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Winterizing Your Motorcycle: A Season-End Checklist
Proper winter storage separates motorcycles that emerge in spring ready to ride from those requiring expensive repairs before their first journey. The distinction isn't luck or build quality; it's preparation. Taking a few hours now prevents the corrosion, battery failure, and fuel system problems that plague neglected machines throughout the cold months. This checklist covers essential steps regardless of whether your motorcycle lives in a heated garage or an uninsulated shed.
Begin with a thorough wash. Road grime, chain lube sling, and brake dust contain corrosive compounds that attack metal surfaces when left in contact over extended periods. Pay particular attention to the chain and sprockets, the underside of the frame rails, and any unpainted aluminium like fork legs and engine cases. Once clean and dry, apply a light corrosion-inhibiting spray to bare metal surfaces—WD-40 works adequately for this purpose, though dedicated products like ACF-50 provide longer-lasting protection in harsh environments.
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Fuel requires attention because modern ethanol-blended petrol degrades within weeks, forming gummy deposits that clog carburettors and injectors. The debate between draining fuel systems versus treating and filling them continues, but for most riders, the simpler approach works: fill the tank completely to minimize air space where condensation forms, add a quality fuel stabilizer like Sta-Bil according to package directions, then run the engine for ten minutes to circulate treated fuel through carbs or injectors. If your motorcycle has a fuel tap, turn it to the off position after treatment. For carbureted bikes, some riders prefer draining float bowls after treatment; modern fuel injection eliminates this consideration.
Battery care determines whether spring startup involves turning a key or locating a jump pack. Remove the battery if feasible—this is easy on most motorcycles with side-mounted batteries, awkward on designs with batteries buried beneath bodywork. Store the battery indoors at room temperature; cold accelerates the self-discharge that drains resting batteries. Connect a quality smart charger, not a simple trickle charger, which can overcharge batteries left connected for months. Smart chargers monitor state of charge and maintain optimal levels automatically. If your battery must remain installed, route extension leads to the charger terminals and ensure nothing can short the exposed connections.
Change engine oil before storage rather than after. Used oil contains acidic combustion byproducts that attack bearing surfaces during extended sitting. Fresh oil provides a protective film throughout engine internals, preventing the microscopic corrosion that accumulates into measurable wear over winter months. While underneath the motorcycle, check coolant condition and level; ethylene glycol degrades over time and loses its corrosion-inhibiting properties even before obvious freezing protection diminishes.
Tires develop flat spots when supporting motorcycle weight in one position for months. Ideally, lift both wheels clear using paddock stands or a centre stand. If this isn't possible, move the motorcycle every few weeks to redistribute pressure, or over-inflate tyres by approximately 10 PSI during storage to help maintain sidewall shape. Remember to restore correct pressures before riding in spring—this is easily forgotten and causes vague handling until noticed.
Safety First
Never compromise on safety equipment. Your gear is your last line of defense.
Important
Take your time to understand the fundamentals before pushing boundaries.
Cover exhaust and airbox openings with plastic bags secured by rubber bands. This prevents moisture ingress and discourages rodents from nesting in warm, sheltered passages—a surprisingly common problem in rural garages that ruins air filters and creates unpleasant spring surprises. Finally, invest in a breathable motorcycle cover rather than an impermeable tarp. Tarps trap moisture against painted surfaces, causing more damage than they prevent. Purpose-designed covers allow airflow while blocking dust and UV exposure. These simple steps, completed in an afternoon, protect your investment through winter and ensure spring arrives with anticipation rather than workshop bills.