Winterizing Your Motorcycle: Essential Tips for Off-Season Storage
Preparing Your Motorcycle for Winter Storage: A Complete Guide
As winter sets in, riders in colder regions must prep their motorcycles for storage to prevent damage from cold weather and prolonged disuse. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to winterizing your bike:
1. Clean the Exterior Thoroughly
Before putting your motorcycle away, give it a thorough wash. Cleaning off dirt, debris, dead bugs, and mud ensures they don’t harden and damage the paint or components over the winter. This step might seem minor, but skipping it could lead to a frustrating start to the next riding season. To make cleaning easier, you can refer to guides on proper motorcycle washing techniques to ensure every nook and cranny is clean.
2. Prepare the Fuel Tank
The fuel tank is one of the most vulnerable parts of your bike during storage. There are two options to protect it:
Add a Fuel Stabilizer: Top off the tank to minimize moisture build-up on the tank walls and add a fuel stabilizer. Take your motorcycle for a short ride to allow the stabilizer to circulate through the system, then turn the petcock off to prevent fuel from reaching the carburetor.
Drain the Tank (for long-term storage): If you're storing the bike for an extended period, completely drain the fuel tank. You should also apply fogging oil to the inside to prevent rust and corrosion.
3. Change the Oil and Filter
Old oil can corrode engine components over time, so changing your oil and oil filter before storage is crucial. Fresh oil ensures that the engine remains well-lubricated and free from damaging build-up while it sits idle. Regular maintenance like this will keep your engine in top shape and ready to go once riding season returns.
4. Take Care of the Battery
Your motorcycle's battery can suffer significant damage if left unattended in cold temperatures. There are two main ways to handle it:
Leave it on the Bike: If the bike is in storage for a short period, you can leave the battery connected, but make sure to start the bike and run it for 15 minutes every few weeks to recharge the battery.
Remove the Battery: For longer storage, it’s best to remove the battery and store it in a temperature-controlled environment. Connect it to a trickle charger to maintain a steady charge over winter. This prevents the battery from draining and prolongs its overall lifespan.
5. Cover Your Motorcycle
Once your motorcycle is clean, fueled, and prepped, the final step is to cover it with a high-quality motorcycle cover. The cover will shield your bike from dust, moisture, and potential damage to components like the throttle, clutch cables, and shifters. A breathable, waterproof cover is ideal, as it allows airflow while preventing moisture build-up, which can lead to rust.
By following these steps, you ensure that your motorcycle remains in excellent condition throughout the winter. Though it’s tough to say goodbye to riding for the season, proper storage will save you time and money on repairs, letting you hit the road as soon as spring arrives.
