How to winterize your motorcycle

Taking your bike to a motorcycle mechanic or technician for a tune-up before winter storage is typically recommended (especially if you’re not very familiar with doing your own motorcycle maintenance). A pre-winter tune-up can include things like inspecting the drive train and spark plugs, as well as checking levels of fluids like coolant and antifreeze. They can also assess the need to replace essential parts like the battery, tires or brakes. You should consult your specific motorcycle owner’s manual to see how often parts of your bike should be checked and serviced.

If this isn’t done during your service/tune-up, you should make sure to change your oil and filter before storing your bike. Dirty oil is corrosive and harmful to the engine, says Life Storage, so you don’t want it sitting all winter long. Be sure to change it before you winterize your motorcycle for hibernation and consult the owner's manual for the correct oil type and filter.

Stored fuel can degrade due to chemical reactions, explains Family Handyman. You might be faced with ignition problems after only three months. Degraded fuel can also harm the motor.

Wash, dry and wax your motorcycle before you put it into storage. Focus particularly on chrome and paint surfaces – this can help prevent rust, add extra protection and be ready for your first ride in spring. Also, treat the leather with a high-quality dressing to help prevent cracking or tearing to preserve the seat and other leather parts.

Every day that your bike isn’t in use, the battery can be losing charge, explains Motorcycle Intelligence. Family Handyman recommends getting a battery maintainer, like a trickle charger, to connect to your motorcycle’s battery while in storage. Modern trickle chargers have smart monitoring circuitry that only charge your battery when it needs it, so that it doesn’t overcharge or damage your battery. This will keep your bike’s battery fully charged and ready for your first ride in spring.

Experts recommend storing motorcycles in heated garages. It is also recommended that the garage maintains a constant temperature and is ventilated so that air can circulate (and condensation doesn’t form). Temperature drops may cause condensation buildup which can damage your bike. If you can't find an available garage, says Life Storage, be sure to use a cover made specifically for your motorcycle to properly allow the bike to breathe but protect it from dust, debris, scratches and more. If you’re storing it outside, try to get the bike off the ground, under some kind of shelter and check on it periodically.

Depending on where your bike is stored, you’ll want to “critter-proof” any openings where small animals can get into. You can use things like steel wool in a plastic bag, recommends Family Handyman. It may also be a good idea to add a final cover of bright-colored tape to remind you to remove everything before the first time you start your bike again.