Winter's harsh conditions can wreak havoc on your beloved motorcycle. To avoid costly repairs and ensure your bike's longevity, proper winterization is crucial. This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential steps to protect your motorcycle from the elements and keep it in top shape until spring.
Preparing Your Motorcycle for Winter Storage: A Step-by-Step Process
Before you even think about storing your bike, make sure it's clean! A clean bike is a happy bike (and easier to work on).
1. Thorough Cleaning: The Foundation of Winterization
Start by giving your motorcycle a meticulous cleaning. Use a dedicated motorcycle cleaner and pay attention to detail:
- Remove all dirt, grime, and bugs: These can cause corrosion during storage.
- Clean the chain (if applicable): Lubricate it properly before storage to prevent rust.
- Wash and dry the entire motorcycle completely: Moisture is the enemy! Leaving any damp spots can lead to rust and other problems.
2. Fuel Stabilization: Preventing Fuel Degradation
Old fuel can gum up your carburetor or fuel injectors, leading to difficult starting in the spring. Use a fuel stabilizer to prevent this.
- Add fuel stabilizer: Follow the instructions on the stabilizer bottle carefully. This additive will help to prevent fuel from deteriorating during storage.
- Run the engine: After adding the stabilizer, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel throughout the system.
3. Change the Oil (if necessary):
- Check your owner's manual: Consult your motorcycle's owner's manual for recommendations on oil change frequency. If an oil change is due, now is the perfect time. Fresh oil protects the engine during storage.
4. Battery Care: Keeping the Power Source Alive
Your motorcycle battery can lose its charge over the winter. Here's how to safeguard it:
- Remove the battery: This is the best option to prevent corrosion and ensure a fully charged battery in spring. Store it in a cool, dry place and use a trickle charger to maintain its charge. Alternatively, you can use a battery tender connected to the battery in its place on the motorcycle.
- Keep the terminals clean: If you choose to leave the battery in place, clean the terminals with a wire brush and apply a corrosion inhibitor.
5. Tire Pressure and Storage: Maintaining Optimal Condition
- Inflate tires properly: Inflate your tires to the pressure recommended in your owner's manual. This prevents flat-spotting and maintains optimal tire shape during storage.
- Consider using tire stands: Prevent flat-spotting by using a motorcycle tire stand to lift your bike off the ground entirely.
6. Cover Your Motorcycle: Protection Against the Elements
- Use a high-quality motorcycle cover: Protect your motorcycle from dust, moisture, and UV rays with a breathable cover designed specifically for motorcycles. This prevents water and moisture buildup and significantly minimizes corrosion.
7. Secure Storage Location: Protecting your investment
- Store it in a dry environment: Choose a clean, dry, and secure location to store your bike during the winter months. Ideally, it should be indoors, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
Essential Winterization Supplies: What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential supplies:
- Motorcycle cleaner
- Chain cleaner and lubricant
- Fuel stabilizer
- Fresh engine oil and filter (if needed)
- Battery tender or trickle charger
- Wire brush
- Corrosion inhibitor
- High-quality motorcycle cover
- Tire pressure gauge
- (Optional) Motorcycle jack or tire stands
Conclusion: Ensuring a Smooth Spring Start
By following these steps, you can effectively winterize your motorcycle and ensure a smooth, problem-free start next spring. Remember, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way in keeping your bike in top condition. Happy riding!
