How Do I Protect My Motorcycle in the Winter?
Winter is a challenging season for motorcycle riders. Some motorists enjoy their last adventure before finding a storage unit to keep the motorbike during winter. More experienced motorcycle riders know how to navigate the bad weather and use their favourite Honda all year round. The winter season comes with issues, such as rust, battery problems, and tire issues. Fogging, snowy weather, and wet roads also increase the risk of accidents and part damage. Here are four tips to protect your motorcycle during winter:
Inspect and Protect Your Tires
The cold weather conditions during winter can cause the air in your motorcycle tires to shrink, resulting in deflation. Deflated tires can cause reduced grip, handling issues, and tire damage. To prevent such problems, check your tire pressure regularly to make sure both tyres are properly inflated. In addition to ensuring recommended tire pressure, store your motorcycle on a level surface to prevent flat spots from forming. Another solution would be to install winter tyres specifically designed for cold temperatures and wet, snowy roads.
Protect Exposed Metal from Rust
Local municipalities tend to use salt to clear winter snow from the roads. The high salt conditions can increase corrosion and rust on exposed metal parts. The best way to protect your motorcycle from road salt and corrosion is to apply anti-corrosion products before the winter months start. Anti-corrosion sprays can protect your gas tank, carburetors, exhaust pipes, motorcycle stand, and other exposed metals for up to 12 months. You should also keep your motorcycle clean and find a dry storage location when not in use.
Protect Your Battery Capacity
Winter can be harsh on your motorcycle battery. Batteries naturally lose their charge over time, but the colder months can accelerate this process. To prevent your battery from dying, keep it charged throughout winter. Consider using a battery tender or trickle charger to charge the battery when not in use. Keep your winter storage insulated or use a motorcycle cover if your bike is stored outside. Another way to prevent your motorcycle battery from losing charge is to start it regularly, even when not in use.
Top Off Your Fluids
Winter riding calls for topped-off fluid levels to protect the vital components. When temperatures drop below zero, it can impact your fluids, especially the oil, radiator reservoir, and fuel tank. Check oil levels before each ride and consider an oil change if necessary. You should also keep a full tank and use an additive to protect your fuel system. Open the petcock to drain unwanted fluids and top off your coolant and radiator with high-quality antifreeze. Discard ethanol and use a fuel stabilizer instead to protect your engine.
More Ways to Winterize Your Motorcycle
There are many other ways motorcyclists can winterize their bikes. Everything starts with finding the right motorcycle storage. Use plastic bags to cover your motorbike if it has to stay outside. Apply lube to keep the moving parts lubricated. Clean grime off your carbs after every trip and inspect your injectors and air intake. Don't skip on pre-ride checks. Winter riding can become impossible due to bad weather, so know when to leave your bike alone. You'll have opportunities to ride come spring when you don't have to worry about the operating temperature being too low.
