Winterizing Your Motorcycle

In frigid climates, it may be necessary to store your motorcycle someplace safe. However, if you're planning to store the bike for several months or more, there are several important steps you need to take. 

Moisture can be the biggest enemy of a stored bike as it may seep into the engine from any number of openings and cause significant damage. The critical areas that require protection during storage are the cylinder walls, the piston rings, and valve seats. The following tips can help you winterize your motorcycle effectively.

Dry Storage

You should check whether your bike dealer offers a professional storage program for winter. If you have to store it on your own, you should identify a location at a distance from the windows and ventilation. 

Winter Grade Oil

Even if your bike may not be due for an oil change, it is a prudent idea to change the oil and use cold, winter-grade oil. You may even change the filter while you are changing the oil. In fact, if you do not change the filter you may as well not change the oil. Changing the filter is pivotal. Your motorcycle will be ready to hammer down across the roads come spring time.

Lubricate Cylinder Walls

If your bike is going to be stored for a prolonged period of six months or more, it may be necessary to lube the cylinder walls to prevent them from rusting. You can pour 5 cc of fresh engine oil or spray fogging oil into the cylinders to ensure sufficient lubrication.

Drain the Carbs and Add Fuel Stabilizer

If the bike is going to be stored for more than four months, it is a terrific idea to drain the carbs. In any case, adding fuel stabilizer is a must even for a shorter duration of storage. Once you add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, just run the motorcycle for a few minutes so that it mixes well and enters into the carbs.

Remove the Battery

It is important to remove the battery when you winterize your motorcycle. If the battery is left intact, it may be discharged because the bike may have a minor drain, even in stored state. Appropriate battery charging should be performed every fortnight (once every other week) to keep it in supreme working condition.

Tire Protection

When you winterize your motorcycle, ensure that both tires are inflated to optimal pressure. In cold temperatures, the air in the tires will condense. Therefore, pumping up the tires may be necessary to keep them healthy. The tire rubber may crack in freezing temperatures. It may be an smart idea to place cardboard or wood underneath each tire to avoid direct contact with a freezing floor.  

Wax and Polish

It may seem like a waste of effort to wax and polish a stored motorcycle. However, the fact is that surface preparation is one of the most important parts of winterizing your bike. Wax will provide resistance against moisture and rust. A light spray of WD-40 may be used on other metal surfaces such as the engine or the frame as a defensive tactic against corrosion.

Follow these tips and your bike will be good as new when spring comes.