Winter Bike Storage Tips

Well, it is that time already in much of the US. Snow. The nemesis of motorcycle riders almost everywhere. Some brave riders do indeed accept the challenge of cold, snowy, icy riding but winter riding is definitely not easy and meant for everyone.

Only skilled riders should venture out into the snow and ice and cold weather. Those not skilled enough or not willing to take their bikes out into the elements of a sub-freezing winter day should properly store their bikes. Parking it in the garage for three months is just asking for trouble.

Here are some things that will help your two wheeled pride and joy hibernate safely through the winter.

• Battery - Letting a battery sit in a bike over the winter is a perfect invitation for it to be dead come springtime. Minimally, disconnect your battery from the bike and bring it indoors, out of the freezing temperatures. If you can't get it out of the winter elements, be sure to clean the terminals and attach it to a battery tender or trickle charger. Even if you do bring the battery indoors, a trickle charger is a good idea.
• Exhaust - Give a couple sprays of WD-40 into the ends of the exhaust pipes. This helps keep water from forming and causing rust. You can also wrap a baggie around the ends of the pipes to help keep out moisture.
• Fuel System - Fill the tank and make sure the petcock is turned off. Use some sort of fuel stabilizer like SeaFoam. Follow the directions carefully and make sure it is safe for motorcycle usage.
• Oil - Make sure you change your oil just before storage.
• Drive Train - Inspect the chain and be sure it is completely and amply lubricated. For bikes with shaft or belt drives, read your manual for specific instructions.
• External - CLEAN your bike. That means a nice complete washdown, including wax on painted parts, chrome cleaner on the chrome areas and degreaser on the engine.
• Fluids - Ensure brake, clutch and coolant are clean and fairly fresh. Change if necessary. Test the coolant to be sure it will not freeze given the lowest possible temperatures you may have.
  
• Tires - Ensure the tires are correctly inflated to the proper pressure. If your bike has a center stand, use it. If not, try to prop up the bike on wooden blocks so that the tires are not touching the ground.
• Covers - Bikes being stored outside may be better off with no covering at all. Covered bikes outside can cause water to condense on the bike and cause rusting. If storing a bike indoors, a simple, breathable cover is best.

These are not 100% guaranteed to keep your bike in super working order over the winter. Just a few helpful hints that may help.