Winter Storage Tips Bedding Down Your Bike

Contributed by David "Purdyman" Purdy 1st Officer - Brantford / Norfolk ACRC-011

Taking time to prepare your motorcycle for winter storage serves two good purposes. For one, you're giving it much needed preventive maintenance. Second, every extra moment spent caring for your bike gives you a chance to get to know it better and hopefully will save you countless dollars in repairs come spring time.

1. Give it a good cleaning

The first thing you should do is wash off all the dirt, grease and corrosive stuff that can damage paint and other surfaces. If your bike is chain-driven, use a proper chain cleaner or kerosene to degrease it. Then, lube the chain or use chain wax.

Tip: To prevent rusting, spray lubricant on all pivot points, including those on the bike's side stand, centre stand, and foot pegs. Apply it also on any bare metal, as on the inside of exhaust pipes.

2. Add a fuel stabilizer

Top up the gas tank with fuel and add a quality stabilizer. Run the engine for about five to ten minutes to thoroughly mix the two. This will prevent the tank interior from rusting and fuel from stratifying.

Tip: If your bike is carbureted, make sure you drain the carburetors. Otherwise, gas left inside can break down and clog the jets. You could face an expensive overhaul job in the spring!

3. Change your oil and oil filter

Do this after you take your bike for a ride, so the oil gets heated and becomes easier to drain. It's important to drain old oil because it absorbs combustion by-products like acids. If left standing, this can eat away at bare metal. Oil can also stratify and leave gummy deposits.

Similarly, it's best to change the oil filter both before and immediately after storage. Over several months, the filter will absorb residue deposited at the bottom of the engine case.

Tip: Change your oil to a cheaper brand when storing your bike, and then replace it in spring with a higher calibre.

4. Protect cylinder walls and valves

After you remove the spark plugs, pour a tablespoonful of 50-weight motor oil (or fogging oil) into the cylinders. Turn the engine over by putting the bike in gear, with the plugs out and the ignition off. Then turn the rear wheel by hand several times. Replace the plugs.

5. Pamper your battery and electrical

One of the most common mistakes when storing a motorcycle is neglecting the battery. Simply hook it up to a smart charger or a one-amp trickle charger for small engines. When removing the battery, clean any sulphated connections with steel wool and coat them with grease or petroleum jelly.

It's also a good time to check for any exposed or frayed electrical connections. Spray all connections with lubricant or coat them with lithium-based grease.

6. Check all fluids and hoses

If you own a liquid-cooled machine, inspect coolant levels and test coolant quality. Brake, hydraulic clutch, and fork fluids are prone to moisture corrosion. These fluids should be checked before storage and replaced at least every two years. Examine hoses for excessive wear.

7. Treat tires with care

Inspect tires to detect any cracks or other defects. Put your bike on its centre stand and reduce the air pressure in both tires by about 20 per cent. It's best to store your bike so it's not resting on it's tires.

If your bike doesn?t have a centre stand, inflate the tires to their recommended pressure and rotate them every few weeks. That will help prevent flat spots.

8. Protect paint and chrome

Preserve painted surfaces with a recommended wax and apply a chrome protector to keep all your shiny parts shiny.

9. Top it off with a cover

Ideally, you will be able to store your bike in a dry, heated facility. But no matter where you keep your bike for the winter, buy a good quality cover made of breathable fabric.

Tip: Use plastic bags to protect the exhaust and air box from unwanted rodents. Alternatively, plug pipes with rags. If these critters make your bike a winter home, they'll cause havoc in the spring.

"Follow these steps and your bike will thank you next spring!"