Let’s face it, not many of us are riding our motorcycles in winter and storing your motorcycle is just a part of being a biker most places in the world. We are going over some basic steps to winterize your bike and what you are going to need to do to keep your ride reliable year after year. We put together a list of what you’re going to need for motorcycle winterization, as well as an easy maintenance checklist for beginner riders and seasoned vets alike who are looking to safely store their bikes over the winter months. Proper storage now means easy riding as soon as the weather allows.
Some of what you are going to be doing is all basic maintenance that any rider should be able to perform on their motorcycle with a basic set of tools. And some meat between the ears. While you could just stick it in storage and forget about it, by doing these basic steps you are helping to ensure your investment in your motorcycle and keep it running smoothly season after season.
How To Prep a Motorcycle for Winter Storage
Motorcycle Winter Storage Preparation
The first part of doing maintenance is getting everything you are going to need to get the job done right the first time. At this point, you are going to want to do some research about winterizing your specific motorcycle.
While it might not feel natural to read your owner’s manual, they often contain some winterization information specific to your motorcycle that you’re going to want to know. Be it what kinda oil your bike likes, or a little screw on the carb that drains your gas from the carb. You know, the one you have always wondered what it’s there for. Those kinds of details specific to your bike.
Next, gather the items listed below before winter arrives so you’re not behind the eight ball.
Items you are going to need to winterize your motorcycle:
- Oil
- Oil Filter
- Fuel Stabilizer
- Fuel Filter
- Battery Tender
- Chain Lube
- Gas
Bike Storage Location Decisions
The next thing you are going to need is some shelter to store your motorcycle under to keep it out of the sun, rain and snow. Leaving it exposed to the elements is a straight shot to corrosion, condensation, rust, and a faded paint job. When storing your motorcycle over the winter, make sure to cover it using a breathable cover to protect your bike from condensation. Tarps don’t breathe and can be as bad (or worse) than leaving your ride outside in the snow.
There are many options for keeping your motorcycle covered if you don’t have a garage, or if you just want to free up some space over the winter to work on a project. Solutions for storing range from motorcycle covers, motorcycle shelters, pods, and converting a shed. Another option is using a motorcycle storage facility who will keep your bike in a temperature controlled warehouse. Those can be pricey and it takes the bike away from home for those warm snaps.
If you want a more in-depth look at your options read up on the pros and cons read our storage showdown blog.
Winterization Checklist & Maintenance Tips
If you want to come back to your bike after winter and have the same amount of trust you had in it last year, you’re going to want to put about 4 to 6 hours at the most into getting her ready for storage. You are going to need a basic set of tools, a can do attitude, and to follow these steps below:
Lubricate Chain
The chain is an easily missed item that can result in serious injury if it fails. At the end of the season, you should inspect your chain for any damage or spots with excessive wear. When in doubt it’s better to get a new one than risk a rusty one. If your chain passes inspection, lube it up for the winter with the best chain lube for your bike.
Fill Up your Fuel Tank
Keep as much water out of your fuel as possible from the winter temperature swings by filling her up to the top. Thus reducing the amount of surface area for water condensation. An easy step to forget, best to keep a jerry can around for topping off.
Stabilize your Fuel
Gas can last around 3 months, then it starts to degrade. When storing your bike, adding some motorcycle fuel additive for winter storage to your tank will make sure that your gas stays fresh. And your bike will fire up at full performance when you get back on the road! A simple and cheap way of eliminating potential storage problems.
Fog the Cylinders
A really simple technique that can help to keep your bike running as smoothly as you left it. Fogging cylinders prevents the build up of rust and condensation inside your engine when it’s overwintering. Remove each spark plug and spray your cylinder walls down with engine oil– use specific fogging spray to maintain your motors integrity. There might be a little smoke when you first fire it up, but that’s how you know it worked.
Drain your Carburetor
Read your owner’s manual on how to do this (or do a quick youtube search). Draining the carb prevents the fuel from corroding your needles and stops stale gas from damaging the carburetor. Or, pinch off the fuel line until the engine stalls. This is an important step for older bikes for proper winterization.
Wash and Wax
Before tucking your ride away for the winter, give her a thorough wash down to get any dirt and road matter you might have collected while zipping around over the summer. And top it off with a coat of wax to condition the paint and keep it looking good all winter long.
Trickle Charge your Battery
It is a good idea to disconnect your battery before storage, and connect it to a battery tender to keep it in top condition and guarantee that your motorcycle will start up first time.
Bonus Winter Storage Tips
A couple of things that you might also consider to keep your motorcycle in top condition over the winter that are a little less oblivious:
Moisture Absorber
Keep the rust away by adding a moisture absorber under your motorcycle cover to minimize moisture build up.
Rodent Deterrent
Always a good idea to add some dryer sheets or moth balls to help stop your local rodents from turning your bike into their winter cottage.
Tire Care
Motorcycle tires can last for many years with proper storage and maintenance. Concrete is cold. Keep your bike off the floor with a durable rubber floor mat, sheet of plywood, or old rug. Over inflate your tires to reduce flat spots, rotate occasionally, and treat with tire protectant.
You can also raise your bike on a stand.
Alternatively, you can remove the tires and store the frame and tires separately.
Treat your Leather
A little bit of extra care goes a long way. Apply some leather conditioner to your seat and saddle bags so they last for years to come.
Frequent Check Ins
Have a look under your motorcycle cover every three weeks or so to make sure that nothing is nesting in there and it’s not getting wet.
Final Thoughts on Motorcycle Maintenance for Winter
Good storage and maintenance practices are an essential part of how to winterize a motorcycle. Storing a motorcycle over the winter ultimately comes down to the shelter you choose— so choose wisely! Taking the time to put your bike away properly, so that it is good to go when the weather breaks, is the ticket to stress free riding.
