Winterizing Your Motorcycle - Essential Tips

As the crisp air of fall transitions into the frosty chill of winter, it's time to start thinking about how to properly winterize your motorcycle. Winter can be harsh on a bike, and taking the right steps to prepare it for the cold months ahead will not only protect your investment but also ensure it's ready to ride when spring rolls around. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to motorcycle ownership, this guide will walk you through the winterization process, and we’ll explain how our dealership can take care of all your storage needs.

Why Winterizing Your Motorcycle is Important

Storing your motorcycle without proper preparation can lead to problems like a dead battery, rust, stale fuel, and damaged tires. Winterizing your bike prevents these issues, saving you from costly repairs and downtime in the spring. By following these steps, you can ensure that your motorcycle stays in top condition throughout the winter months.

1. Clean and Protect Your Motorcycle

Before putting your bike away for the winter, give it a thorough cleaning. Dirt, grease, and grime can cause corrosion over time, especially in the presence of moisture. Wash the bike with water and a mild detergent, then dry it completely. Once it's clean, apply a coat of wax to the painted surfaces to protect them from rust and the elements.

Additionally, use a metal protector or anti-corrosion spray on chrome parts and the exhaust to keep rust at bay. For added protection, cover the exhaust pipes with plastic bags or exhaust plugs to prevent moisture from seeping in.

2. Change the Oil and Fluids

Old oil contains contaminants that can cause damage if left in your engine during long periods of storage. Before storing your bike, change the oil and filter to ensure fresh, clean oil is coating your engine parts.

Other fluids like coolant and brake fluid should also be checked and topped off if necessary. If your bike has hydraulic components, ensure they are properly lubricated to avoid issues caused by freezing temperatures.

3. Stabilize the Fuel

Fuel can degrade over time, especially in cold weather. This can lead to clogged fuel injectors or carburetor jets, making it difficult to start your motorcycle in the spring. To prevent this, add a fuel stabilizer to your tank and run the engine for a few minutes to allow the stabilizer to circulate throughout the fuel system.

It's also a good idea to fill the gas tank to the top to prevent moisture from accumulating inside and causing rust.

4. Remove or Maintain the Battery

Cold weather can drain your motorcycle's battery, especially if it's left unattended for long periods. To avoid coming back to a dead battery in the spring, remove the battery from the bike and store it in a cool, dry place. Consider connecting it to a battery tender or trickle charger to keep it charged throughout the winter.

If you'd rather not remove the battery, at least disconnect it from the bike to prevent it from slowly discharging.

5. Protect the Tires

Your motorcycle’s tires can develop flat spots if it sits in one position for too long. To avoid this, consider using a motorcycle stand to elevate the tires off the ground. If you don’t have a stand, try to rotate the wheels periodically to keep the tires from resting on the same spot.

It’s also a good idea to check the tire pressure before storing your bike and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure levels.

6. Cover Your Motorcycle

Finally, cover your motorcycle with a breathable, weatherproof cover to protect it from dust, dirt, and moisture. Make sure the cover fits snugly but allows air to circulate to prevent condensation from forming, which can cause rust or mildew.

Why Choose Our Dealership for Winter Storage

While winterizing your motorcycle yourself is possible, it can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail. That’s where we come in! Our dealership offers comprehensive winter storage services that give you peace of mind, knowing your bike is in expert hands.

Here’s why storing your motorcycle with us is the best choice:

1. Secure, Climate-Controlled Storage
Our facility provides secure, climate-controlled storage that protects your motorcycle from harsh winter conditions. No need to worry about rust, corrosion, or freezing temperatures—we ensure that your bike is kept in optimal conditions throughout the winter months.

2. Professional Winterization Services
When you store your motorcycle with us, we don’t just tuck it away. Our team of certified technicians will perform all the necessary winterization steps, including battery maintenance and tire care. We treat every bike as if it were our own, ensuring it’s properly prepared for storage.

3. Convenient Spring Prep
Once winter is over, we don’t just hand you back your bike and send you on your way. We’ll inspect it to make sure everything is in top shape before the riding season begins. We can also perform any additional services you might need, like a tune-up, new tires, or brake checks, so your motorcycle is road-ready the moment you pick it up.

4. Hassle-Free Storage Solution
By using our dealership for winter storage, you can rest easy knowing that your bike is safe, secure, and well-maintained. Plus, you avoid the hassle of finding storage space at home or dealing with the complexity of winterizing your motorcycle yourself.

5. A Great Time for Upgrades
Winter storage isn’t just about protecting your bike—it’s also the perfect time to consider any upgrades you’ve been dreaming about. Since your motorcycle will be in the shop, why not take advantage of the downtime to add new accessories or make performance enhancements? Whether you’ve been thinking about upgrading your exhaust, installing new suspension, or adding custom parts, our team can help. By the time spring rolls around, your bike will not only be ready to ride, but it might also have some exciting new features to show off!

Book Your Winter Storage Today!

Don’t wait until the snow starts falling to think about winterizing your motorcycle. Give yourself peace of mind this winter by storing your bike with us. Our expert team will ensure your motorcycle is safe, well-maintained, and ready to ride when spring arrives.

Contact us today to learn more about our winter storage options or to book your spot. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve early!