How to Store Your Motorcycle for Winter 10 Winterising Steps
Motorcycles have been a part of our lives for more than a century, allowing us to experience the freedom of the open road and the joy of speed.
They have evolved significantly over the years, and the way children engage with them has changed as well.
The history of kids riding motorbikes provides an intriguing look into how this form of transportation has evolved over time.
Winter's arrival is often met with mixed feelings by motorcycle enthusiasts.
As the temperatures dip and the roads become icy and unsafe, it's time to bid farewell to your faithful two-wheeled companion.
While the joys of riding may take a pause, it's the beginning of a crucial period – winter storage. 
Many motorcycle owners fret about this period as inadequate or improper storage can have detrimental effects on the motorcycle's condition and performance.
Proper winter storage is not just about tucking away your motorcycle; it's about ensuring its longevity and maintaining its top-notch performance. However, the process can be fraught with challenges.
From worrying about battery drain and tyre degradation to concerns about fuel breakdown and rust, the list is long.
But don't fret!
We've crafted a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you overcome these winter storage challenges and keep your motorcycle in pristine condition, ready to roar back to life with the first signs of spring.
Indoor Winter Storage Tips
If you have space inside your house, storing your motorcycle indoors is the best option.
This will protect your bike from harsh weather conditions, potential theft, and freezing temperatures.
The process of preparing your motorcycle remains the same as previously described.
Just ensure your storage space is clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
Storing Motorcycle in an Unheated Garage
An unheated garage can be a suitable place to store your motorcycle during winter.
The key is to ensure that your bike is protected from moisture and freezing temperatures.
Using a motorcycle cover even inside the garage is a good idea.
In such cases, a battery tender is especially important as batteries tend to discharge faster in colder conditions.
Outdoor Winter Storage Tips
Storing a motorcycle outdoors during winter is less ideal due to the harsh elements.
If you must store your motorcycle outside, use a high-quality motorcycle cover that is waterproof, breathable, and UV resistant.
Ideally, it should also have openings for locks and straps to keep it secure.
It would be best if you also considered using a tarpaulin sheet over the motorcycle cover for additional protection.
Step 1: Clean the Motorcycle
Before anything else, give your motorcycle a thorough clean. Make sure to remove all dirt, bugs, and other debris from the exterior surfaces.
This is essential to prevent corrosion during the winter months. A clean bike is a happy bike, even when it's sleeping!
Step 2: Change the Engine Oil and Filter
Now that your bike is sparkling clean, the next step is to change the engine oil and the oil filter.
Old oil can contain contaminants that can damage your engine during storage.
A fresh oil change will keep everything running smoothly when it's time to ride again.
Step 3: Apply Lubricant
After changing the oil, don't forget to apply lubricant to all moving parts of the motorcycle.
This includes the chain, cables, controls, and any pivot points.
Lubrication will prevent rust and keep your motorcycle's parts moving freely when it's time to awaken it from its winter slumber.
Chain Maintenance
While lubricating the moving parts of your motorcycle, pay special attention to the chain.
If your motorcycle has a chain drive, it's essential to clean and lubricate it before storing your bike.
Dirt and debris can accelerate wear and tear on your chain and sprockets, so cleaning them off before storage can help prolong their life.
After cleaning, apply a good quality chain lube.
This not only keeps it from rusting during storage but also ensures it remains in optimal condition for your next ride.
Step 4: Add Fuel Stabiliser
For the fourth step, add a fuel stabiliser to the gas tank and top it off.
A fuel stabiliser prevents the fuel from breaking down and creating a gummy mess that can clog your fuel system.
Step 5: Check Fluid Levels
Next, check the fluid levels, including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid.
These fluids should be at their recommended levels to ensure that your motorcycle stays in good shape during winter storage.
Brake System Maintenance
As part of checking the fluid levels, it's also crucial to inspect the brake system.
Brake fluid tends to absorb moisture over time, which can cause corrosion and compromise the braking performance.
If the brake fluid hasn't been changed in the last one to two years or appears dark in colour, consider flushing the brake system and replacing it with fresh fluid before storage.
It's a preemptive step that can go a long way in ensuring the motorcycle's safety when it's time to ride again.
Step 6: Empty the Carburettor
If your motorcycle has a carburettor, make sure to empty it to prevent fuel from gumming up the system.
This is an important step, as stale fuel can lead to various problems, including difficulty in starting the bike after the storage period.
Related: A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Carburetor on Your Motorcycle
Step 7: Plug the Exhaust and Airbox
Plugging the exhaust and airbox is a crucial step to prevent moisture and small critters from getting in.
It's an easy way to ensure that your motorcycle remains in the best condition possible throughout the winter.
Step 8: Inflate the Tyres or Elevate the Bike
Inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure or elevate the bike on a piece of plywood to prevent the tyres from touching the cold concrete floor.
This prevents the tyres from developing flat spots during the long winter storage.
