Motorcycle Winter Storage Tips | 10 Must-Do Steps

As the chill of winter approaches, it's time to think about storing your motorcycle. Essential motorcycle winter storage tips help protect your motorcycle in good condition in those cold days.

The author of this article has decades of experience riding, maintaining and servicing motorcycles. He will provide you with the most comprehensive motorcycle winter storage advice.

On one hand, these tips will protect your motorbike properly from the elements. On the other hand, it ensures it's ready to ride when the next spring arrives.

Besides, these tips will protect your motorcycle parts to a certain extent and avoid expensive parts replacement costs.

To make a long story short, let's start mastering the knowledge about storage your motorcycle in the winter days!

Motorcycle Winter Storage Tips: What to Do?

1. Clean Your Motorcycle Thoroughly

clean the motorcycle - motorcycle winter storage tips

Before storing your motorcycle, give it a thorough cleaning. Make sure you clean up all the dirt, grime, and salt before you start to storage your motorcycle. Because these items can cause corrose your motorcycle with time going on. Here’s how to do it:

• Wash and Dry: Use a special motorcycle cleanere to wash your bike thoroughly. Make sure to clean the gas tank, the motorcycle windshield, and all the other parts and accessories. Pay attention to hidden areas where dirt accumulates. Rinse thoroughly and dry it completely with an airline or bike dryer. After that, check again and use a soft cloth to clean the left water clearly. Remember, make it dry!
• Anti-corrosion spray: Please note that you should not spray the spray directly on the motorcycle. The correct way is to apply the spray to an absorbent cloth and then wipe the surface of the bike evenly. Metal surfaces, exposed spindle ends, bolts and chain adjusters are places that need to be wiped with special attention. Some anti-corrosion sprays are also suitable for plastic accessories, which is even better.
• Wax the Surfaces: Apply a coat of high-quality wax to all painted and chrome surfaces. This layer of protection will help prevent rust and keep your bike looking shiny.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Clean the motorcycle chain and lubricate it as well as cables, and other moving parts are also necessary. This will prevent these parts from rust and ensure smooth operation.

2. Change the Oil and Filter

change the motorcycle oil and filter

If the motorcycle has been left over for a long time in the winter, remember to change the oil and filter. Because the old oil can become acidic and be contaminated by solvents and sediment. This can cause the bearings to become corroded or damaged, and eventually become unrunnable. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Warm Up the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This helps the oil drain more easily.
2. Replace Oil and Filter: Drain the old oil and replace it with fresh oil. Don’t forget to change the oil filter as well.
3. Run the Engine Again: After changing the oil, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the new oil throughout the system.

3. Stabilize the Fuel

Fuel can degrade over time, leading to clogged injectors or carburetors. To prevent this:

1. Add Fuel Stabilizer: Fill your tank with fresh gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer. Follow the instructions on the stabilizer bottle for the correct amount.
2. Run the Engine: Let the engine run for a few minutes to ensure the stabilized fuel circulates through the entire system.
3. Fill the Tank: Make sure the tank is full to minimize moisture buildup inside.

4. Protect Your Battery

take out your motorcycle battery and protect it - Store Your Motorcycle for Winter

Cold temperatures can drain your motorcycle's battery. Properly storing your motorcycle battery will help extend its lifespan. So how should we store motorcycle batteries?

You may also hear from some riders that you should start your motorcycle once a week and let it run for a while during the winter. In fact, that's not a good idea.

Here are ways to keep your battery charged:

• Remove the battery: Disconnect the battery and remove it from the bike.
• Store in a cool, dry place: Store the battery in a cool, but not freezing environment.
• Use a battery charger: Install a battery charger to keep it charged throughout the winter. This prevents the battery from draining and ensures it's ready to go in the spring.

5. Check and Protect Tires

check and protect the motorcycle tire before winterize - checking tire pressure

Tires can develop flat spots if left stationary for too long. Here’s how to prevent this:

• Inflate Tires: Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure.
• Elevate the Bike: Use a motorcycle stand to keep the tires off the ground. If a stand isn’t available, move the bike slightly every few weeks to change the tire position.
• Check for Cracks: Inspect the tires for any cracks or damage and replace them if necessary.

6. Check the fluids

check the motorcycle fluids

Fluids are vital to the health of your motorcycle. These fluids include: engine oil, clutch, brakes, and coolant.

Don’t ignore them:

• Check the coolant level: Make sure the coolant is at the proper level and has the proper antifreeze mixture.
• Check the brake fluid: Check the brake fluid and top it up if necessary. Make sure there are no leaks or air in the system.

Of course, not all motorcycles need to be changed before winter storage. If you’ve already changed these fluids within a month and haven’t ridden them very far, then consider not changing them.

7. Cover Your Motorcycle

cover the motorcycle

A good cover can protect your motorcycle from dust, moisture, and pests. Here are things to consider:

• Choose a quality cover: Buy a breathable waterproof cover will be the best option. Avoid plastic tarps as they absorb moisture. This can cause rust, corrosion, and mold on your motorcycle.
• Choose the right size cover: Buy covers designed specifically for motorcycles that have the right shape and size. This will cover your motorcycle perfectly.
• Cover the whole motorcycle: Make sure the cover fits the entire motorcycle tightly, including the wheels and exhaust pipe. Keep the battery charger out so you can see the battery's charge status.

