WINTER MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE
An in-depth step-by-step guide for proper motorcycle winter storage.
If you live in a climate where the weather tends to drop to freezing temperatures and the skies start to snow, that sadly means your riding season is most likely over. It also means you need to store your motorcycle away until the weather gets warm enough for you to comfortably ride again. This requires a safe place to keep your motorcycle in storage, somewhere inside and away from the elements. However, finding a good place to keep your bike is just the beginning of the storage process. You’ll also need to winterize your motorcycle.
Winterize /ˈwin(t)ərˌīz/ adapt or prepare (something, especially a house or an automobile) for use in cold weather.
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Why You Need To Winterize Your Motorcycle
Many problems arise with letting your motorcycle sit over long periods, especially in cold climates. Here’s why you should winterize your motorcycle.
Motorcycle storage issues include, but are not limited to:
- Fuel tank rust
- A clogged fuel system
- A dead and weakened battery
- Deformed tires
- Pest infestations
- Corrosion and deterioration
Fuel System Problems
If not filled and treated properly, the fuel tank will rust due to moisture accumulating inside it. In turn, the fuel system, including the fuel injectors and/or carburetors, will be prone to getting clogged by this rust.
Battery Problems
If the battery isn’t stored properly, it will gradually discharge over time and eventually die. This can lead to damage to the battery cells, and the overall battery life will be shortened. Such a situation results in inefficient charging. Most likely, a weakened battery could leave you stranded due to its inability to recharge and/or start your motorcycle’s engine.
Tire Problems
If the tires are not properly taken care of during storage, they can become permanently damaged. When the weight of your motorcycle is pressed down on the same spot on the tires for a long period, it can cause flat spots. In cold weather, the tires are less pliable, making them even more prone to permanent disfigurement.
Pest and Debris Problems
If you don’t cover your motorcycle properly, it’s liable to become infested with bugs, and collect dust and cobwebs. Dirt and debris will accumulate, which can be corrosive and degrade motorcycle components such as paint and various metals.
Winterizing Benefits
In short, proper storage and weatherization care are key to preventing common storage issues that can damage your motorcycle. However, for the most part, winterizing and storing your motorcycle properly is fairly easy. With the right tools, it can be done in a short period of time, allowing your motorcycle to hibernate peacefully and safely over the winter season.
Before You Put Your Motorcycle Away For Storage
Whenever you need to store your motorcycle for long periods, be sure to wash and dry it beforehand using the recommended cleaning, lubing, polishing, and drying products.
For more information on cleaning your motorcycle, see my following guides: How To Wash Your Motorcycle and How To Clean And Lube Your Motorcycle Chain.
Also, be sure to check all of your motorcycle’s fluids before putting it into storage.
It is important to not leave old or bad fluid in a stationary motorcycle for extended periods of time. This can cause damage in numerous ways to many motorcycle components.
- Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or over a year from the last oil change. Synthetic oil can last for longer of about 10,000 to 20,000 miles.
- Brake fluid should be changed every 1 to 2 years.
- Coolant can be changed every 1 to 2 years. Make sure the coolant consists of an anti-freeze mixture formula for cold weather.
For more information on how to change your motorcycle’s oil, see my following guide: How To Change Your Motorcycle Oil.
How To Winterize Your Motorcycle
Now that you understand the importance of why you should winterize your motorcycle for winter storage, let’s dive into how you can do it.
Things You’ll Need To Winterize Your Motorcycle
- A garage or storage unit
- Two motorcycle stands (one each for the front and rear tire)
- Fuel stabilizer
- A battery tender
- A motorcycle cover
The Motorcycle Storage Area
An ideal storage area should provide ample protection to keep your motorcycle from being affected by environmental factors and elemental damage. That means there should be no rain or snow coming in. You should also try to find a place that provides protection from extremely cold temperatures. Additionally, make sure the ground surface is stable and level enough to provide an even surface for your motorcycle to safely balance on stands or its center stand if you have one. Hard pavement, like concrete, is ideal for stable balance.
Furthermore, it would be convenient if your storage area has access to electricity. Ideally, the best approach is to leave your battery in the bike while it charges. This is the benefit of having an electrical socket near your motorcycle; it allows you to conveniently plug the battery tender into an electrical socket without having to remove the battery from the bike.
Also, ensure that the storage area is safe from frequent traffic of cars and people. A secluded space, such as a garage or a climate-controlled storage unit, is ideal.
Fuel Stabilizer
When gas is left in your motorcycle’s gas tank for an extended period, it degrades. Within a month, the fuel can oxidize, thicken, create moisture within the fuel tank, and begin to produce sludge. This can lead to several fuel system problems, including:
- Fuel tank rust
- Fuel system sludge
- Clogged fuel injectors and/or carburetors
- Bad gasoline
- Decreased engine performance
A fuel stabilizer works to preserve your fuel system and prevent all of these problems. Adding a fuel stabilizer is the most important step in prepping your motorcycle for long-term storage.
STA-BIL is a highly recommended brand for fuel treatment. Their fuel stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to two years.
