Blog Post

While many motorcyclists wish to ride year-round, those in colder climates often face the task of winterizing their motorcycles during the chillier months. Riding in winter introduces extra risks, but with the right preparation, you and your motorcycle can be ready. Riding at high speeds in cold weather not only necessitates specialized gear but also increases the likelihood of accidents. Roads become slippery and slush-filled, and maintaining tire temperature within the manufacturer’s recommended specifications becomes challenging in sub-zero temperatures.

Instead of neglecting your bike during the off-season, proactive measures can prevent storage-related damage through the winter months. Our guide provides essential expert tips for maintaining your gas-powered motorcycle in peak condition, ensuring it’s ready to go when spring arrives.

Guide to Winterizing Your Motorcycle. Setep-by-Step

1. Replace fluids as necessary

Based on your location, preparing your bike for winter might be necessary. Change your fluids only if there’s a leak or a drop in pressure. It’s best to keep fluid draining to a minimum. If it’s been just a month or two and only a few hundred miles since the last maintenance check, there’s no need for further action.

2. Clean, polish, and apply a protective wax coating

Nothing compares to the joy of bringing out a sparkling clean motorcycle at the start of the riding season. To ensure it remains in pristine condition and minimize the risk of damage and erosion during winter, it’s crucial to wash, dry, and wax your vehicle before storing it. Here’s our recommended process:

• Begin with the dirtiest parts, usually the brakes. Lube your chain and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Next, tackle the motorcycle’s exterior. Remove salt, dried-on bugs, and other debris. It’s vital to ensure the motorcycle is completely dry to prevent moisture entrapment, which can lead to corrosion or mold.
• Apply wax or a treatment to the paint and chrome. This creates a protective barrier against moisture, rust, and other harmful elements.
• Don’t forget the leather. If your motorcycle has leather seats or saddlebags, remove them and treat them separately. Store them indoors to keep them ready for the next season.

While cleaning, take the opportunity to inspect your bike for any damage. Promptly addressing repairs will keep your motorcycle in top condition.

This thorough approach not only keeps your motorcycle looking great but also extends its lifespan and ensures it’s ready to hit the road when the new season arrives.

3. Examine your vehicle’s drivetrain 

Protecting your motorcycle’s chain by treating it before storage can significantly prolong its lifespan and shield it throughout the winter. Adhere closely to the manufacturer’s guidelines for chain lubrication. For motorcycles equipped with belt drives or differentials, conduct a thorough inspection and carry out any required maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

4. Manage the gas condition

If you’re not planning to use your bike for a few months, it’s crucial to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas. This step ensures the fuel stays usable after winter, preventing damage to fuel system components. This advice holds true for both fuel-injected and carbureted motorcycles.

Fuel Treatment Procedure:

1. Integrate a fuel stabilizer.
2. Top off the gas tank.
3. Operate the engine for several minutes, enabling the stabilizer to circulate through the fuel injection system.
4. Shut off the engine.

For both fuel-injected and carbureted motorcycles, it’s crucial to keep the tank full to avoid moisture accumulation, which can lead to rust formation.

5. Ready the exhaust system

After ensuring your exhaust is spotless, apply a thin layer of WD-40 to the exterior. This step protects chrome parts from damage. Then, place a plastic bag into the exhaust pipe, fold the extra plastic over the edge, and fasten it with a rubber band. It’s astonishing how many critters use these pipes as a refuge during the winter!

6. Preserve the battery’s longevity

One crucial step in preparing your motorcycle for winter involves attending to the battery. Although leaving the battery in the bike doesn’t typically cause damage, it tends to drain over time, potentially requiring replacement by spring. To avoid this, remove the battery and connect it to a battery tender or trickle charger, ensuring it remains in optimal condition throughout the colder months.

7. Inspect tires

It’s prudent to examine your tires for signs of wear and aging. Should the tread be worn down, consider investing in a new set before the arrival of spring. With the seasonal drop in temperatures, it’s advisable to elevate your motorcycle tires off the ground to minimize the risk of flat spots developing. There are numerous methods for achieving this, including using stands specifically designed for your motorcycle’s make and model, a motorcycle jack, or employing a safely innovative approach.

8. Remember to bring your equipment.

As you prepare to store your clothing and riding gear for the coming months, it’s wise to ensure everything is in pristine condition:

If your motorcycle has reached the end of its life or you plan on purchasing a new bike next season, consider donating it to charity.

Winter Motorcycle Storage Strategies

Everything has been meticulously cleaned and treated as needed—now it’s time to prepare your bike for its seasonal rest. Here are several tips to ensure a smooth transition.

Lock down the best location

Ideally, having a dedicated storage unit or self-storage space in your garage or shed for your bike would be optimal, but this isn’t always feasible due to budget or space constraints. In certain situations, motorcycle owners might opt to transport their bikes to a different location for the winter months. Regardless of where you decide to store your bike, it’s crucial to ensure it remains covered and in a dry environment. Moisture accumulation can cause a host of problems, including rust and mold growth.

Consider investing in a protective cover

Storing your motorcycle in a sheltered area is good, but adding a cover provides extra protection. While a tarp or sheet might suffice, motorcycle-specific covers are the best option. They’re designed to be breathable and protect the bike from both water and UV light effectively.

Lift the motorcycle

Leaving your tires stationary for prolonged periods can lead to flat spots, adversely affecting your bike’s performance. Elevating the bike, using a center stand or a hydraulic lift, alleviates pressure on the bearings and bushings, thus preventing damage. If elevation isn’t feasible, periodically moving your bike to redistribute the weight can help avoid tire flat spots.

Assistance with Storing Your Motorcycle for the Winter

Looking to store your bike for the winter and need reliable transportation? Safe Car Hauling Inc. specializes in transporting motorcycles, cars, trucks, ATVs, and various vehicles nationwide every month. Motorcycle owners seeking detailed information can explore our motorcycle shipping services or contact us for a complimentary personalized quote.