8. Store in a Proper Location

store the motorcycle indoor with cover - winter motorcycle storage ideas

Where you store your bike is crucial. Consider the following:

• Indoor storage: If possible, store your motorcycle in a garage or shed to protect it from the elements.
• Well-ventilated location: A well-ventilated location indoors is best. This allows air to circulate and moisture to not collect under the cover.
• On a stand: If your bike has a center stand, then you can use it. The best way is to prop it up and keep both wheels off the ground by a motorcycle stand.
• Keep it out of direct sunlight: UV rays can damage paint and rubber parts over time.
• Protect it from insects: Seal all openings to prevent rodents from nesting. You can also use mothballs or peppermint oil around your bike as an insect repellent.
• Keep it away from chemicals: Do not place fertilizers or other chemicals around your motorcycle. These can corrode and damage your motorcycle.

9. Protect your motorcycle

lock your motorcycle to protect it from being stolen in winter

Security is important even when storing your motorcycle. Here are some tips you can do:

• Lock it up: You can install a ground anchor where you store your motorcycle. Then lock your motorcycle to it with a sturdy lock or chain. Or, add a second lock to the garage door where you store your motorcycle.
• Alarm system: If necessary, consider installing an alarm system for added security.
• Get a motorcycle Insurance: To prevent theft or damage, keep your insurance up to date.

10. Plan for Regular Check-Ups

You may store the motorcycle for a few months in the winter days. Even in storage, your motorcycle needs some attention:

• Monthly Inspections: Inspect your motorbike monthly for any signs of pests, moisture, or damage.
• Start the Engine: If possible, start the engine occasionally to keep the parts lubricated.
• Reassess Storage Conditions: Make sure the storage area remains dry and secure throughout the winter months.

Commonly Seen Motorcycle Winter Storage Mistakes

Starting your bike every week? Wrong!

Again, don’t start your bike every week when you store it in the cold. The garage is not the place to start your bike.

Starting your bike before it reaches operating temperature in the cold winter can damage your accessories. In the process, water can condense and flow to places it shouldn’t.

Running your bike out of gas? Wrong!

Don’t do this! When the tank is empty, it corrodes easily and can also cause the seals inside to dry out. This can damage your tank. The right way to do this is to fill the tank with gas and add a high-quality fuel stabilizer.

If you don’t do this, the fuel can easily crystallize and solidify into a solid. This can clog your bike’s carburetor and fuel injectors and damage them.

Storing a dirty bike? Wrong!

You can imagine what it would look like if you stored a bike with road grit, dirt, and bugs for a while. That would be terrible!

These dirt will corrode your bike's clear coat, anodized aluminum, polished metal surfaces, and stainless steel.

Especially in areas with salt or salt water on the roads, such as coastal areas, it is especially important to clean your motorcycle before storing it. These salty substances and air will damage the metal and rubber parts on the motorcycle.

Using a cheap cover or tarp to cover your motorcycle? Wrong!

Those cheap covers or tarps will only make your motorcycle storage worse!

They may slip, have damaged holes, accumulate water or seep water, and even scratch the paint on your motorcycle. What is the difference between this result and not covering your motorcycle?

Motorcycle Winter Storage Tips Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get prepared to store my motorcycle in the winter?

Yes, it is important to prepare your motorcycle for winter storage. Especially in cold regions, it is even more important to take precautions.

But if you live in a warm winter region, you don’t need to take too many precautions. Even if you live in a warm region, if you don’t frequently ride your motorcycle in winter, we recommend that you take measures to properly store your motorcycle.

Because if you don’t prepare your motorcycle for winter, it may cause many problems, such as:

• Battery exhaustion
• Tire deformation and damage
• Corrosion and rust on the body and parts
• Various oil circuit blockages and parts contamination
• Gasoline degradation and damage to the fuel tank.

Can I store my motorcycle in an unheated garage?

Yes, you can store your motorcycle in an unheated garage, but take precautions to protect it.

Clean and dry the bike thoroughly to prevent rust. Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank and run the engine to circulate it. Remove the battery and store it in a warm place, or use a trickle charger. Inflate the tires to the correct pressure and consider using a cover to protect from dust and moisture.

These steps will help maintain your motorcycle in good condition.

Can I store my motorcycle outside in the winter?

Storing your motorcycle outdoors in winter is possible, but not ideal. If you must, here are some steps to help prevent your motorcycle from damage:

• Use a high-quality, waterproof cover to protect it from snow and moisture.
• Place the bike on a stand to avoid flat spots on the tires.
• Add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine to circulate it.
• Remove the battery and keep it indoors or use a trickle charger.
• Ensure all fluids are topped off and consider spraying metal parts with a rust inhibitor.

What to do after my motorcycle has been stored for months in the winter?

After winter storage, you will start the motorcycle and begin riding it in the spring. But, wait a moment, you need to check your motorcycle thoroughly before starting it. These steps include:

1. Reinstall the battery and ensure it's charged.
2. Inspect and inflate the tires to the correct pressure.
3. Change the oil and check all fluid levels.
4. Examine the brakes and ensure they’re functional.
5. Look over the chain for proper tension and lubrication.
6. Start the engine and let it warm up, listening for any unusual sounds.
7. Test all lights and signals.
8. Finally, take a short, cautious ride to ensure everything is working smoothly.

Conclusion

Properly storing your motorcycle during the winter ensures that it stays in good condition. By following these tips, you will protect your investment and have your motorcycle ready to go when the weather warms up.

It’s not hard to understand and master motorcycle winter storage tips. Reading your motorcycle’s owner’s manual, an article, or watching some YouTube videos can help you learn these tips.

Remember that a little effort now can save a lot of trouble later.

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Stephen

Motorcycle mechanic, writer. Interested in motorcycle gear for years. Like to stay up to date with the newest products and techniques of the motorcycle.