How To Add Fuel Stabilizer
- Fill your motorcycle with gas until the tank is full.
- Pour the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer into your gas tank.
- Move your motorcycle around to slosh the fuel in the tank, ensuring the fuel treatment mixes thoroughly with the fuel.
- Run your motorcycle for a few minutes to allow the fuel stabilizer to circulate through the fuel system.
The Motorcycle Stands
Motorcycle stands are important for winter storage as they help preserve your tires. If your bike sits for extended periods without moving, your tires can become misshapen. When stationary, the weight of your motorcycle presses down on specific areas of the tires. Over time, this constant pressure can cause the tires to deform due to the weight of the motorcycle. Cold winter weather makes the tires less pliable, further increasing the risk of tire deformation and potentially leading to permanent damage.
Tire flat spots also cause other motorcycle problems including:
- Reduced handling and stability
- Increased tire wear and tear
- Increased risk of tire blowout
- Decreased tire traction
- Suboptimal braking performance
- Reduced ride comfort
- Damage to suspension
What Motorcycle Stands To Use
Venom produces highly popular and reliable universal motorcycle lift stands. These are usable for almost every motorcycle out there. They are fairly easy to assemble and can lift up to 850 lbs.
How To Use Motorcycle Stands
Lifting a motorcycle on front and rear stands is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. See the following instructional video below for additional reference.
If you are not experienced with using motorcycle stands, it is preferable to have someone help you balance your motorcycle while you lift it onto the stands. Additional help prevents the bike from falling over due to inexperience with motorcycle lifting.
- Make sure the motorcycle is securely located in the spot where you plan to leave it for the duration of your storage period.
- Ensure the ground surface below the bike is stable and even, so the bike won’t tip over and the stand wheels won’t roll away with your motorcycle.
- With your motorcycle’s kickstand still out for additional support in case of a drop, use the rear lift to raise the rear tire of your motorcycle
- Once your rear tire is up, use the front lift stand to raise the front tire of your motorcycle.
- After your tires are completely off the floor, make sure the motorcycle is secure. Inspect the motorcycle’s balance and the lift stands for any signs of instability.
The Battery Tender
A battery tender is essential for keeping your motorcycle battery healthy while in storage. Your battery loses charge over time until it eventually dies. The battery tender charges the motorcycle battery to prevent it from dying and going bad. It also prevents sulfation caused by battery discharge. Over time, sulfate crystals can accumulate and eventually cause permanent damage to your motorcycle battery. Overall, the battery tender ensures your motorcycle battery is in optimal shape and ready to go when your riding season starts.
What Battery Tender To Use
Deltran makes a reliable battery tender that is widely popular with motorcycle riders around the world.
- This battery tender is spark proof so you don’t have to worry about crossing the positive and negative terminal clips.
- Power is only provided from the battery tender when voltage is detected from the battery.
- No charge is sent unless the battery tender is properly connected to the battery.
How To Use The Battery Tender
- Make sure your motorcycle is safely parked in a safe and secure storage area that has an electrical socket nearby, if possible.
- Ensure your motorcycle is up on either the center stand or bike stands and on secure and even ground.
- Plug the battery tender into a nearby electrical socket and connect it to your motorcycle battery.
If your motorcycle storage area doesn’t have an electrical socket nearby, you’ll need to remove the battery from the motorcycle and securely connect the battery tender to it in a safe storage area. Ensure this area is free from elements like rain and direct sunlight, and make sure the battery is kept in a climate above freezing temperature.
The Motorcycle Cover
A good motorcycle cover keeps your bike clean and protects it from the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris. It also protects the exterior coatings of your motorcycle, including paint, decals, metallic finishes, the drive chain, engine covers, and tire rims, from debris corrosion. Moreover, it helps prevent pest infestations and keeps dust and undesirable air from entering your motorcycle’s ventilation and cooling systems.
Furthermore, a quality motorcycle cover is breathable, durable, and made of protective material that prevents your motorcycle from suffering dust, debris, scratches, and nicks. The cover should also keep moisture out while allowing enough air circulation to prevent humidity from building up inside the cover.
The XYZCTEM Motorcycle Cover is a popular product. It is not only waterproof but also protects from UV rays. As of now, it is priced at $26.09.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to winterize your motorcycle and safely store your bike away for the winter or any extended period, for that matter. This simple storage process ensures that your motorcycle is protected while in storage. It will also lengthen the life of your motorcycle and its essential components. When the riding season comes back around, you’ll be able to start your bike back up as if your last ride was only yesterday.
For more informational motorcycle content and tutorials, subscribe to my YouTube and add me on Instagram. And, ride safe out there wherever you are.
📦 Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links in this winterize motorcycle guide are affiliate links — if you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the channel and future content 🙌
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About the Author
MotoReveries is a motorcycle tech reviewer, gear tester, and ride-focused content creator. He has written for TopSpeed and regularly produces hands-on product reviews, install guides, and ride-tested impressions tailored to real riders.
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