Depending on where you live, your motorcycle riding season may be much shorter than in other parts of the country. Regardless of when you decide it’s time to put away your motorcycle for the season, it’s essential to winterize it to ensure that it works well the next time you decide to ride.
Whether you’ve been riding for years or are winterizing your motorcycle for the first time, here are some tips that you don’t want to forget when caring for your motorcycle.
This winterizing “tip” is likely one that every motorcyclist can get behind: take your bike out for one last ride. If the weather is already starting to turn cool, make sure that you wear layers and dress adequately for the ride, which includes a helmet.
Consider the limited daylight and try to avoid riding at dusk or after dark when motorcycle accidents may be more prevalent. As always, adhere to your state’s motorcycle laws and share the road with other motorists. According to motorcycle accident attorneys, McKinney, Tucker, and Lemel, motorcyclists have no structure, airbags, or seat belts to protect them in the event of an accident. Considering this, safety should always be your number one priority.
Once it’s time to put away your motorcycle for the year, it’s best to really put it away and not just parking it in the street or in your backyard. Don’t have a garage? You might want to see if you can rent a small space in a large garage or ask family or friends.
Even though motorcycles can withstand some elements, your motorcycle will stay in much better shape if you find adequate storage, particularly during the cold winter months.
Before you park your motorcycle for the year, make sure the tank is topped off with fresh fuel and consider adding fuel stabilizer. This is a recommended step in winterizing motorcycles because it helps to keep your gas from “gelling up” and wrecking your engine the longer it sits.
An oil change and a new oil filter is often recommended and don’t forget to check the air filter as well. When you’re winterizing your motorcycle, this is a great time to do basic maintenance. Don’t forget to remove the battery, especially if you’re unable to store your motorcycle in a warm building or garage (store the battery in a heated building).
The end of motorcycle season is the perfect time to clean your motorcycle to get rid of dirt, dead bugs, and other debris. Waxing your motorcycle will help to protect your motorcycle while it’s in storage. Don’t forget to use a leather protectant on any leather parts, such as your seat or saddle bags.
Even if you’re storing your motorcycle in a professional facility and they have rodent and pest control, you should still plan on blocking any holes on your motorcycle that might be “inviting” to rodents.
Whether you’re storing your bike for a few months or half the year, winterizing your motorcycle can keep it running better and even safer once you get it back on the road.