MOTORCYCLE WINTER STORAGE TIPS AND BEST PRACTICES

A proper motorcycle winterization checklist and winter storage plan helps ensure your motorcycle remains in good condition and is ready for use once the warmer weather returns.

Here's a step-by-step guide for how to store and winterize a motorcycle for winter.

Freshen up those fluids. That means all of them: motor oil, clutch, brake, and coolant.

Although this depends on how long it's been since the last time you changed your fluids. If the last time you changed your clutch and brake fluid was a month ago, and you’ve driven a few hundred miles, stick to changing the oil.

Changing fluids regularly is essential because they contain contaminants from regular usage, which become corrosive over time and can destroy rubber seals. In addition, DOT4 brake fluid absorbs water and needs to be changed every two years.

The last thing you want is your motorcycle sitting idle all winter, filled to the brim with oil contaminated with solvents and sediments. It might not run if the bearings have been corroded or damaged.

Changing the oil is a vital and simple step to take to avoid forking out money down the road.

How to store a motorcycle battery for winter? Some riders recommend starting their bike every week during the winter and letting it run. This is not a good idea.

A much better solution is to clean the battery electrodes and hook them up to a battery tender (or trickle charger) for the entire duration of the winter. Not only should you use a battery tender during the winter, but one should be used all the time.

If you properly winterize your motorcycle battery, it will help extend the longevity of the battery.

While we are on batteries, if your motorcycle won’t start in the spring, it may be for one of two reasons: you forgot your pin or need to replace your FOB battery.

There’s nothing you can do about it, but your FOB battery will attempt to communicate with your bike all winter. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll inevitably need to replace it.

You should keep one in the drawer next to your bike.

Check for even wear on your tires, ensure they have enough tread remaining. Ensure the tires are not worn to the extent that the wear bars are exposed. If you have any questions, contact your dealer. Also, check their inflation with an accurate gauge.

Your owner’s manual and VIN label lists the proper tire inflation pressures. You can put your bike on front and rear stands, lifts, or dollies to keep your motorcycle upright all winter. This will also relieve pressure on the tires.

Start with the dirtiest part of your bike. That means the chain (if your bike is equipped with one) and brakes. You'll want a grunge brush and an O-ring safe degreaser for your chain.

Wash and dry your bike. You especially want to do this if you cover your motorcycle because any moisture on your motorcycle can cause corrosion and mold.

Lastly, wax and treat your paint, and treat any chrome as well. This will add extra protection for your bike while it's in storage. Plus, it'll be spotless when you take your bike out in the spring.

If you have leather seats or any leather items, treat them as well.

Taking care of your chain before storage will extend its life.

Every 500 miles of street riding should be followed by cleaning and waxing/lubricating your bike's chain. Follow the guidance in your owner’s manual.

Begin by warming your chain with roughly five miles of riding. This will allow the lube to dissolve more effectively and enter the O-ring chain. Wipe off any unnecessary wax or lube.

Belt drives are cleaner than chain drives and require minimal inspection and adjustment. Before putting your bike away for the winter, inspect the inside and outside of the belt and look for chips, cuts, fraying, or missing teeth.

As is the case with a chain drive, proper tension is important. Be sure you consult the owner’s or service manual for the slack specification, measuring technique, and point at which to take the measurement.

You'll want to stuff any openings in your bike so that creatures don't make their homes in them. This is especially important when keeping your bike outside or in a barn.

Some people use plastic bags for this purpose but spend the money on a muffler cover or any other product designed expressly for this purpose. Just remember to remove these items before your next ride.

If your bike has a centerstand, use it. But even better would be to get a motorcycle stand to keep both wheels off the ground. This way, you don't have to rotate the wheels to avoid flat spots.

Should you cover your motorcycle?

While often used, a plastic cover is not the best motorcycle cover. It will trap moisture, potentially causing rust, corrosion, and mold. Instead, invest in an affordable, breathable cover.

Use a cover specifically designed for indoor storage.

The best place to store your motorcycle is somewhere well-ventilated indoors. This way, air will circulate, and moisture or condensation won't collect under your cover.

Just ensure there's no fertilizer or chemicals around your bike since they can end up corroding your motorcycle.

Just turning your bike on in the garage isn't a good idea.

If your bike is not brought up to the full operating temperature in cold temperatures, water may condense and end up in places where it doesn't belong (when you ride your bike, the moisture gets cooked off, and your battery receives a recharge).

Don't leave your gas tank empty unless you want it susceptible to corrosion and dried out seals. Instead, leave it full of gas and a quality fuel stabilizer additive. This is a vital step.

Without this treatment, the fuel turns into a crystallized, hard product and can clog carburetors and fuel injectors.

