Storing your motorcycle for winter in 5 steps

10 November 2017

What are the 5 steps to take to store your bike for the winter?

Winter will soon be upon us so it's time to think about storing your motorcycle for the next months.

This is important because not storing your bike like you should will cause premature wear. With those 5 steps, you should be able to avoid it.

Clean your bike

Take some time to clean your motorcycle from front to back. It will not only make it look good, but it will negate a lot of corrosion. It also have the benefit of letting you use it without having to do a big cleaning next spring!

Drain the oil

The oil in your motor is probably used from last season. Drain it before storing you bike so your mechanical can spend the summer in clean oil!

Refuel before storing

For the same reasons as the oil, your fuel should be clean when you store your bike. Pour some stabilizing products in the remaining fuel and fill your motorcycle up with gas.

Do this at the same time you change the oil, because you will for both to start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. The objective is to let the clean fluid replace the old fluids in your mechanic. For this to happen, you need to let it run until it gets to it's working temperature.

Keep your battery charged

If you want to keep it for a long time, the battery of your motorcycle should always stay charged. You can use a smart charger that will keep it in shape all winter or charge it by yourself every few weeks so it stays healthy.

Store it in a safe place

Your bike should be stored in a dry spot, away from the rain and the cold. If you can, find a secure spot in your garage.

Temperature is also important. If your motorcycle spends the winter outside, the cold will undermine your tires and some other parts. If you really have to store it outside, buy the best tarpaulin you can.

Taking your time to store your motorcycle is an great investment. It will not only help you keep it for a longer time, but it will let you be ready to take it out when spring will come back. Hopefully winter will end early!