10 Steps to Winterise Your Motorcycle: A Complete Guide

As the riding season draws to a close and colder temperatures set in, motorcyclists face an important task: preparing our bikes for winter storage. Proper winterisation is crucial to maintaining the longevity of your motorcycle and ensuring it’s ready to hit the road when warmer weather returns.

Failing to winterise your bike can lead to expensive repairs and unnecessary wear. This comprehensive guide will walk you through winterising your motorcycle, from treating the fuel system and battery care to selecting suitable storage space. Following these steps will keep your bike in prime condition during the off-season.

Why Winterising Your Motorcycle is Important

Motorcycles are sensitive to the elements, and prolonged exposure to moisture, cold, and inactivity can wreak havoc on various components. Rust, fuel degradation, battery failure, and tyre damage can arise without proper storage preparation. Winterising your motorcycle prevents these problems by taking proactive steps to protect it from the harsh winter conditions, ensuring it remains in peak condition when it’s time to ride again.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterising Your Motorcycle

Step 1: Clean Your Motorcycle Thoroughly

Before you begin the mechanical aspects of winterisation, thoroughly clean your motorcycle. Dirt, grime, and road debris can trap moisture, leading to corrosion and rust during the months when your bike is idle. Follow these cleaning tips to ensure your motorcycle is spotless before it goes into storage:

Wash the Exterior: Use motorcycle-specific cleaners to remove dirt, bugs, and grease from the bodywork, engine, wheels, and undercarriage.
Degrease and Lube the Chain: Clean your motorcycle’s chain with a degreaser, then protect it from moisture with a quality chain lubricant.
Dry the Bike: Thoroughly dry your motorcycle after washing to prevent moisture from sitting on the metal parts. You can use a microfiber towel or an air blower.
Polish and Wax: Apply a coat of wax to your bike’s painted surfaces to provide a protective barrier against moisture and dust.
Inspect for Damage: While cleaning, inspect for cracks, loose bolts, or other issues that need to be fixed before storing the bike.

Step 2: Treat the Fuel System

Fuel can deteriorate over time, causing gum and varnish to build up in your fuel system, leading to clogged injectors, carburettors, and fuel lines. Stabilise the fuel system before putting your bike away for the winter to prevent fuel degradation.

Fill the Fuel Tank: Fill your fuel tank to about 90-95%. Leaving that 5%- 10% space for expansion prevents the tank from overfilling and keeps moisture from entering and causing rust. A full tank reduces the amount of air (which can lead to condensation) inside the tank.
Add a Fuel Stabiliser: Fuel stabilisers are specially formulated additives that prevent gasoline from breaking down over time. After filling the tank, add the recommended amount of fuel stabiliser (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). Once added, start the motorcycle and let it run for 5-10 minutes to circulate the stabilised fuel through the engine, carburettor, or fuel injectors.

Fuel stabiliser is essential because modern gasoline can deteriorate within a few months, leading to hard starts or engine damage when you try to use your bike in the spring.

Step 3: Change the Oil and Filter

Even if your motorcycle doesn’t need an immediate oil change, replacing the oil and filter before winter storage is worthwhile. Used oil contains contaminants like dirt, moisture, and acids that can erode engine components over time.

Drain the Old Oil: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, which makes it easier to drain. Turn off the bike and drain the old oil into an appropriate container.
Replace the Oil Filter: Remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one, ensuring it’s adequately tightened.
Add Fresh Oil: Refill the engine with the manufacturer’s recommended oil, using the correct grade for your motorcycle.

By changing the oil before storage, you prevent old oil from breaking down and damaging your engine when it is stored for the winter.

Step 4: Battery Care

The battery is one of the most critical components to address during winter storage. With proper care, a motorcycle battery can maintain its charge when not in use.

Remove the Battery: For best results, remove the battery from the motorcycle. Disconnect the negative (black) terminal first, followed by the positive (red) terminal. Handle the battery carefully to avoid spills or leaks.
Clean the Battery Terminals: Use a wire brush or a specialised terminal cleaner to remove any corrosion or buildup from the battery terminals.
Store the Battery Indoors: Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place protected from freezing temperatures. Extreme cold can cause a battery to discharge or even crack.
Use a Battery Tender: Attach a battery tender or trickle charger to the battery to keep it charged over the winter. A battery tender monitors the battery’s voltage and provides enough charge to keep it at optimal levels, preventing overcharging or deep discharging.

Taking care of your motorcycle battery during winter ensures you’ll have a robust and reliable start when spring arrives.

Step 5: Tyres and Suspension

Tyres are often overlooked during winter storage, but proper care can extend their lifespan and prevent flat spots from developing.

