Winterizing Your Motorcycle

The winter months are fast approaching.  Now is a good time to winterize your prized possession for storage.   I know that most of you motorcycle enthusiasts are already knowledgeable about how to care for and store your motorcycle.  But I'd like to share some valuable tips that will help you to properly and safely store your bike over the long winter months, so it's good to go when you are ready for that first spring ride.

• A good rule of thumb is to first check your motorcycle for any mechanical problems.  If you discover any problems, you should have repairs completed first.
• Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank.  Start the engine and let it run for a few cycles.  This action will allow the gas and stabilizer to infiltrate the carburetor or fuel injectors.  If your bike is carbureted, drain the float bowls, shut off the petcock and drain the fuel from the carburetor bowls.  If your bike is fuel-injected, there is nothing to drain.
• Change the oil and filter.  Drain, flush and replace antifreeze if necessary.  (This should be done on a regular basis, regardless).  Of course, air-cooled bikes don't use antifreeze.  Either fill up the gas tank completely, or run it dry.  This prevents condensation from occurring.
• Detach the spark plug wires and remove the plugs.  Squirt a small amount of motor oil into the cylinders (no more than a teaspoon).  A turkey baster works well for this purpose.  Spread the oil by spinning the motor with the starter for a few cycles. Clean and gap the spark plugs and replace them finger-tight; this keeps debris and dust from collecting inside.  Leave the plug wires off as a reminder for you to tighten the plugs in the spring.
• Check the battery and clean the terminals. Remove the battery from the bike and connect it to a tender or maintenance charger.  This will keep it on a constant low charge.  Also, adding a very thin coat of petroleum jelly to the battery terminal helps prevent corrosion.
• Check all other fluid levels and lube the suspension, pivot points, cables and drive shaft.
• Now it's time to wash your ride with a gentle detergent/water mix to protect the finish. Dry it completely with a good chamois or cloth and make sure there is no water in the muffler or air cleaner housing.  The chain should be cleaned and lubed at this time.  This is also a good time to polish any aluminum and stainless surfaces as well as apply a coat of wax and dress vinyl to all leather surfaces.
• You are now ready to store your bike.  The best places for storage are those that are heated and well-ventilated.  If you are storing your bike on a concrete surface, it's best to place carpeting or cardboard underneath.  Avoid storage spaces near furnaces or freezers, as Ozone can deteriorate rubber.  If there is a possibility that rodents may nest in your tailpipe, purchase a rubber muffler plug.  These plugs are inexpensive and easy to find in any motorsports supply catalog or online.
• While most motorcycle insurance policies generally cover damage from rodents under Comprehensive Coverage, the last thing you want is for any of these pesky critters taking up residence in your prized possession?
• Finally, cover your bike and secure it a locked area.  While most people tend to cancel or suspend their insurance coverage while their bike is being stored, I highly recommend leaving your policy in force, or at least maintain a minimum amount of Comprehensive Coverage on your bike.  There are many unfortunate things that can occur while the bike is being stored such as theft, fire, falling objects, damage from rodents, vandalism and other unforeseen events.  You've invested TLC and effort into maintaining and storing your bike.  Shouldn't you also protect yourself with adequate insurance protection?