Preparing your motorcycle for winter storage is a sad job. It means the riding season has come to a close. We don’t like to do it but if done properly it will ensure your bike is ready to go on the first nice day in the spring.
If you have the option, indoor climate-controlled storage is best. Next best is indoor with no protection from temperature fluctuations. If outdoors is your only choice, you better have a good cover.
Here are your top priorities for winter motorcycle storage based on the cost of work to correct poor storage practices:
- Wash your bike before you put it to bed for the winter. The bugs, grease, oil and dirt that wash off easily now will take forever in the spring. Run the bike after washing it to evapourate any water and condensation. Wax is a great protector for painted surfaces.
- Fuel System – Today’s high ethanol fuel doesn’t store very well and can gum up your fuel injectors or carburetors. Fill your tank with gas, add fuel stabilizer and run the bike to let the stabilized fuel run through the system. If you’re old school and have a fuel petcock, you can turn the fuel off and let the bike run out of gas.
- Engine oil – I prefer to change the oil in the fall before storage. The products of combustion make the oil acidic. The acids will slowly attack metal surfaces over winter. It’s better to have good clean oil in your bike while it sits.
- Battery – Have you priced batteries lately…Wow! You really want to use a smart battery charger while the bike is in storage. Buy and install the quick pigtails so it’s not a big job every year. Plug it in and forget it. When you’re ready to roll in the spring the bike will go Vroom, not tick, tick, tick! CAUTION – many of today’s bikes come with Lithium-Ion batteries. These require a different charger than the old lead acid batteries. Optimate sells battery chargers that will do both types. If you’re storing the bike in an area without power, take the battery out and store it in a warm dry place with access to electricity for the charger. Don’t use a big automotive charger. Smart is the best but intermittent use of a 2amp or less charger works too.
- Tires – They don’t like contact with the cold ground that will suck the life and stick out of them. Elevate the bike if possible, otherwise place a piece of carpet, cardboard or old yoga matt under the tires. You can slightly overinflate them too. Don’t use any protective coatings.
- Other lubes – the chain would love some lube. No chain, maybe change the shaft drive lube. Got a belt, you’re pretty much good to go. Penetrating oil on all pivot points is a good idea. You can flush brake fluid if you like but I tend to make that a spring job. Some brake fluids (Dot4) are hygroscopic meaning they absorb water. I like fresh stuff in the spring myself.
- Cover it – Indoor covers, blankets or tarps are good for indoor storage. If the bike is stored outdoors you really need a heavy duty outdoor cover. Covers are also the first step in theft protection. Out of sight, out of mind. The second step is locking it and the third is an alarm. Apple Airtags hidden under the seat are also a good measure.
Then again, you could always keep riding!
David Grummett
Insurance Broker – Motorcyclist Specialist
Chief Instructor – Expert Riders Academy