How To Winterize A Motorcycle

With the change of season, it's time for you to ride your motorcycle a few more times, then put it up to protect it from cold temperatures. The idea of putting your motorcycle away until it warms up can be bittersweet. However, without properly storing your motorcycle, riding it again may cost you in repairs. The following are a few measures you should take to winterize your motorcycle.

Make Sure Your Maintenance Is Current

Before you store your motorcycle for the winter, you have to prepare it for hibernation, so to speak. The very first step you should take to ensure your motorcycle works properly next summer is to make sure it's up-to-date with routine maintenance. The following are some things you should check or top off.

Change Your Oil & Filter. You want to make sure that the oil in your motorcycle is new so that the system has thick oil sitting in it for months.
Replenish Your Coolant. Even though you are not riding your motorcycle, you don't want its internal systems to lock up due to extremely cold temperatures. Fill your motorcycle with coolant to help protect it while it's stored.
Lube Your Tubes. All of your moving parts should be lubricated before you put your motorcycle in storage. To ensure you have every part coated, take your motorcycle for a spin so that the lubricant can get into hidden places.

Fill Your Tank With Gas & A Fuel Stabilizer

Storing your motorcycle for months means you run the risk of your parts rusting. More importantly, if rust is allowed to accumulate in your gas tank, you may have to make a lot of repairs before your next ride. To prevent rust from damaging your motorcycle, fill your gas tank with fresh gas, and then put a fuel stabilizer in the tank. The combination of a full tank and a gas stabilizer in your gas will decrease the chances of your fuel system rusting.

Clean Your Motorcycle

Before you store your bike for the winter, it's important to clean it thoroughly. From dead insects to debris, you want to make sure you remove all the gunk before it gets permanently affixed to your bike.

Store Your Battery Elsewhere

Your battery may not last while your bike is stored. The easiest way to maintain your battery is to remove it from your motorcycle. While it's out, you can charge it as needed to ensure it's ready when the weather is warmer.

Protect Your Tires

The last thing you need before you ride next year is a new set of tires. The best way to protect your tires is to use your center stand to elevate your bike. If you don't have a stand, then you can place wood under your tires to prevent moisture from affecting them while in storage.

Protect Your Bike with Motorcycle Insurance

Even though you are not driving your motorcycle, you should maintain your motorcycle insurance. With the right coverage, you are protected from falling trees, theft and vandalism.

Protect your bike, regardless of the season. Call Auto Insurance Discounters at (866) 288-6545 for more information on Kansas City motorcycle insurance.

Do you have any other tips for winterizing a motorcycle? Please share them in the comments section below.