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When storing your motorcycle for the winter, there are some key practices every bike owner should observe to ensure your motorcycle is ready to ride next season. These tips will help minimize the risk of rust in the fuel tank or damage to fuel system components, a dead battery, flat tire spots, and more when you need to store your motorcycle for a few months.
One of the most important things to do is make sure your fuel tank is completely full, and the fuel is properly mixed with fuel stabilizer. A full tank of fuel allows less room for air and reduces the risk of moisture and rust forming inside the tank. Adding a fuel stabilizer will keep fuel fresh for long term storage and ensures quick, easy starts by preventing gum and varnish build-up. Once your tank is filled and the fuel is mixed with fuel stabilizer, it’s a good idea to run the engine for a few minutes if possible so the fuel is able to move through the entire system.
The last thing you want is your motorcycle engine sitting with dirty oil. If you are more than halfway to your next oil change it’s best to perform a full oil change. This will allow you to get rid of any debris in the oil and minimize the chances of engine buildup and corrosion while the bike isn’t running for a few months. However, if the oil in your engine is already clean or has recently been changed then you can get away with just making sure it’s topped up. Shop oil change supplies for your motorcycle, including motorcycle oil and oil filters.
Liquid cooling systems in motorcycles are common and the coolant—also known as antifreeze—should be checked before storing the motorcycle. Use an antifreeze tester to check the condition of the coolant. If the test indicates that the antifreeze is appropriately concentrated to protect your bike against the lowest anticipated temperatures in your area, then make sure it’s filled to its maximum level, or drain and replace the coolant if needed. This will help eliminate any excess water concentration in the antifreeze. When too much water is mixed with antifreeze, the cooling system can freeze at low temperatures, resulting in engine damage. Oxygen concentration due to excess water mixed with the antifreeze can also cause corrosion and scale buildup inside the cooling system, which could eventually lead to clogging or poor performance.
When tires sit for long periods of time it can cause flat spots or dry rot to develop, which can reduce traction and handling. Always make sure your tires are properly inflated before riding your bike, but also before storing your motorcycle for the winter. It’s also a good idea to prop the bike up on stands to keep the tires from contacting the ground. If your motorcycle is equipped with a center stand that will work as well. Lifting the motorcycle off the ground or concrete can help prevent moisture from leaching from the tires, which can cause dry rot, and also helps ensure that a flat spot doesn’t form where the tires contact the floor. If you don’t have motorcycle stands or a jack, shop O’Reilly for Power Torque Tools motorcycle jacks. They are a fairly inexpensive investment and a must-have for motorcycle owners, as it makes it a lot easier to perform routine maintenance jobs like lubricating the chain or changing the oil.
When you park your motorcycle for an extended period of time there is always a risk that the battery will eventually deplete its charge. This is more of a concern for lead-acid batteries which tend to self-discharge over time. It’s important to hook the battery up to a battery tender that charges the battery when it needs it, and shuts off when appropriate, so the battery is not overcharged. However, if you have a lithium-ion battery it’s possible to simply disconnect the negative terminal for the season, as lithium-ion batteries have a much lower discharge rate, and if there is no draw on the battery it’s possible for the battery to sit for several months and not lose much charge or suffer damage due to extended periods of discharge.
For outdoor motorcycle storage, it’s best to remove the battery and connect it to the battery tender indoors if you don’t have access to a garage. Even if you’re storing your motorcycle in a garage, it may also be worthwhile to move the battery somewhere with limited temperature fluctuation and connect it to the battery maintainer. If you do remove the battery from your motorcycle for the season, avoid storing it on a concrete floor where it may get even colder than it would on an elevated surface in the same environment. Placing your battery on a work bench or shelf to charge may prevent it from suffering the effects of extreme cold this season.
O’Reilly Auto Parts also offers free motorcycle battery testing if you need to check your battery’s condition before you store your motorcycle for the winter.
Remove any road debris, grime, or dead insects with a proper wash. This will protect the paint, chrome, and metal surfaces from corrosion. Apply a coat of wax to the painted panels and apply a silicone protectant to plastic panels. Then use a moistened rag with an aerosol lubricant on the chrome and metal parts. The wax and silicone will keep the parts clean and protected, and the lubricant will minimize the risk of rust and corrosion forming on the surface.
If your bike is equipped with a chain, don’t forget to thoroughly clean and lubricate your chain. It might be a while before it’s used again, and a properly lubricated chain can go a long way to prevent rust and minimize stretching when you ride again. You can find the most trusted chain lube for motorcycles at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
One thing that is often overlooked is closing off the openings to your engine. This helps seal out moisture that may get into your system and corrode your valves or cylinder walls. Depending on where you are storing your bike, it might also help discourage rodents or insects from nesting in your muffler or airbox. The best way to seal off these openings is by using heavy plastic and rubber bands, tape, or zip ties to create an airtight seal around your exhaust and airbox inlets. In some cases you may also want to insert moth balls or steel wool into the exhaust ports, as these products can also deter vermin from making a home in your bike this winter.
If you are storing your motorcycle for more than a month, you might also consider removing the spark plugs and using some fogging oil on the piston rings. When engines sit idle for long periods of time the lubricants tend to drain away from critical engine components which can lead to corrosion. Fogging oil provides a long-lasting lubricating film that resists corrosion and remains intact over an extended period of time.
The last step is to cover the motorcycle. When choosing a protective cover, it’s best to avoid old blankets or anything made with cotton, as cotton can attract moisture and potentially allow mold or mildew to grow. A synthetic motorcycle cover is always the best choice. Synthetic material motorcycle covers will not only keep your bike clean, but they will also resist mold if they happen to get damp while the bike is stored. A light cover is great for indoor storage, but if you are going to be storing your bike outdoors then you will want to invest in a heavy-duty waterproof cover.
Hopefully this helps you understand how to prepare your motorcycle for winter storage and minimize the chances of any unexpected repairs before your next riding season. If you need assistance with finding any motorcycle repair parts, supplies, or tools, stop by your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store and speak with our Parts Professionals, or shop online at OReillyAuto.com today!