7 Quick Tips to Winterize Your Bike
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Step 1: Taking care of the fuel
- Step 2: Complete oil change
- Step 3: Washing the bike
- Step 4: Hooking up the battery tender
- Step 5: Fully charging the tires with air
- Step 6: Placing the tires on cardboard or carpet
- Step 7: Putting a cover over the bike
- Conclusion
Introduction
Welcome to this guide on winterizing your bike. As the riding season comes to an end, it's important to prepare your bike for the winter months to ensure it remains in good condition. In this article, I will share the 7 steps I take to winterize my bike, from taking care of the fuel to protecting the tires and covering the bike. So let's get started!
😎 Step 1: Taking care of the fuel
One of the first steps in winterizing your bike is to take care of the fuel. To do this, I use a fuel stabilizer called Stable. This product not only treats the gas for up to two years but also helps with the ethanol present in gasoline. The recommended ratio is one ounce of stabilizer for every two and a half gallons of gasoline. Fill up your gas tank to the highest level with fuel to prevent water and air from entering the tank, as condensation can cause rusting. By storing a gas can with the stable and gasoline mixture, you'll be prepared for any winter rides.
😎 Step 2: Complete oil change
Next, it's important to do a complete oil change before storing your bike for the winter. If you need a step-by-step guide on how to perform this procedure, you can check out my video on motor oil and gear oil change. Keeping fresh oil in your bike during the storage period helps preserve its internal components and ensures a smooth start when the riding season begins again.
😎 Step 3: Washing the bike
While you may have recently washed your bike, it's a good idea to give it one final wash before winterizing. This step helps remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Additionally, I recommend treating the bike's vinyl with 303 Aerospace Protectant. This product enhances the overall shine and protects against UV damage, keeping your bike looking its best throughout the winter months.
😎 Step 4: Hooking up the battery tender
To prevent battery drain over the winter, it's essential to hook up a battery tender. There's a debate within the motorcycle community about whether to bring the battery indoors or leave it outside. While car batteries can survive the winter outdoors, motorcycle batteries may not be as resilient. It's generally recommended to use a battery tender and leave the battery on the bike, periodically charging it throughout the winter. However, if you prefer to bring the battery inside for better monitoring, that's also an option.
😎 Step 5: Fully charging the tires with air
Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for long-term storage. I recommend using a digital tire pressure gauge to ensure your tires are fully inflated. In my video on product reviews, I provide more details on the Slime digital tire pressure gauge, which I find to be a reliable tool. By keeping your tires properly inflated, you prevent flat spots and ensure their longevity.
😎 Step 6: Placing the tires on cardboard or carpet
To further protect your tires during storage, it's a good idea to place them on a surface such as cardboard or carpet. This provides insulation against the cold seeping up through the garage floor, which can potentially damage the rubber. By creating a barrier between the tires and the concrete, you minimize the risk of tire degradation.
😎 Step 7: Putting a cover over the bike
After washing your bike and taking all the necessary steps, it's time to cover it for the winter. By using a bike cover, you protect your bike from dust particles and potential scratches. Choose a cover that fits your bike properly and provides adequate protection. This will ensure your bike remains in pristine condition until the next riding season.
Conclusion
Winterizing your bike is essential for its long-term health and performance. By following these 7 steps, you can properly prepare your bike for the winter months. Taking care of the fuel, performing an oil change, washing the bike, hooking up a battery tender, charging the tires, placing them on a suitable surface, and covering the bike will ensure that it remains in top condition. By investing some time and effort now, you'll be able to enjoy a trouble-free start to the next riding season. Happy winterizing!
Highlights:
- 7 steps to effectively winterize your bike
- Taking care of the fuel using a stabilizer
- Performing a complete oil change
- Washing the bike and treating the vinyl
- Utilizing a battery tender for the winter
- Fully charging the tires with air
- Placing tires on cardboard or carpet
- Covering the bike for protection
FAQ
Q: Can I leave the battery on the bike during winter?
A: It is generally recommended to leave the battery on the bike and use a battery tender for periodic charging. However, bringing the battery indoors for better monitoring is also an option.
Q: How often should I charge the battery during winter storage?
A: You can either charge the battery periodically throughout the winter or leave it on the battery tender for the entire duration. It's important to ensure the battery remains sufficiently charged to prevent any damage.
Q: Do I need to wash my bike before winterizing it?
A: While not mandatory, washing your bike before winterizing helps remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Additionally, treating the vinyl with a protective product enhances its appearance and prevents UV damage.
Q: Should I place the bike on a stand during storage?
A: Placing the bike on a stand during storage is a personal preference. While it can help relieve pressure on the tires, it may not be necessary if you properly inflate them and follow the other steps outlined in this guide.