Check Tyre Pressure: Inflate the tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Tires lose air pressure over time, and low pressure can lead to flat spots, especially if the motorcycle is sitting on the ground for months.
Use a Motorcycle Stand: Store your bike on a motorcycle stand that lifts the tyres off the ground. This prevents the bike’s weight from causing flat spots on the tyres.
Rotate the tyres: If you don’t have a stand, periodically rotate the tyres (every few weeks) by rolling the bike forward or backward to prevent prolonged pressure on one section of the tyres.
Check the Suspension: Ensure your motorcycle’s suspension is adjusted correctly and no parts are exposed to potential corrosion. You may also want to lubricate the fork seals and rear shock to prevent moisture buildup.

Step 6: Protect the Cooling System (for Liquid-Cooled Bikes)

Protecting the cooling system during winter storage is crucial if your motorcycle is liquid-cooled, especially in areas where freezing temperatures are expected.

Check the Coolant Level: Ensure the coolant level is sufficient. If needed, top it off with the manufacturer’s recommended coolant.
Use Antifreeze: Make sure your coolant mixture contains antifreeze to prevent the coolant from freezing and expanding in the radiator or engine, which could cause cracks.
Flush the System (if necessary): If your coolant hasn’t been changed, consider flushing it and replacing it with fresh coolant.

Properly maintaining the cooling system will help prevent damage from freezing temperatures during the off-season.

Step 7: Lubrication and Rust Prevention

Winter storage is the perfect time to lubricate critical moving parts on your motorcycle and protect exposed metal components from rust.

Lubricate Cables: Apply a light lubricant to the throttle, clutch, and brake cables to prevent them from drying out and sticking over the winter.
Spray Rust Preventative on Metal Surfaces: Use a moisture-displacing spray like WD-40 or dedicated rust preventative on exposed metal surfaces such as the frame, bolts, and exhaust system. This helps prevent rust from forming due to condensation.
Grease Bearings and Pivots: Apply grease to the swingarm, steering head bearings, and other moving joints to keep them smooth and corrosion-free during storage.

Regular lubrication and rust prevention will keep your bike’s moving parts operating smoothly and protect its metal surfaces from moisture.

Step 8: Exhaust and Intake Protection

Moisture and small critters can wreak havoc on your bike’s exhaust and intake systems while in storage. Take steps to protect these areas from damage.

Block the Exhaust Pipes: Place a plastic bag or a rag over the ends of the exhaust pipes and secure it with a rubber band. This will prevent moisture and rodents from entering the exhaust system.
Cover the Air Intake: Block off the air intake to keep out pests and debris. You can use a plastic bag, rag, or specialised intake covers.

By sealing the exhaust and intake, you reduce the risk of damage caused by moisture, dirt, and animals during winter.

Step 9: Cover Your Motorcycle

A high-quality motorcycle cover protects your bike from dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations during storage.

Choose a Breathable Cover: Use a breathable, fitted motorcycle cover that circulates air while keeping dust and moisture out. Avoid plastic tarps, as they can trap moisture and lead to condensation, which can cause rust.
Avoid Direct Contact with the Ground: If storing your motorcycle on the ground, consider placing a moisture barrier (like a piece of cardboard or a motorcycle mat) underneath it to prevent moisture from seeping up from the floor.

Covering your motorcycle ensures that it stays clean and protected from the elements throughout the winter.

Step 10: Choose the Right Storage Location

Where you store your motorcycle over the winter can greatly affect its condition in spring.

Store Indoors: Store your motorcycle in a garage or shed protected from the elements whenever possible. Indoor storage minimises exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and pests.
Avoid Temperature Extremes: Choose a location that is as temperature-controlled as possible. Extreme cold can cause rubber and plastic to become brittle, while temperature fluctuations can lead to condensation and rust.
Consider a Motorcycle Storage Facility: If you don’t have access to a garage, you can rent space in a dedicated motorcycle storage facility. These facilities often offer climate control and enhanced security.

By storing your motorcycle in a safe, dry location, you protect it from potential damage caused by winter weather and the elements.

Conclusion: Preparing Your Motorcycle for Winter Storage

Winterising your motorcycle is critical to ensure its longevity and performance when riding season returns. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll protect your motorcycle’s engine, fuel system, battery, tyres, and other vital components from the effects of prolonged storage.

Taking the time to clean, lubricate, and properly store your bike will save you money on repairs, extend the life of your motorcycle, and give you peace of mind during the off-season. When the snow melts and spring arrives, your bike will be in top shape, ready for many more miles on the road.