If you’re not an all-year, all-weather rider, it’s important to carry out a few basic tasks and checks before you store your bike for winter.
When the riding season ends, your motorcycle deserves more than just being abandoned and forgotten in the corner of the garage. Standing still and unloved over the cold months can cause fuel to go off, batteries to drain, and rust to creep in if you don’t prep your machine properly. A little attention now saves a lot of time, effort and frustration when spring comes.
Here’s a quick checklist from bike cleaning and maintenance experts at MotoClean covering tasks and tips to keep your motorcycle in top condition during its winter hibernation.
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Keep it clean
The first thing to do is to give your bike a proper wash to remove dirt, road salt, and bugs. Using a top-quality cleaner such as MotoClean Gel Bike Wash means that you get rid of even the most stubborn grime in every nook and cranny that has built up during the summer, and leave the bike looking showroom shiny. Once you get it looking like new again, dry it completely – even those pesky hard-to-reach bits – to prevent corrosion.
Don’t be fuelled
Some riders run their bike dry before storing it, but the smart money is on using a good quality stabiliser. The new ethanol-heavy fuels are a bit of a bother to some bikes at the best of times, but all petrol breaks down over time and can clog injectors or carbs. Fill the tank to avoid condensation, then add a quality fuel stabiliser. Run the engine for a few minutes so treated fuel circulates through the system. This step prevents costly springtime repairs.
Fight the rust
Even when your bike is stored in a garage, the cold and wet months of winter bring with them the threat of rust. Using a high-quality protector, such as MotoClean Maintenance Spray helps lubricate and protect your motorcycle. It expels moisture, and protects against rust and corrosion by creating a durable protective coating on surface. Whether you ride your bike or not, it’s a good idea to get the maintenance spray out before the weather turns.
Check and change fluids
The older the oil in your engine, the more you should consider changing it (might as well change the oil filter too while you’re at it) before you store your bike away for winter. Used oil contains contaminants that can corrode engine internals if left sitting. Check and top up brake fluid, coolant, and clutch fluid as needed. Fresh fluids mean less chance of damage during long downtime.
Take charge of the battery
Batteries slowly discharge in cold weather. Disconnect it or, better yet, hook it up to a smart trickle charger. Avoid letting the battery sit dead for months, as this shortens its lifespan and can leave you stranded in spring.
No chain reaction, thanks
Don’t forget to lubricate the chain, so it doesn’t rust while the bike is sitting idle. Any chain lube is better than nothing, but a premium product such as the MotoClean Chain Lube protects the chain and sprockets against rust and corrosion by forming a water-resistant barrier that repels moisture and dirt. Looking after your chain means that come spring, you don’t need to get a new one to replace your rusty chain.
Avoid flat tyres
Inflate tyres to the correct pressure to prevent flat spots. If possible, store the bike on stands so the wheels are off the ground. If stands aren’t available, roll onto a mat or a spare bit of carpet, or failing that, move the bike forward a few inches every couple of weeks to keep tyre condition even.
Where to store your bike
Store your motorcycle in a dry, sheltered place away from freezing, drafts and moisture. A garage is ideal, but if you leave it outdoors, use a breathable, weatherproof cover—not a plastic tarp. Good airflow prevents mildew and condensation damage. A mousetrap next to the bike is not a bad idea to stop our furry friends making a nest in the airbox!
Look after your brakes
Cleaning the bike thoroughly and using a maintenance spray to protect is key, but normal cleaning products and maintenance sprays should be kept well away from the brakes. Clean the brakes with a dedicated brake cleaner, such as MotoClean Brake Cleaner that quickly removes contaminants to restore friction, reduce squeaking and maintain optimal braking performance
Top tip: clean the brakes as the last step before storing your bike to get rid of any cross-contamination resulting from the other tasks. Once the brakes are clean, check the brake fluid, and top up or replace as required. It’s an extra step, but you will thank yourself in spring for doing it.
Don’t just abandon it
Even in storage, your motorcycle needs occasional attention. Check for rodent activity around wiring and airbox, monitor tire pressure, and look over for leaks or moisture. Starting the bike occasionally is fine, but only if you let it reach full operating temperature. Otherwise, leave it resting.
Refresh your kit
While your bike is safely tucked away for winter, it’s also a great time to refresh your riding kit. Looking after your riding jacket, trousers, helmet, gloves and boots is not just about making them look and smell good, it’s also about them performing better, free from road crud and grime. Giving them a good clean with MotoClean Apparel Care means that by the time the next riding season is here, all you need to do is grab your kit, and it’s ready for action.
MotoClean
MotoClean is a UK-based company offering a range of motorcycle cleaning and maintenance products. It’s run by real bikers with deep understanding of what it takes to keep your pride and joy clean, shiny and protected.
MotoClean products are made in the UK to offer the best possible care and protection against our testing climate.
For further information, visit www.motoclean.co.uk
