Comment to Store votre Motorcycle for Winter

If you live somewhere winter makes riding impractical, proper storage preparation keeps your motorcycle in good condition until spring. Skipping winterization leads to stale fuel, dead batteries, flat-spotted tires, corroded components, and expensive repairs.

Fuel System

Add fuel stabilizer, then fill the tank to the top to prevent moisture condensation. Run the engine 5 to 10 minutes so treated fuel circulates throughout the entire system.

For carbureted bikes, drain the carburetors afterward.

Oil Change

Change oil and filter before storage, not after. Used oil contains acids and contaminants that corrode internal surfaces over months of sitting. Fresh oil protects during storage and means you are ready to ride immediately in spring.

Battery Care

Disconnect or remove the battery. Store indoors. Connect to a battery tender or smart charger.

A discharged battery is far more susceptible to freezing, and a frozen battery is destroyed.

Tires

Get tires off the ground using stands if possible. Otherwise, inflate to maximum sidewall pressure to reduce flat-spotting. Place carpet or plywood under tires rather than cold concrete. Move the bike slightly every few weeks.

Coolant

Check antifreeze concentration on liquid-cooled bikes.

A 50/50 mix protects down to about minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chain and Moving Parts

Clean and lubricate the chain. Apply a light film of oil or corrosion inhibitor to exposed metal surfaces including fork tubes.

Exhaust and Rodent Prevention

Plug exhaust outlets with a rag or exhaust plug to prevent moisture and nesting rodents. Place mothballs or peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls around the bike.

Dryer sheets in the airbox also deter rodents.

Cover and Location

Store indoors if possible. Use a waterproof, breathable cover. Non-breathable covers trap moisture and cause more corrosion than no cover.

Spring Checklist

Reconnect battery. Remove exhaust plugs. Check tire pressure and inspect for cracking. Check all fluid levels. Start engine, let it reach operating temperature.

Check for leaks. Slow test ride close to home before heading out on a longer ride.

Réflexions Finales

Proper winter storage takes a small investment of time in the fall and pays dividends in spring. A correctly stored motorcycle starts on the first try and runs smoothly from the first mile.