Tutorial: how to winter your motorcycle?

For many, winter is the time to warm up the bike in anticipation of better days. But the motorcycle can be pampered even when it is stopped. Moto-Station reveals everything you need to know for a successful motorcycle winter.

Stopping a motorcycle in winter is not just about cornering it and taking it out in good weather, as if nothing had happened. On the contrary, if you want to prolong the life of your trusty mount, there are certain steps you should take when winterizing your bike. So, even if the frosts appear slowly, Moto-Station decided to give you the right advice for a successful "hibernation" of the motorcycle. Follow the instructions!

Motorcycle location: Dry under the covers!

You don't store your motorcycle anywhere, however you want. This may seem obvious, but it is imperative that you choose a dry, weather-protected location. Also look out for the holes if you don't want your motorcycle paint and plastic to tarnish at the end of winter. You can also cover the motorcycle with a cover, but be careful not to be sealed to prevent condensation from eating up your car from the inside. Likewise, a simple cotton blanket will absorb moisture that can cause corrosion and mold. So go for a specific motorcycle cover that you can easily find in accessories catalogs.

Pro tip: Watch out for rodents if you store your motorcycle in a shed. In spring, you can often meet local residents on motorcycles ...

Motorcycle wash: your best anti-corrosion asset

Do not store the motorcycle without first washing it. Bear in mind that you have no doubt driven on roads covered in road salt. And if salt is your friend when it freezes, then it is not the mechanics or chassis of your motorcycle at all ... After a full wash, nothing prevents you from applying motorcycle care products (polish, anti-corrosion, silicone ...): its chrome, paints, plastics and other metal parts will appreciate their slight "nourishing" effect!

Pro tip: Don't forget to get mosquitoes off your bubble or it will turn into a real spring routine. Use dry cleaning - no solvent! – and avoid scratches with the Gex pad…

Motorcycle Oil Change: A Mechanical Health Problem

It may seem surprising, but changing the oil before a long downtime is important for your motorcycle. Why ? Because during operation, the engine releases acids in the oil. They are corrosive and can adversely affect your engine during storage. A good oil change before storing your motorcycle is the key to a great season with a clean and healthy engine.

Pro tip: If you regularly drain your motorcycle properly, you do not need to drain before wintering. On the other hand, emptying after wintering is much more important.

Motorcycle fuel: Top up ... or drain!

When it comes to fuel, there are two solutions available to you. In the case of a motorcycle with a carburetor, the tank will be completely emptied to keep it empty during storage. It is recommended to spray the inside of the tank with an anti-corrosion agent (soluble in gasoline). If the motorcycle is stored for a long time (more than 3 months), you will also need to drain the fuel from the fuel circuit and the carburetor (s) tank. Stagnant gasoline forms residues that can clog the fuel system and jets. In the case of a motorcycle with electronic injection, it is best to store the car with a full tank of gasoline. When immobilization lasts 4 to 6 weeks or more, adding stabilizer to the gasoline will prevent decomposition and moisture build-up in the tank. Remember to start the motorcycle engine after adding the stabilizer to allow the product to circulate through the fuel system.

Motorcycle cooling system: I prefer premix.

This applies to you if the last motorcycle coolant change was more than two years ago or 40 km. We advise you to replace the old fluid with a new one equivalent to that recommended for your motorcycle. If you value homemade coolant (water with antifreeze added) at all costs, be sure to use distilled water: tap water contains minerals that can react with aluminum radiator and engine parts, causing corrosion. If your vehicle is stationary for more than six months, drain the cooling system completely: at least there is no risk of corrosion.

Pro tip: We do not recommend using water that oxidizes the inside of the cooling system. The coolant has a lubricity that is positive for the mechanical parts. As for the mixture of water and antifreeze, then, given the price of the coolant, it is better not to bother with this.

Motorcycle battery: stay charged

The best way to save your motorcycle's battery is, of course, to unplug it and put it in a warm, dry place. But in some cases this is not enough. In the case of a conventional battery, be sure to check the electrolyte level. If necessary, add distilled water to cells where the level is low. It is not recommended to use tap water as it will affect battery life. For a maintenance-free motorcycle battery…well, it says maintenance-free! Your battery will probably need to be recharged: choose the right charger and beware of car battery chargers. Do not fully charge: for example, an 18Ah (amp/hour) battery level should be 1,8A.

Pro tip: With a conventional charger, the slower you charge the battery, the more it will hold a charge. The problem is that you need to monitor the motorcycle battery and not leave it connected all the time, risking irrevocably “shooting”. The best are automatic float chargers. We can leave them connected all winter, they will take care of everything. Some models are sold with a kit that allows you to connect the charger directly without removing the battery from the motorcycle. It's most practical, for around £60.

Final checks: Lubricate and Pump!

Your motorcycle is now almost ready for wintering. All that remains is to lubricate the chain, after making sure it is clean and dry. Do not grease it immediately after washing, as grease will retain water and may damage it. If your motorcycle is equipped with it, place it on the center stand: this greatly reduces the risk of tire warping. Finally, you can check your tire pressures regularly and even change your ground contact point once a month. Here is your motorcycle, ready to spend the winter in warmth and complete safety ...

Pro tip: If your motorcycle remains stationary for a long time, place it on a center stand to keep its tires (deflated), invest in a stand if necessary.

Author: Arnaud Vibien, photos from MS and DR archives.

Thanks to LS Moto, Honda dealer in Gera.