Motorcycling isn’t a year-round event. If you live in a four-season climate, your bike should stay in storage when there’s ice and snow on the ground. How you put your motorcycle to bed for the season affects its performance when it’s time to come out and play. Without proper care and a few adjustments, your bike can suffer more damage locked indoors than on the road. Motorcycles were made to be driven, so what’s the best way to keep one dormant? Learn how to preserve your ride through the winter using the latest tools to avoid the seasonal slump.
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Pre-Storage Maintenance
Any problems festering under the hood will only get worse in storage. Go over the engine and electrical systems to address any issues that have yet to come to your attention. Replace rusted components to prevent further oxidation, tighten bolts and inspect brake lines for fraying. Inspect the tire tread for weak spots and punctures and reduce air pressure to 15 psi.
Top off the fuel tank to prevent cold air from causing water separation, which will spread rust throughout the fuel system. Change the oil, fill the brake, coolant, and hydraulic fluid to the max, and check for discoloration. Replace the fluid if it appears contaminated, and check the system for leaks. Run ethanol-free fuel through the engine on your last ride of the year to clear sticky deposits. If you only have ethanol, treat it with a stabilizer.
Wash the motorcycle, lubricate the chain and empty the storage containers to remove unnecessary weight. Wax the exterior to protect the paint job from minor nicks and scrapes from other bikes or whatever you might do in the garage over the winter.
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Motorcycle Storage Tips
Vehicles that use internal combustion are susceptible to temperature fluctuations. It’s best to store your bike indoors in a dry, temperature-controlled, dehumidified location and not in direct sunlight to preserve the paint. Extreme cold will weaken the battery and cause water separation. Excess moisture from temperature changes and humidity causes condensation.
Cover the bike to prevent pests from nesting inside exposed passageways. Secure access to the facility or your motorcycle within the storage facility to prevent theft. Wrap the chain around the frame or through the tire and a mounted surface.
Remove the battery and store it in a heated location to retain maximum power. Prolonged exposure to the cold weakens electrical output and limits the lifespan. Elevate the bike with a motorcycle stand so the frame doesn’t press down on the tires, which causes weak spots. Learn more about how to store a motorcycle in the winter to prevent internal damage.
Motorcycle Gear Storage
Extend the same thoughtful consideration to storing your motorcycle helmet. Use a hook to support the shell instead of hanging it from the chin strap. Avoid storing it on the head of the helmet or it will roll. If you use motorcycle headsets to communicate wirelessly, remove the mountable device and store it indoors to protect the battery from temperature changes.
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4 Tech Tools Simplifying Motorcycle Storage
Want to keep a closer eye on your motorcycle? Technology has your security and performance concerns covered by taking some of the guesswork out of long-term storage.
Live Monitoring
You can use motion sensor cameras to ensure your ride stays put when you can’t be there in person. Some facilities offer live monitoring via an app to put your worries to rest.
GPS Tracking
Motorcycle theft has risen in recent years. Attaching a covert GPS tracker will help you locate your motorcycle if it’s stolen — even if it’s loaded onto another vehicle. Tracking beacons send movement alerts and route histories to a secure location that you can pass on to the authorities. Set up a geofence to get notified if the device leaves a custom area.
Crash Detection
When you attach a motorcycle intercom to your helmet, the internal motion sensor will detect collisions and immediately send help to your location in an emergency. If the bike is registered in your name, you can rest assured that the authorities will contact you if someone else gets into an accident on your bike.
Motorcycle Shell
You can encase your ride in a foldable shell if you don’t have room in your garage and want to keep it on your property. Water- and tamper-proof, the exterior keeps the elements and makes the vehicle nearly impossible to move while it’s inside. The perfectly sized capsule fits all makes/models and prevents the bike from tipping over.
Putting Your Motorcycle to Bed for the Winter
A lot can go wrong with your motorcycle when you’re not riding. Minor mechanical issues and storage mishaps can lead to costly mistakes come spring, delaying your first ride of the year. Stolen motorcycles remain a hot commodity on the black market. Overlooking security can cost you sorely. Take extra precautions when securing your bike for the winter to rest assured it will be in good condition (and in the same spot) when you return.
