When the cold weather sets in, it’s time to transition your motorcycle from summer use to winter storage. Although you might get a beautiful day that allows for riding before spring, it is still a good idea to consider winterizing your bike.
Read more about your off-season coverage here.
Didn't You Try Our Quote Comparison Tool Yet? Save BIG by Doing it!
If a motorcycle is going to sit for more than a couple of weeks, it is essential to follow these steps to protect your investment.
Here are the steps you can take to ensure your motorcycle is ready to ride when the weather and roads cooperate.
Table of Content
Manage Your Fuel Tank
The gas tank can develop moisture through condensation that causes the liquid to form on the inside and trigger corrosion. If you park the bike for a week or more, you should fill it up before storing it.
If winterizing the bike for a month or two, you should drain the fuel tank before filling it. That removes all the contaminants that can develop over an entire riding season.
After you’ve emptied the tank, add a fuel stabilizer to it before filling it up with gas.
Should I Disconnect My Motorcycle Battery?
Batteries store the chemicals responsible for producing the electricity your motorcycle requires. If they aren’t used, they naturally discharge. Temperature changes enhance this process, shortening the life of the product.
How do you keep a motorcycle battery charged during the winter?
The only way to maintain the battery is to charge it periodically. You don’t need to remove or disconnect it from the motorcycle for this step.
How Do You Maintain a Motorcycle Battery When Not in Use?
Motorcycle battery chargers help to keep lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries ready for use. Most designs can be plugged into a standard household outlet, connected to the bike, and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If temperatures fall below freezing, you must store the motorcycle inside to facilitate the battery charging process.
Do you use a non-sealed battery for your motorcycle? If so, top it off with distilled water every 3-4 weeks to ensure it keeps working.
Prep the Engine for the Winter
The easiest way to prepare a motorcycle engine for the winter is to remove the spark plugs and put 50W oil into the holes. Crank it a handful of times to give everything a nice coating before reinstalling them.
You can choose to spray fogging oil into the spark plug holes as an alternative.
If you expect temperatures to fall below freezing in the storage area, you must review your bike’s antifreeze levels. The winterization process is a great time to consider a flush and refill to be ready for the spring.
Place Your Bike on Stands
If you want to preserve your motorcycle’s tires, the bike must be placed on stands in your storage area to prevent bald spots from forming. Try to reduce the PSI by 20% during this winterization step.
When you cannot place it on a stand, periodically rotate the tires and check the PSI each month to ensure it’s at the recommended pressure. Ozone can age the materials, so keep the motorcycle away from a garage refrigerator or other electric motors.
When you take the time to winterize your motorcycle and care for the battery, you’ll be ready to get in the saddle when spring arrives. If you store it outside, don’t forget to use a cover to protect its finish.
Use This Tool for Free and Save on Quotes!
