It’s cold and dark out, which means many bikers are putting their motorcycles away to hibernate this winter until the riding season comes back in full swing. While we have useful tips for riding your motorcycle this winter, there’s even more to be done to protect your bike until the warmer months return. Cycle Trader has seven ways to winterize your motorcycle so your bike stays in prime condition when it’s time to ride.
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1. Clean and Protect Your Motorcycle
Before you put away your motorcycle for the off-season, give it a thorough cleaning and remove any dirt, grime, or salt accumulated from your last ride to prevent rust and corrosion. Pay extra attention to the undercarriage, wheels, metal components, and small crevices between bike parts. Once it’s clean, apply a protective coat of wax, or polish it to shield the paint and metal from harsh winter conditions.
2. Check Fluids
Check all the fluid levels, including engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant. If it’s time for a change, do this before you store your motorcycle, otherwise old fluids can become corrosive over time and cause damage to critical components. Top off the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from deteriorating while in storage.
3. Battery Maintenance
Your motorcycle battery does not like the cold harsh temperatures of winter, as it can malfunction with fluctuations from warm to cold environments. Before you winterize, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep the battery adequately charged for the off-season.
4. Tire Care
Check your bike’s tire pressure and inflate them to the correct PSI according to your owner’s manual. While in storage, see if you can keep the bike elevated off the ground with a lift to prevent flat spots from developing around the tires. You can also consider applying a tire protectant to prevent dry rot during the winter months.
5. Lubricate Bike Parts
Apply lubricant to your bike’s moving parts, like the chain, cables, and pivot points. This helps prevent rust and corrosion, even while it’s not in use. This will ensure your motorcycle’s mechanical components are ready to run and are in top condition when you’re back riding again.
6. Inspection and Repairs
The downtime during the winter is the ideal time to inspect your motorcycle and detect any signs of wear or damage so you can make repairs or replacements when you’re not riding. Take care of these issues before the bike goes into storage to prevent things from getting worse. This means checking your brakes, lights, electrics, and essential components.
7. Choose a Storage Location
You want a storage location designed to house your motorcycle for the cold months that’s ideally indoors, dry, and away from major temperature fluctuations. If indoor storage isn’t possible, use a motorcycle cover to shield it from the elements. Make sure the area is well-ventilated to prevent condensation and mold growth.
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Winterizing your motorcycle is an important step with care and maintenance as an owner to preserve your bike so it’s in its best condition for riding. Get in the habit of practicing these tips and put them to use every winter to extend the longevity of your bike’s life for the years ahead. When you’re ready to ride, check out all the new and pre-owned motorcycle listings on the nation’s leading marketplace at CycleTrader.com.