Step 9: Charge and Disconnect the Battery
Now, onto the battery. Charge it and then disconnect it from the motorcycle.
If you're storing your motorcycle for several months, it is recommended to charge the battery at least once a month.
Related: How Long Does It Take to Charge a Motorcycle Battery?
Battery Maintenance During Winter
To keep your battery charged during winter storage, consider using a trickle or float charger.
This ensures the battery is maintained in a charging and discharging cycle.
A fully charged battery can be stored at subfreezing temperatures with no damage, so it's important to keep it charged to avoid damage and ensure it's ready for use when you take your motorcycle out of storage.
Step 10: Cover the Motorcycle
Finally, cover the motorcycle with a breathable cover to protect it from dust and moisture.
This step keeps your bike clean and ensures it's ready to go when the warm weather rolls back around.
How to Store a Motorcycle for a Long Time
The steps for winter storage also apply if you're storing a motorcycle for a long time, regardless of the season.
Just remember to regularly check on your motorcycle, ensure the battery is properly maintained, and consider rotating the tyres or using a bike stand to avoid flat spots.
Motorcycle Winter Storage Near Me
Suppose you do not have an ideal space to store your motorcycle; consider a professional storage facility.
Local motorcycle dealers and some self-storage facilities offer winter storage services.
These facilities are usually climate-controlled and offer other services like winter maintenance.
Ensure you research thoroughly, checking reviews and prices before settling on a facility.
Insurance and Registration Reminder
As you finalise the preparations for winter storage, it's also a good time to check on your motorcycle's insurance and registration.
If your bike is in storage and not being ridden, you may be able to suspend some of your insurance coverages to save some money.
Just remember to reinstate them before your first ride in spring.
Also, make sure your registration isn't due to expire during the storage period.
By keeping these administrative aspects in check, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free return to the roads when the weather warms up.
Riding Gear Storage
When preparing for winter storage, don't forget about your riding gear.
Just like your motorcycle, your helmet, gloves, boots, and riding jacket also need care.
Clean your gear following the manufacturer's instructions and store them in a cool, dry place.
For helmets, it's best to store them in a helmet bag or box to prevent any accidental damage.
A little care now can prolong the life of your gear and ensure it's ready for your springtime rides along with your motorcycle.
Related: Ride On Toy Accessories For Motorbikes | Cars | Scooters
Common Mistakes To Avoid During Winter Storage
Here are some common mistakes to avoid during winter storage of your motorcycle:
- Leaving the bike exposed and uncovered to the winter elements.
- Not cleaning the motorcycle before storage can lead to corrosion and damage to the paint and metal surfaces.
- Failing to change the oil and filter before storage can lead to engine damage.
- Not adding fuel stabiliser to the petrol tank can cause the fuel to gum up and damage the carburettor.
- Not inflating the tyres to the recommended pressure or elevating the bike on a piece of plywood to prevent the tyres from touching the cold concrete floor.
- Not charging the battery or disconnecting it from the motorcycle can lead to a dead battery or damage to the electrical system.
- Not covering the motorcycle with a breathable cover can allow moisture to build up and cause rust and corrosion.
- Storing the motorcycle with a full petrol tank can cause the fuel to break down and damage the carburettor.
- Using a tarp or plastic cover can trap moisture and cause rust and corrosion.
- Storing the motorcycle in an area with fertiliser or chemicals can corrode the motorcycle.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your motorcycle is properly stored for the winter and ready to ride when the weather warms up.
In Summary
There you have it: your 10-step guide to storing your motorcycle for winter.
These steps may take a bit of time and effort, but they're definitely worth it.
Following them will ensure that your motorcycle stays in prime condition throughout the winter months and is ready to hit the road as soon as the first signs of spring appear.
So, don't let winter get the best of your motorcycle; prepare, protect, and then eagerly await the thaw!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to start my motorcycle during the winter?
While some riders suggest occasionally starting the motorcycle and letting it idle during storage, it's generally not necessary if you've properly winterised your motorcycle. Regularly starting the engine without actually riding the bike may cause more harm than good by allowing moisture to accumulate inside the engine.
Should I change the coolant before storing the motorcycle?
If your coolant is due for a change or close to it, it's a good idea to do so before storage. Coolant, like engine oil, can degrade over time and become acidic, causing damage to your engine. Always ensure to use the coolant type recommended by your motorcycle's manufacturer.
Can I use regular car antifreeze in my motorcycle?
It's generally not advisable to use regular car antifreeze in your motorcycle. Car antifreeze often contains silicates that can damage the water pump seals in motorcycles. Always use a motorcycle-specific antifreeze.
How should I care for my motorcycle's leather parts during winter storage?
Leather parts such as seats and saddlebags should be cleaned and treated with a good leather conditioner to keep them from drying out and cracking during storage. If possible, consider removing these parts and storing them in a climate-controlled environment.