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Winterize your motorcycle in 5 steps

Winterize your motorcycle in 5 steps

Summer is sadly coming to an end and it's time to winterize your first motorcycle, but you're not sure what crucial steps you should never forget when storing it. We've put together a list of the 5 most important steps and tips when it comes to storing your bike for the winter.

Winterize your motorcycle in 5 steps

Clean your motorcycle

Cleaning your motorcycle is an important step in limiting corrosion and restoring its shine so that you can enjoy your first beautiful spring day. We assure you that you will be more than happy to have already cleaned your bike from top to bottom when you take it out next season. 

Our tips: 

  • Make sure your engine is no longer hot.
  • Remove jewelry or any metal objects that could scratch your paint.
  • Make sure your motorcycle is out of the sun to prevent the products from drying too quickly and staining your paint. 
  • Always start with a wash with water and shampoo to get rid of dirt and grime.
  • Read the instructions of your cleaner. Some cleaners need to be mixed with water while others do not.
  • With cleaner, always start at the top and end at the bottom. 

 

Change the oil 

It's important to change your oil before you put your bike away so that your parts don't sit in dirty oil all winter. 

What you'll need: 

  • A good quality oil
  • A new oil filter
  • A funnel and a drain pan
  • A set of pipe or socket wrenches
  • Clean rags and gloves

 

Fill up your tank

As with oil, it's important to fill up with clean gasoline before storing your motorcycle. You will need to pour a gasoline stabilizer into the tank and then fill it up. We recommend that you do this step at the same time as changing the oil, as you will need to let your motorcycle run for a few minutes to let the fluids circulate so that the engine reaches its normal temperature. 

 

Keeping your battery charged

Like with boats, it's important to keep your motorcycle's battery fully charged all winter long. If you don't have access to your battery where you store your bike, there are smart chargers that will do the job for you. If you do have access to your battery, it will be important to charge it regularly throughout the winter to ensure that your battery stays healthy. 

 

Storage 

Your motorcycle should be stored in a dry, weatherproof environment. Storage spaces where your motorcycle will be safe and secure are often available for rent in the fall if you do not have adequate space at home.  If you want to store it at home, you will need a temperate space such as a heated garage because the cold can damage parts such as tires. If you absolutely must store it outside, you will need to buy a quality storage tarp to cover your bike properly. 

Take the time to store your bike properly because it's a small investment that will pay off in the long run. If you follow these 5 crucial steps, we have no doubt that you will be able to enjoy your beloved motorcycle for many more seasons. 

Categories: Conseil du Jour