How to Winterize and Store a Motorcycle in Winter

Whether you’re planning to store your bike in your garage or a professional facility, taking a few preventive steps can save you from costly repairs, battery failures, or seized parts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to winterize a motorcycle, why it matters, and the easiest ways to keep your ride in peak condition all winter long.

Key Takeaways:

• Many riders store their motorcycles during winter to protect them from harsh weather.
  
• Proper winterization keeps the bike in great condition for the next riding season.
  
• Key steps include checking tire pressure and tread along with cleaning all metal and rubber parts.
  
• Ideal storage options include indoor spaces such as a garage, shed, or storage unit. Outdoor parking with a high-quality motorcycle cover (best for mild climates)

In This Guide:

• How to Winterize and Store a Motorcycle in Winter
• Why is Winterizing a Motorcycle Important?
• Motorcycle Winter Storage Common Errors
• Bottom Line
• Motorcycle Winter Storage FAQs

How to Winterize and Store a Motorcycle in Winter

Before we get into how to winterize a motorcycle, you should know that winterizing your motorcycle ensures it stays in top shape during the off-season. Proper preparation includes freshening up the fluids, checking the tires, and protecting components from moisture and cold.

By following a winterization checklist, you’ll prevent engine issues, battery failure, and rust buildup. Below, we’ll explore key steps on how to store a motorcycle for winter and avoid any Springtime surprises. If you own a car and a motorcycle, make sure to read our guide on how to winterize your car.

Freshen up Fluids

Before storing your motorcycle for the winter, it’s essential to refresh and top off all necessary fluids. Start by adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent the fuel from degrading and causing engine trouble. Don’t forget to check the coolant and brake fluid levels to make sure they are at optimal levels.

This helps to prevent freezing and corrosion over the winter months. Make sure to flush and replace old fluids as necessary, as stagnant fluids can damage internal components. Properly managing your fluids ensures your bike will be ready for a smooth start come spring.

Check Tires

Tire maintenance is crucial before storing your motorcycle. Start by inspecting the tire pressure, as cold temperatures can cause the air inside to contract, leading to underinflated tires. Flat spots can develop if the bike sits in one position for too long, so it’s best to inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. 

For added protection, you may want to invest in a motorcycle stand to lift the tires off the ground, preventing flat spots and maintaining tire integrity during the winter.

Change the Oil

Before putting your motorcycle in winter storage, it’s highly recommended to change the oil. Old oil can contain contaminants like dirt, moisture, and metal particles, which can lead to corrosion and engine damage when left sitting in the system for long periods.

Drain the used oil and replace it with fresh oil to ensure that the engine components remain lubricated and protected during storage. By starting the season with clean oil, you’ll help extend the lifespan of your engine and avoid unnecessary wear.

Tenderize the Battery

The cold winter months can damage your motorcycle’s battery, potentially draining it if not properly maintained. A battery tender or trickle charger is a simple and effective way to keep your battery charged during winter storage.

Simply connect the tender to your battery terminals, and it will provide a steady flow of electricity to maintain an optimal charge. This prevents your battery from dying over the winter and ensures that it’s ready to go when the riding season begins again.

Wash the Bike

Before putting your motorcycle into winter storage, give it a thorough wash to remove dirt, grime, and any road salt that may have accumulated. Failing to clean the bike can lead to corrosion and rust, especially if contaminants are left on the surface during the winter months.

Pay special attention to areas prone to rust, like the exhaust and chain. After washing, make sure the bike is completely dry to avoid moisture buildup during storage. A clean bike will emerge from winter storage looking fresh and damage-free.

Wax the Chain

Lubricating and waxing your motorcycle’s chain before storage is a must to prevent rust and corrosion. Once the bike is clean and dry, apply a quality chain lube or wax to the entire chain. Make sure you apply an even coverage.

This creates a protective barrier that shields the chain from moisture and rust, particularly during the cold and damp winter months. A properly maintained chain ensures better performance and longevity, so you can hit the road with confidence when spring rolls around.

