Motorcycle Repair

How to winterize your bike

Soon the snow will be falling and the motorcycles will be tucked away for the winter. Follow these simple steps to ensure your motorcycle will be ready for you come springtime.

• Location: When possible, choose a location away from windows. Direct sunlight can raise the ambient temperature of the storage area, which will cause condensation to form when the sun goes down. Also, cover your motorcycle with a specially designed motorcycle cover, not a sheet or tarp. A sheet or a tarp absorbs moisture causing rust to form.
• Change the oil: Even if the oil is not due for a change, byproducts of combustion produce acids in the oil which will harm the inner metal surfaces. Changing the filter is also a good idea while you're at it.

• Add fuel stabilizer and drain carbs: You only need to drain the carbs if your motorcycle will be stored more then 4 months. Otherwise just add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, run the motorcycle for 10 minutes so it mixes and gets into the carbs.
• Lube the cylinder(s): You only need to do this if your motorcycle will be stored a very long time (6 months or more). If the cylinder wall is left unprotected for a period of time, it will rust and cause premature piston and ring wear.
• Battery storage: Motorcycles often have a small current drain even when the ignition is switched off, and a discharged battery will sulfate and no longer be able to discharge. Store the battery in a place to prevent freezing such as in the basement.
• Surface Preparation: Applying wax is very important as it will act as a barrier against rust and moisture. Also spray metal surfaces lightly with WD-40 to protect against corrosion.
• Exhaust and mufflers: Lightly spray WD-40 into the muffler ends and drain holes. Lightly stick a plastic bag into the end of each muffler hole, to keep moisture from getting inside the exhaust. Then cover each muffler with another plastic bag to keep outside moisture off.
• Tires: Check both front and rear tires with your air pressure gauge. Make sure each tire is properly inflated to the maximum recommended pressure to keep your tires in good condition. Also placing cardboard or wood board under each tire will help keep your tires raised above a freezing floor.
• Service all fluids: If the brake or clutch fluids have not been changed in the last 2 years or 18,000Km (11,000 miles), do it now. If your motorcycle is liquid cooled, the coolant requires changing every 2 years or 24,000Km (15,000 miles).
• Cover it: Now you can cover the motorcycle with the cycle cover and look forward to springtime.

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