Winterizing Your Motorcycle: Make Your Spring Riding Trouble-Free!

Riders in Winter climates NEED to take special care when storing their bike until next Spring.

Cold weather got you down? Missing the warm days of riding your CSC Motorcycle? If you take some time now to properly winterize your motorcycle, you will be ready for riding next year – or during a warm spell this Winter.

Once you stop riding your bike, the mechanical and electrical systems can cause problems if not properly “put to bed” for the Winter. Here are some tips for winterizing your motorcycle:

1. Think about where you can store your motorcycle. Inside is ALWAYS better than outside, even if you have to PAY for secure storage.
2. Take your bike out for one last ride. Get the motor, chain and tires warm. Enjoy this last ride.
3. Top off your tank with fresh gas (NON-ethanol) before you get home.
4. Add the suggested amount of fuel stabilizer. Then start the motorcycle and let the stabilizer cycle through. This is crucial for BOTH fuel-injected and carbureted bikes.
5. Change the oil and oil filter. Start the storage period with maximum lubrication, rather than changing oil in the Spring.
6. Check the air filter and clean or replace it.
7. Check your brake pads, tires and belt or chain for wear. Lube the chain well. Make a list of replacement parts needed. You can change these out during the Winter when you have the time and need to give your cycle some love.
8. Take the battery out, top the cells off with distilled water and store it at room temperature in a dry place. Note: NEVER store your battery where it can freeze! Keep the battery in a warm area – and keep it connected to a trickle charger to maintain a full charge. If you have had the same battery for a few years, consider upgrading to a new, fresh battery in the Spring.
9. Check the pressure in both tires to make sure they’re filled to the proper level. Then – if possible – roll your bike back and forth occasionally to prevent any flat spots from forming.
10. Wash your motorcycle really well to scrub all the bugs, dirt and road grime off.
11. Wax the paint and chrome, leaving a thick coat of wax on the motorcycle and painted parts. Use a protectant on any plastic trim parts.
12. Apply protectant to leather seats, or synthetic protectant on vinyl seats and plastic luggage.
13. Stuff openings in exhaust and cavities with wiring with tape or rags to keep pesky bugs and chewing mice out.
14. Protect your motorcycle with a cover to help keep dirt, dust, and moisture off the clean surfaces.

Here is a helpful video that illustrates these steps:

Have Any questions on proper bike maintenance and storage? Consult the CSC Maintenance Tutorials, or call the shop for help. We want to help you get back riding trouble-free next Spring!