Preparing Your Motorcycle for Winter Storage
With the weather here in Oklahoma getting colder every day, many bikers are putting their motorcycles away for the winter. After all, once those white flakes begin to fall, riding your motorcycle isn’t the safest option. But of course, you can’t just leave your bike parked on the street all winter. The following guide from Lawton Motorsports walks you through all the steps to winterizing your motorcycle for safe long-term storage.
Looking for more advice on motorcycle maintenance? Feel free to ask the qualified staff at Lawton Motorsports. We take pride in offering quality products and services to the motorcycle community in Lawton, OK.
Wash and Wax
Motorcycles are magnets for dust and dirt, and you don’t want to leave all that grimy buildup eating away at your bike’s finish all winter. Keeping clean isn’t just about looks: dirt left sitting on your bike for long periods can cause real damage, especially during long-term storage. Give it a thorough deep clean, making sure to scrub every crevice, then polish it off with a protective coat of wax. Your efforts will pay off when spring arrives and your squeaky clean motorcycle sparkles in the sunshine!
Change the Oil
If you haven’t changed your oil recently, now is the time to take care of it. If your last oil change was a few months ago, do a quick inspection to make sure the product is still good. When changing the oil, remember to replace the filters as well.
Treat Your Fuel
Gasoline degrades over time can damage your bike. Sure, you could drain the system before storage, but you can get better results with less waste by adding some fuel stabilizer to your gas tank. Just fill the tank, add the product, then run the engine for several minutes to get the product filtered throughout your machine.
Remove the Battery
Did you know that leaving your battery in your bike can drain it, even when you’re not running the engine? It’s best to remove the battery during storage and hook it up to a trickle charge so it will be ready to go when you need it next. Be sure to store it in a temperature-controlled environment, as extreme temperatures can harm your battery. While you’re at it, check the posts for signs of corrosion, and clean the battery as needed. If corrosion seems to be a recurring problem, you may need a new battery.
Protect Your Tires
Even when your motorcycle sits in storage, your tires are still getting a workout. They have to support the weight of your bike, after all, and applying too much pressure in one spot for too long can damage your tires. It’s a good idea to rotate the tires a couple of times a month, and it’s an even better idea to keep your bike elevated to relieve pressure on the tires.
Cover Up
Now that your motorcycle is prepped and ready to survive the winter, where will you store it? Needless to say, protection from the elements should be your top priority. Whenever possible, store your bike in a fully enclosed structure, such as a garage, shed, or barn. At the very least, you want to store your bike where it can’t be viewed from the street. Behind your house and beneath an awning is your next-best option if you don’t have access to indoor storage.
No matter where you choose to store your motorcycle, you will definitely want to invest in a high-quality protective cover. Moisture is enemy number one when it comes to keeping your bike from deteriorating in storage, so look for a cover made with breathable materials that won’t allow condensation to build up inside.
Even when you’ve done everything you can to maintain your motorcycle during storage, the occasional repair need is inevitable. When your bike needs professional attention, book an appointment with the expert service department at Lawton Motorsports. We proudly serve our community in Lawton, OK, along with our neighbors in Edmond, OK.