Well September has hit us… and all too quickly. Riding
season is much shorter than we would all like, but we take what we can get, while
it’s not fun, and maybe even a little depressing winterizing your bike is a very
important step in your bike’s maintenance and well-being.
By getting your bike ready for winter storage getting back
on the road next riding season will be easier than ever. Depending on the bike
you ride, there may be specific issues that may need to be addressed but there
are some general guidelines that apply to all bikes. Your biggest enemy during
winter storage is damaging moisture, so much of our effort will be put keeping
that away, we’ll also tell you how to give some love to your fuel system,
battery, tires, and other moving parts.
With some prep work and these pointers you’ll save yourself
a lot of time and hassle come spring; your bike will be on the road sooner than
you know it!
Surface Prep.
Washing your bike when it’s just going to
be sitting in the garage isn’t the most fun job, but that thorough cleaning is
important! Letting bugs or water spots sit on your paint could corrode the
finish permanently. Wash your bike and dry it completely, make sure all
moisture is out of every nook and cranny. Waxing is an important additional step, as it
will act as a barrier against moisture and rust.
Change your Oil and Filter.
Having fresh oil sitting in your
lubrication system is much better for the bike than used oil. Besides if you
get it done now, you won’t have to make a pit stop for an oil change before
your first ride next season!
Lube Moving Parts.
If you lube moving parts it will assist in
keeping moisture from building up and
deter any rusting or binding from occurring. Key areas to focus on are: chain
drive, cables, controls, fork surfaces, and any other pivot points.
Prep Fuel System.
When not being used Gas Tanks have a
tendency to rust, untreated pump gas breaks down and becomes gummy overtime. To
prevent rusting and to ensure your fuel is ready to run after months of storage
fill your gas tank completely with fuel that’s been treated with a stabilizer.
Safeguard Battery.
Overtime your battery will self-discharge, especially if you left it hooked up
to the bike. Prevent this by using a Battery tender which uses smart technology
to monitor your batteries charge and will ensure it stays topped up without
overcharging. Usually you should pull the battery from the bike for storage,
but with a smart tender you can also connect the tender with the battery left
on the bike. Make sure all units are clean, and there is no corrosion before attaching
everything.
Protect Tires.
Ideally having both tires off the ground
during the winter months is best, letting them sit in storage in the same
position all winter long could make them develop flat spots. If you have a
motorcycle stand that lifts it off the ground use that. If you aren’t able to
get the bike up off the floor, just rotate the tires slightly every few weeks!
Check Coolant/Anti-Freeze.
We live in the north, and chances are where
your bike is being stored won’t be heated 24/7. If it’s going to get below
freezing make sure you have adequate levels of anti-freeze in your coolant
system. Seriously, this step is very important – if you run straight water in
your coolant system and it freezes you could have yourself a cracked head in
the spring!
Plug up your Pipes!
Your air filter shouldn’t be a home to mice
or other rodents! Avoid them hiding from the cold in your exhaust with an
exhaust plug and stuff your air intake with plastic bags – just don’t forget to
take them out in the spring!
Cover it up.
So your motorcycle is fully prepped! Now all
you have to do is cover it up in a proper cover. Doing so will eliminate any
moisture and dust from ruining your hard work!
