Winter is a time when many motorcyclists store their beloved machines, waiting for the warmer seasons to rev up and hit the road again. But storing your motorcycle isn't as simple as just parking it in the garage.
Proper winter preparation is key to ensuring that your ride remains in optimal condition, ready to roar back to life when spring arrives. In this post, we'll guide you through the essential steps of prepping your motorcycle for its winter hibernation.
Winterizing your motorcycle is a crucial step in ensuring its longevity and performance. The cold weather can take a toll on various parts of your motorcycle – such as the battery, tires, and engine – leading to expensive repairs in the spring.
By properly preparing your motorcycle for winter storage, you can avoid these costly issues. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a new enthusiast, taking the time to winterize your motorcycle is a critical step in maintaining its optimal condition.
Let's explore the critical steps to properly winterize your motorcycle, so you can enjoy a stress-free winter season knowing your bike is well protected.
As winter approaches and the riding season comes to a close, it's essential to prepare your motorcycle for storage. Here are six ways to properly store your motorcycle for the winter:
1. Choose The Right Storage Space
The first step is to find an appropriate storage space. Ideally, this should be a dry, temperature-controlled environment. Consider renting a storage unit if a heated garage or indoor space isn't available.
Before you park your motorcycle, clean the area to minimize dust and pests, and lay a tarp on the floor for extra protection.
2. Clean & Inspect Your Motorcycle
Another crucial step in winterizing your motorcycle is thoroughly cleaning and inspecting. Dirt and grime left on your bike can corrode the paint and metal over time, resulting in costly damage.
Use a motorcycle cleaner and a soft cloth to clean every nook and cranny, ensuring your motorcycle is spotless before storage. After the cleaning, conduct a detailed inspection, looking for any signs of damage or wear that need attention before storage.
Leaks, loose parts, and worn tires should be addressed before putting your bike away. By following these steps, you can be sure your motorcycle is well-prepared for storage and will be in peak condition when it's time to ride again.
3. Change Fluids & Lubrication
Proper maintenance of your motorcycle is crucial to ensure its longevity and reliable performance. One of the most important steps in motorcycle maintenance is changing fluids and lubrication.
Changing your used engine oil is imperative as it contains harmful contaminants that can deteriorate your engine over time. Additionally, changing other fluids, such as brake fluid and coolant, is essential to maintain their effectiveness and prevent any potential damage to your motorcycle.
Don't overlook lubricating moving parts such as cables and controls, as this can prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Investing in regular maintenance like this will help you avoid costly repairs and keep you on the road for years to come.
4. Take Care of the Battery
As riders prepare to store their beloved motorcycles for the winter months, it's also important to consider how to properly care for the battery. Cold temperatures can have a significant impact on this essential component, leading to a drained or even dead battery come springtime.
To prevent this, consider removing the battery and keeping it on a trickle charger throughout the winter. If that isn't possible, at the very least, disconnecting the negative cable can help prevent any unwanted energy drain while the bike is stored.
By taking these simple steps, motorcyclists can ensure that their batteries remain ready when the warmer months arrive, allowing for plenty of uninterrupted riding enjoyment.
5. Protect Tires & Suspension
Proper storage not only prolongs your bike's lifespan but ensures a seamless transition into the next riding season. When preparing your motorcycle for long-term storage, protecting your tires and suspension is important.
Flat spots can occur because of a lack of movement, which can be avoided by elevating your motorcycle with a stand or moving it slightly every once in a while. Additionally, it's crucial to check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended PSI. This helps maintain their shape and prevent any damage during storage.
6. Cover Your Motorcycle
The last and very crucial step in the process is covering your motorcycle. A quality cover will shield it from pesky dust and insects and serve as a barrier against moisture accumulation that can cause corrosion over time. When selecting a cover, opt for a breathable material that allows air to circulate while shielding your motorcycle from the elements.
By following these steps for how to prep a motorcycle for winter storage, you can rest assured that your bike will be ready to ride when warmer weather returns.
Winterizing your motorcycle might seem like a daunting task, but it's an investment that will pay off. By taking these steps, you'll ensure that your motorcycle will be ready to answer when the snow melts and the open road calls.
If you need help finding the best motorcycle insurance coverage for the best price, speak to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get a motorcycle insurance quote online now.