Winterizing Your Motorcycle: Important Steps to Follow
Winter is just around the corner, and it's time to get your motorcycle ready for the cold. With the right care and maintenance, you can protect your bike from cold, moisture, and frost, ensuring it's ready to go come spring. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to prepare your motorcycle for winter storage.
1. Fill or drain the tank
Depending on your tank type, you should either fill it completely or empty it. For metal tanks, it's best to fill them to prevent rust formation inside. Use fresh gasoline and mix in a fuel stabilizer to maintain the quality of the fuel over the winter.
For plastic tanks, on the other hand, it's advisable to empty them completely to avoid condensation. Make sure there are no residues left that could clog the carburetor or fuel injection system.
2. Service your motorcycle
Before the winter break, give your motorcycle a thorough maintenance check. Check all wear parts such as brakes, chains, and cables. Tighten all screws and ensure that all components are securely in place. Don’t forget to lubricate moving parts and make sure your bike is in excellent technical condition. This will help prevent problems come spring and give you peace of mind for the new season.
3. Clean the motorcycle
A thorough cleaning is essential before storing your motorcycle. Dirt, insect residue, and salt deposits can cause damage to the paint and metal parts over the winter. Wash your bike thoroughly with a mild detergent and a soft sponge. Avoid using high-pressure washers near sensitive components like bearings or electronics to prevent damage. Make sure to dry your motorcycle completely after washing to avoid moisture damage.
4. Preserve rust-prone parts
To avoid corrosion on metal parts, protect rust-prone components such as the chain, screws, and other bare metal surfaces. Use specialized rust inhibitors or chain oils that form a protective film. Apply the product evenly and wipe off excess oil to prevent unnecessary dirt buildup.
5. Check the coolant
Check your motorcycle's coolant for the correct antifreeze. The coolant should not freeze at temperatures as low as -25 °C (-13 °F). Use an antifreeze tester to measure the coolant's freezing point coolant. If the antifreeze is inadequate, replace the coolant to prevent engine damage caused by frozen coolant.
6. Remove and maintain the battery
The battery is particularly sensitive in winter. Remove it and store it in a cool, frost-free place. Regularly charge the battery with a trickle charger to maintain its capacity. Alternatively, you can connect the battery to a battery charger with a maintenance function to optimally care for it over the winter.
7. Drain the carburetor
If your motorcycle has a carburetor, you should drain it to avoid deposits and gumming. Here's how: Close the fuel valve and let the engine run until it shuts off. This ensures the carburetor is completely emptied, leaving no old fuel that could cause problems over the winter.
8. Change the engine oil
An oil change before winter storage protects the engine from dirt and moisture. Old engine oil can contain acidic residues that may damage the engine during winter. Replace the oil and oil filter, and be sure to use the oil quality recommended by the manufacturer. This prevents engine corrosion and ensures a smooth start in the spring.
9. Jack up the motorcycle and adjust tire pressure
To avoid putting unnecessary strain on the tires over the winter, it’s a good idea to place your motorcycle on a paddock stand or jack it up. This prevents flat spots from forming by keeping the tires from bearing weight in one place for too long. Additionally, increase the tire pressure by 0.5 to 1.0 bar to counteract any pressure loss.
10. Cover the motorcycle
Protect your motorcycle during winter storage with a breathable cover. Make sure the cover isn’t completely airtight to prevent moisture buildup. Specialized motorcycle covers that are water-repellent and allow for good airflow are ideal. This keeps your motorcycle optimally protected and prevents mold and moisture damage.
11. Best winter storage spot: indoors or outdoors?
The best place to store your motorcycle during winter is a dry, well-ventilated room like a garage, shed, or carport. These places offer the best protection from the elements, such as snow, rain, and frost. If you don't have access to a garage, consider renting a motorcycle storage spot in a shared garage.
If you have to leave your motorcycle outside in winter, make sure it's well covered. Use a high-quality, breathable cover that provides protection from moisture, snow, and UV rays. Ensure the bike is on a level surface and that strong gusts of wind won't blow off the cover. An ideal outdoor spot should be wind-protected and not directly under trees to avoid falling leaves and branches.
Additionally, you can place a tarp under the motorcycle to prevent rising moisture from the ground. Simple tricks like applying grease to exposed metal parts or using extra rustproofing spray can help protect your bike’s components from corrosion.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your motorcycle makes it through winter unscathed, and you’ll be ready to hit the road again in the spring. This is how you winterize your bike like a pro!
Photo credits: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio
