Winterizing Your Motorcycle: A Comprehensive Guide

As the temperatures start to drop and winter settle in, it's important to take some steps to winterize your motorcycle. Proper preparation can protect your valuable ride from the harsh conditions of the season. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to follow, ensuring your motorcycle is ready for the cold months ahead.

1. Store Your Motorcycle in a Warm Location

Ideally, you want to store your motorcycle in a warm place, ideally a garage or similar sheltered area. Storing your motorcycle in a warm environment helps to prevent damage from moisture, rust, and cracking. If your garage temperature drops below freezing, consider using a battery tender to keep the battery charged. If storage space is limited, make sure to avoid cold floors which can cause condensation and other issues.

2. Change the Oil and Use Fuel Conditioner

One of the most crucial steps in winterizing your motorcycle is to change the oil to ensure a fresh, clean base for the upcoming season. This can be done just before winter to ensure that the engine case is filled with fresh oil. Additionally, it's a good idea to use a fuel conditioner during the winter months to prevent fuel degradation and ensure proper fuel flow. Typically, only a couple of ounces are required, and it's best to run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the fuel conditioner is distributed throughout the fuel system.

3. Apply Protective Lubricant

To further protect your motorcycle from the harsh effects of winter, consider applying a protective lubricant to the metal parts. ACF50 is a popular choice, as it creates an abalative layer of protection against corrosive substances like road salt. Alternatively, using Moby Grease is a cheaper option but may leave a more visible residue. Regardless of the product you choose, ensure that you do not apply it to the brake components to prevent any potential damage.

4. Top Up the Fuel System

Fill your motorcycle's fuel tank to the maximum level and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from going bad over the winter. Ride your motorcycle home to distribute the stabilizer throughout the system and tank. Avoid overusing the fuel stabilizer, and try to keep the fuel tank as full as possible to reduce the risk of condensation and freezing.

5. Check Tire Pressure and Ensure Proper Inflation

Before winter, make sure to check the tire pressure and ensure that the tires are properly inflated. Proper inflation can help improve traction and prevent damage from road salt and other winter-related contaminants.

6. Address Carbureted Motorcycles

If you have a carbureted motorcycle, it's important to close the fuel petcock to prevent the float bowl from getting wet. Allow the motorcycle to run until the float bowl is dry, and the engine stalls. This step is crucial for preventing rust and corrosion in the float bowl.

7. Prepare the Battery

The battery is another critical component to winterize. You can use a battery tender to keep the battery charged and ready for the next ride. If you live in a particularly cold area, consider removing the battery and storing it in a warmer location, such as your basement, with a battery tender attached.

8. Spring Cleaning

When spring arrives, remember to jet wash your motorcycle to remove the protective oils and greases that were applied during winter. This will help clean the bike and remove any buildup that accumulated over the winter months.

Conclusion

Winterizing your motorcycle is a necessary step that can save you time and money in the long run. By following these steps, you can ensure that your motorcycle is protected from the harsh conditions of winter. Remember to perform these steps before winter and then repeat them before any extended periods of non-use. Happy riding!