Prep Exhaust Pipe

To avoid moisture buildup and potential rust inside your exhaust pipe, it’s important to prep it before storing your motorcycle. A simple way to do this is by covering the exhaust pipe opening with a plastic bag or exhaust plug.

This prevents moisture from entering and causing rust or corrosion inside the pipe. You can also spray a rust inhibitor inside the pipe for extra protection. Taking these small precautions will save you from dealing with rust damage and expensive repairs when the riding season resumes.

Inspect Belt Drive

If your motorcycle uses a belt drive, inspect it closely for signs of wear or damage before storage. Cold weather can cause the belt to become brittle, so make sure it’s properly lubricated and free of cracks or fraying. Also, you need to tighten or adjust the tension as necessary to prevent any issues during storage.

Additionally, you may want to cover the drive to protect it from dust and moisture. A well-maintained belt drive ensures smooth power transmission when your bike is back in action.

Use a Cover

Investing in a high-quality motorcycle cover is essential for winter storage. A breathable, waterproof cover will protect your bike from dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, which can cause rust and damage over time.

Ensure that the cover fits snugly around the bike to prevent dirt and moisture from seeping in. Avoid using a cheap cover, especially one made out of plastic, as it can trap moisture and lead to condensation buildup. A proper cover will make sure your motorcycle stays protected from the elements during the off-season.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Where you store your motorcycle during the winter is just as important as how you prepare it. Choose a cool, dry place like a garage, basement, or storage unit that protects the bike from moisture and extreme temperature changes.

If you don’t have access to indoor storage, consider renting a space or using a weatherproof shed. Make sure the bike is elevated off the ground to prevent moisture damage. Storing it in a controlled environment, such as a storage unit to make sure that your bike remains in excellent condition until you’re ready to ride again.

Why is Winterizing a Motorcycle Important?

Winterizing your motorcycle is about prevention. When you winterize your motorcycle you are preventing damage that can be caused by cold temperatures, moisture, and inactivity. When a bike sits idle for months, fuel can break down, oil can thicken, and parts can rust or corrode. If you do not opt for proper winterization, you risk issues like a dead battery, seized engine components, or cracked rubber seals once you try to start your motorcycle again.

Proper motorcycle winter storage protects your investment. It keeps your bike’s fluids stable, maintains the battery’s health, prevents flat tires, and stops corrosion before it starts. You should take a little time to prepare now, so that you enjoy a smoother, safer ride when warm weather returns. Once the winter is over, there will be no costly repairs, no sluggish starts, just pure riding freedom.

Motorcycle Winter Storage Common Errors

Storing a Dirty Bike

According to Harley-Davidson, one of the most common mistakes is storing a dirty motorcycle. Dirt, grime, and road salt can cause rust and corrosion when left on the bike for extended periods, especially in cold, damp conditions. Always wash your bike thoroughly before storage to avoid unnecessary damage and ensure it’s ready for the next riding season.

Leaving Fluids in the Fuel Tank

Another frequent error is leaving old fuel in the tank without adding a stabilizer. Over time, gasoline can degrade and lead to gumming in the fuel system, which can cause engine problems. Always add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from breaking down during storage and protect the engine.

Not Starting Your Bike Each Week

Many riders forget to start their motorcycle regularly during storage. Allowing your bike to sit for months without starting can lead to battery drainage and mechanical issues. Start the bike at least once a week to keep the engine in good condition and prevent any potential problems when it’s time to ride again.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for someone to transport your bike to have it stored for the winter, let Sherpa Auto Transport assist. Sherpa Auto Transport is the leader in nationwide vehicle shipping, bringing your bike to its cold-weather destination. We provide top-notch motorcycle shipping solutions including enclosed trailers and door-to-door service. Submit a quote online or call our team today at (855) 631-1128.

Motorcycle Winter Storage FAQs