stroke)
  • Fog the engine (especially 2-stroke or carbureted models)
  • Remove plugs and spray fogging oil into cylinders if manufacturer recommends it

3. Fuel System Protection

Fuel breaks down over time and can gum up injectors, carburetors, and lines.

  • Fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer
  • Run the engine for a few minutes so treated fuel circulates
  • For jet skis, add stabilizer and run it during your cooling-system flush

This is one of the most important steps for smooth startup next season.

4. Battery Maintenance

Cold kills batteries fast.

  • Remove the battery or disconnect it
  • Store in a cool, dry location
  • Attach a smart battery tender

This applies to motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs/UTVs, and even jet skis with accessible batteries.

5. Lubricate Moving Parts

Prevent corrosion and keep everything smooth.

Common areas to lubricate:

  • Chains (motorcycles & dirt bikes)
  • Control cables
  • Steering stems / pivot points
  • Suspension linkages
  • Door hinges & latch points on UTVs
  • For machines with CVT belts (ATVs/UTVs), store them dry and clean.

6. Tire & Track Care

Depending on your vehicle:

Motorcycles / Dirt Bikes:

  • Inflate to recommended pressure
  • Use stands to avoid flat spots
  • Move the bike occasionally if stored on the ground

ATVs/UTVs:

  • Inflate properly
  • Consider jacking up heavy side-by-sides to relieve suspension strain

Jet Skis:

  • No tires to worry about, but make sure your trailer tires are inflated if storing the unit on one

7. Protect Against Rodents & Moisture

All powersports machines are vulnerable to critters looking for warmth.

  • Plug exhaust outlets
  • Seal airbox openings if recommended
  • Avoid storing food or trash nearby
  • Use breathable covers to prevent trapped moisture
  • For jet skis, a snug, waterproof cover is essential.

8. Store It Right

Where and how you store matters.

Best practices:

  • Use a breathable, high-quality cover
  • Keep machines indoors if possible
  • Avoid direct contact with concrete floors (use mats, plywood, or stands)
  • For jet skis stored outside, ensure the cover is waterproof and UV-resistant

Proper storage prevents rust, mold, sun damage, and premature wear.

9. Planning to Ride Through Winter? Here’s What to Add

Some riders—street, dirt, or trail—keep going all year.

If you’re riding in cold weather, consider:

Motomentum has winter gear for motorcycles, snow riders, and ATV/UTV cold-weather setups.

10. Spring Startup Tips

When warmer weather returns:

  • Reconnect or reinstall your battery
  • Check fluid levels
  • Inspect for leaks, pests, or corrosion
  • Verify tire pressure
  • Start the engine and let it warm up gently

Your machine should be ready for a fresh season of riding, sliding, or splashing.

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your motorcycle, dirt bike, ATV/UTV, or jet ski takes a little time now, but it saves you from headaches—and repair bills—later. With proper care and the right parts, gear, and storage essentials from Motomentum, your machine will be ready to perform the moment you are.