ALT-2 How to Store a Motorcycle for the Winter
If you live in a place where you can't ride your motorcycle year-round, you will have to store your motorcycle away each winter. Improper winter storage can result in tire rot, oil corrosion, congealed fuel, a rusted frame, or a dead battery. Storing your motorcycle properly for the winter lets you have a hassle-free start-up the following spring.
Storage location
Decide where you are going to store your motorcycle for the winter. You want a dry, secure, ventilated place, heated if possible, but away from any open flames or sources of sparks. Avoid or cover nearby windows, which can raise the inside temperature and cause unwanted condensation. Ultraviolet light also fades paint and makes plastic brittle. Check for small openings around your storage space which can let in small animals such as squirrels or mice. You don't want them nesting inside your motorcycle. If you are very cramped for space, ask your local dealer if he offers a winter storage program.
Change your oil
Old oil is never good for engines. If you have been riding for long distances, change your oil filter as well. You may want to switch to a winter-grade oil, then change back to your regular oil on your late spring oil change. Take your used oil to your local garage or dealership for proper disposal.
Wash your bike
Use a gentle soap to wash off the grime. Wax the fairings and any other painted parts to protect them from moisture. Don't use a tire dressing on your tires, since this will make them more vulnerable to cracking over the winter. Finish by oiling all moving pivots, tightening all loose bolts and screws, and replacing any missing fasteners.
One last ride
Go for one last short ride. This warms up the engine, circulates the new oil, and charges up the battery. Fill up the gas tank near the end of your ride, and add a fuel stabilizing additive to keep the gasoline from gumming up over the winter. Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure. When you get back, turn the fuel petcock off and let the engine run out of gas on its own.
If you can't go on a proper ride, don't start up the bike at all. Idling a bike before storing it only gets bad things condensing out of the oil and clogging up your engine. In this case, you will have to drain the carburetors and fuel lines manually.
Set it up
You have two choices. If you can't set up your motorcycle so that both tires are off the ground and deflated, set the bike on its center stand and leave the tires inflated. In this case, you will have to rotate the tires occasionally so that the bike is not sitting on the same part of the tire all winter. If your storage space is not heated, you will also have to reinflate the tires and place a thick piece of cardboard or wood between them and the floor.
Service all fluids
Replace brake and clutch fluids, which can absorb moisture and cause corrosion. If your motorcycle is liquid-cooled, replace the coolant. If you usually ride for long distances, you may need to do this more than once a year. Take your used fluids to your local garage or dealership for proper disposal.
The components
Remove the battery, fill it with distilled water, and place it in a trickle charger in a place that does not go below freezing. You will need to charge it once a month to protect it from sulfating. The rate of charge should not exceed 10% of the battery ampere hour rating. Move the brake pads clear of the brake discs. Lubricate your muffler ends and drain holes. If your motorcycle has a drive chain, clean and lubricate it as well. If winters in your region are long, you will also need to lube the cylinder to prevent rust.
Bike cover
Last of all, cover your motorcycle, and also chain and lock it if you are storing it in a place to which other people have access. Avoid plastic tarps, which trap condensation and encourage mildew. Use a cotton or wool blanket, which wicks moisture away. Specialized bike covers often include a desiccant such as silica gel to absorb moisture. Silica gel can be kept dry over the summer by storing it in a waterproof container. It can also be dried out in an oven, set on low.
