Winterize Your Motorcycle
Winter tends to dump icy, wet weather — and a good amount of snow — on the ground, which aren't ideal conditions for motorcycles. Many people choose to store their bikes during cold winters. If you're one of those riders, here are a few tips you can follow to winterize your motorcycle properly.
Fill up on gas or empty the tank completely.
Gas can go bad, so treating it with a gasoline stabilizer, such as STA-BIL, ensures it will stay good until spring. Fill the gas tank until it is full to prevent condensation from building in the tank. You also can empty the gas from the tank completely and treat the inside with gas soluble oil to keep it from rusting.
Change the engine oil and filter.
Used oil contains acid contaminants, which could harm your engine if the oil sits for long periods of time. Once you change the oil and filter, run the engine to circulate the new oil throughout the system.
Drain the float bowls.
Fuel can turn goopy if it's left sitting undisturbed for more than two months. When you drain the float bowls, you minimize that possibility. To drain them, turn on the engine and shut off the fuel, which runs through the fuel in the float bowls, or use the drain screws (if your bike has them) to release the fuel. Be careful — draining the bowls could become a messy, drippy ordeal — and don't forget to dispose of the fuel properly.
Store and charge the battery.
Remove and store the battery in a warm, dry area, and charge it once a month. Or, keep the battery on the bike and use a trickle charger to keep it charged. Check the battery's water level and top off the cells if needed. If you see corrosion on the battery posts, clean and grease them lightly to prevent further corrosion.
Clean your bike and cover it.
Wash and dry your bike, removing any built-up bugs or debris. Wax the tank, polish the chrome thoroughly and use a protector to moisturize the rubber tires and parts so they won't dry out during storage. Cover your bike with a breathable cover — plastic covers can trap moisture and promote rust.
Don't forget the tires.
Check and inflate the tires to the proper pressure.
Keep your system properly cooled.
Make sure the antifreeze you use is strong enough to resist freezing if you have a water-cooled bike.
Keep an eye on your motorcycle.
Check on your bike every other week. Make sure it's locked and you've removed the registration and other important papers from it. Before you know it, riding time will arrive again.