You'll want to clean your helmet visor and clean your motorcycle of road grit, grime, and bugs because they'll eat away at any clear coat, anodized aluminum, polished metal finish, and stainless steel.

If you live in an area with salt or brine on the roads, you'll also want to clean your bike since that'll do a number on metal and rubber parts.

Before putting your bike away for winter, a final wash and wax is a good idea.

You will want proper protection for your bike - especially if not stored in an enclosed storage unit. A poorly made cover may trap water, slip off, or chafe against the paint.

The result is that your bike will come out looking worse than when it went in.

Rider safety doesn’t stop with the motorcycle. Your personal protective equipment (PPE) also needs winter care:

• Helmet: Clean the exterior with mild soap and water. Use a microfiber cloth. Store it in a cool, dry place, preferably inside a helmet bag.

• Jackets, Pants, Gloves: Clean according to manufacturer instructions. Treat leather gear with conditioner. Store hanging or in breathable garment bags.

• Boots: Clean and dry completely. Use boot trees or stuff with newspaper to maintain shape.

• Armor and Liners: Remove internal armor from jackets or pants and store it flat. Wash removable liners before packing away.

Pro Tip: Avoid storing gear in damp garages or attics. Humidity and temperature swings can degrade protective materials over time.

There are several reasons not to cancel your motorcycle insurance policy during the winter months.

While the seasons may change, unseasonably warm and clear winter days are perfect for a winter motorcycle ride. An uninsured ride, however, could expose you to an unforeseen incident and potential legal risk.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that 25% of all bike thefts occur in winter. Even vandalism could rob you of your motorcycle investment. Without Comprehensive coverage, you may not have insurance protection for these potential losses.

A significant winter storm, a fallen tree, or the possibility of fire should all be considered when evaluating the cancellation of your insurance policy. Remember, motorcycle insurance is designed to protect you from unexpected and unplanned events. Without it, this type of incident may result in a total loss.

Before canceling your motorcycle coverage, you must check with your local DMV regarding their registration law. Many states require continuous insurance coverage.

The time and money investment to surrender your license plate and registration, only to renew a few months later, will result in incremental savings - if any.

Related Reading: motorcycle laws by state

Full winterization might not be necessary if you live in a region with mild winters and continue to ride your motorcycle regularly.

Still, it's strongly recommended if you won't be riding it for an extended period during the colder months, especially in areas where temperatures drop significantly or where there's a lot of moisture.

Not winterizing can lead to various issues, such as:

• Battery drain

• Fuel degradation

• Tire damage

• Corrosion and rust

• Oil contamination

• etc.

Yes, you can store a motorcycle outside in winter, but doing so presents challenges and potential risks to the bike's condition. If you must store your motorcycle outside during the winter, take the following precautions to minimize potential damage:

• Use a quality cover

• Check on it periodically

• Lift the bike off the ground

• Choose a sheltered location

• Cover exhaust pipes and air intake

• Ensure your motorcycle insurance remains active even if you aren't riding it

If you've properly winterized your bike, there's no need to start it during the winter. It is recommended to avoid starting the motorcycle periodically through the winter if you're not going to take it for a full ride, as short starts can introduce condensation into the engine and exhaust.

If you feel the need to start it, ensure you:

Let It Reach Operating Temperature: This helps burn off condensation and ensures the oil circulates thoroughly.

Ride It: Instead of just letting it idle, take it for a ride long enough to charge the battery and bring all parts to operating temperatures. This is often not feasible due to winter road conditions, but it's the best method if you're set on running the bike.

If you're concerned about the battery, it's better to remove it and keep it on a battery tender indoors.

You can ride a motorcycle in winter, but it has increased challenges and risks. If you're considering winter riding, here are some factors to consider and winter weather riding tips to follow.

The cost to store a motorcycle varies depending on several factors, including location, type of storage, duration, and additional services or amenities offered.

Related Reading: how to make your motorcycle insurance more affordable

Yes, storing a motorcycle in a storage unit during the winter is an option. If you don’t have a garage and prefer not to leave your motorcycle outside, opting for a storage unit offers protection from the elements, potential theft, and other potential damages. Here are some key features to look for if you are thinking of using a storage unit:

• Cost

• Security

• Accessibility

• Size of the unit

• Ground protection

• Climate-controlled storage

When spring arrives, thoroughly check the bike before hitting the road to ensure everything is in good working order, including:

• tire pressures

• fluids

• brakes

• other systems

Refer to your motorcycle's owner manual for specific requirements or recommendations.

Winter motorcycle storage is less about parking your ride and more about preserving your investment. A well-maintained bike and properly stored gear ensure you’re ready to ride confidently when spring rolls around.

Read your owner’s manual. Make winterization a ritual. And remember, riding starts long before the engine does.