Winter can be tough on your bike, whether it's a BMW, Ducati, Triumph, or Royal Enfield. Winterizing helps keep your ride in top condition during the cold months and ready to roar again come spring.
Fuel System and Tank Care
Avoid gumming up your carburetor or fuel injectors by adding a fuel stabilizer to a full tank before storing your motorcycle. This prevents chemicals in the fuel from breaking down and causing corrosion in the system.
The stabilizer is especially useful for protecting the advanced engine systems in BMW and Ducati bikes. You also want to fog the engine, which coats the internals to prevent rust. If you ride a carbureted bike like a Royal Enfield Himalayan, remember to turn off the fuel valve to avoid leaks.
Battery and Electrical System Maintenance
Nobody wants to start spring with a dead battery. Months of cold conditions can reduce battery life. You can fight this by connecting your bike to a trickle charger or smart charger for the winter. This keeps your battery topped off without overcharging. BMW and Harley-Davidson owners, in particular, should keep an eye on their battery status, since these bikes often have advanced electronics that require constant power.
Oil Change and Lubrication
Give your bike a fresh oil change before tucking it away. Old oil often has contaminants that cause corrosion in the engine's internals during long periods of storage. Storing your Honda or Kawasaki with fresh oil will protect the motor and might make for a smoother ride come spring.
Lubricate all of the key moving parts with high-quality lube to keep moisture out. This includes the chains, cables, and muffler. Ducati riders should pay extra attention to lubricating their clutch and throttle cables to avoid stiffening up over the winter.
Tires and Suspension
Prevent flat spots on your tires by elevating your bike on a stand or try to rotate the tires every few weeks. Make sure you adjust the tire pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations to keep them from deflating in the cold weather.
For Triumph and Indian riders, it's also a good idea to check the front suspension and make sure it's in good working order before storage. If you're planning on storing your ride for extended periods, take care not to compress the suspension, which can lead to long-term issues.
Coolant and Antifreeze
If you ride a BMW or Yamaha with a liquid-cooled engine, drain and replace the antifreeze with fresh coolant. This prevents freezing and cracking in the engine components.
Cover and Location
Keeping your moto outside in the winter can lead to severe damage. Store your ride in a dry, enclosed space with a cover, such as a climate-controlled garage or carport, to keep moisture and dust out. Even in an enclosed garage, a breathable cover helps protect against condensation, which encourages corrosion.
Winter Prep Your Ride
By following these winter prep steps, your BMW, Ducati, Triumph, or Royal Enfield will survive the harsh winter months and be ready to hit the road once the snow melts. Visit FFUN Motorsports for the best winter storage tips and off-road accessories to keep your ride in top condition year-round.
