How to Store a Motorcycle for Winter
While we salute those who ride their motorcycles into the winter months, there are many of us who prefer to put our bikes into storage and bring them out again when the sunshine has returned. Winter riding is tough and definitely not for everyone, so most motorcyclists can expect to have to put their bikes in storage for the cold season. Storing a motorcycle for the winter is about preservation and at bare minimum you need to take care of your bike’s fuel system and battery. Let’s learn exactly what to do.
How to Prepare a Motorcycle for Winter Storage
Make sure to take your bike out for one last spirited ride then top off the fuel on your way home and add a fuel stabilizer. With the introduction of ethanol into today’s fuels, storage has become an issue whether it be your motorcycle or your lawn mower. Ethanol is more hygroscopic than regular gasoline, meaning it holds dissolved or suspended water. This can lead to component corrosion, gum, varnish and carbon deposits that wreak havoc in both carbureted and fuel-injected systems.
Once you are home change the oil, replace the filter, and top off the antifreeze. The oil in your engine acts as a lubricant, but also aids in the filtration system. Oil holds small particles like carbon in suspension until they reach the filter where most will be trapped and removed. If a bike is put into storage with used motor oil, the carbon which is extremely corrosive will separate and rise to the surface where it can corrode engine components.
Ensure all internal moving parts are lubricated with a light coat of oil to prevent unwanted moisture buildup. Everything that’s usually lubed on a bike should be done before storage; check the chain, cables, and controls to be sure everything is lubed up to withstand the cold and dry winter air. Be sure to fill any open section of your bike like the air intake and exhaust pipes to prevent rodents or pests from taking up residence inside. Then give it a good scrub, let it completely dry and add a coat of wax which will act as a barrier against moisture and rust.
How to Store a Motorcycle for Winter
Ideally you will store your motorcycle in an indoor climate controlled environment to prevent the cold and damp damaging your bike. Temperature variations and extreme cold can damage the plastic and rubber bits, not to mention allow for rust-forming condensation. You can remove the battery entirely and store it somewhere that won’t have fluctuations in temperature. Once the battery is disconnected and the electrodes are cleaned, hook it up to a trickle charger all winter long.
The best way to store a bike is with all the weight off of the tires using motorcycle stands, which prevent uneven tire wear or flat-spotting. Tires are porous and will lose air while in storage, and a soft or flat tire will develop a permanent flat spot if left weighted in one position for an extended period of time. Lastly, we suggest investing in a motorcycle cover specially fitted to your model bike. Even if you’re storing your bike inside, this cover will let the bike breath and protect it from dust, debris, rodents and unwanted dings or scratches.
Throughout the winter try to check on your bike regularly to make sure the battery isn’t over or under charged, and if you don’t have wheel stands, rotate the tires to prevent flat spots. Motorcycle winter storage isn’t something to take lightly and it’s part of the proper maintenance that will keep your bike riding strong for years to come. If you have questions or need help with any of these steps give us a call at 303-308-1811.