‘Winter Is Coming’! The famous quote of the Game of Thrones has gained popularity all over the world. As it marks a warning for the people in the Game of Thrones-verse. It’s time for you to follow the warning in real life as well. Winter is coming and your motorcycle needs some care.
How ironic is it that whenever winter comes, people buy moisturizing creams and tons of cosmetic stuff to protect their skin? For motorcycles, they need the same treatment. You suffer rough skin in winters. Motorcycles suffer corrosion and rust spots in winters. You need to moisturize your skin to get rid of rough spots. A motorcycle needs to be winterized to avoid corrosion. Motorcycles are so relatable to humans. That’s why some people say, ‘Motorcycles are the best friend of humans’.
The question in your mind would be, “How should I winterize my bike?” Obviously, you came here to read how to do that. It’s about time for us to leave the psychology part behind and focus on the mechanical part now. Get back on the road in the springs with your good, old, healthy bike.
How to Winterize a Motorcycle
This guide will follow a step-by-step process to winterize your bike like a professional.
Assemble the Tools
Initially, go to a bike store to purchase the necessary tools for the process. The list should include: Fuel Stabilizer, Cleaning Cloths, Wash Detergent, Battery Charger, WD40 Spray, Oil, Spark Plug Wrench, Motorcycle Cover, Rubber Bands, and Plastic Gloves. Also, take care of your garage, as your bike needs a clean, dry, warm environment during winter storage.
Wash Your Bike
Tools required: Wash Detergent, Water Supply, and WD40 Spray.
Washing your bike is one of the most fundamental steps included in this list. You should wash your motorcycle whenever it is dirty.
Use wash detergent and water to clean your bike. Dry your motorcycle. Apply a coating of wax on metal surfaces to avoid moisture from building up on the surface. This coating will prevent corrosion as well. Spray WD40 on all metal surfaces to effectively end the wash routine of your bike.
Add Fuel Stabilizer
Fill up your gas tank with fuel stabilizer. It will mix through the system. Also, once you start the bike, the fuel stabilizer will run through the fuel system and keep your engine warm. In other cases when the fuel tank is not filled, volatile components may leave sludge affecting the performance of your motorcycle. The addition of gasoline can mess up your fuel system.
Change Oil and Filter
Oil can corrode engine parts if it stays in your system for too long. This makes it necessary to change the oil on a regular basis. After changing the oil, start the bike to run the oil through the engine. This will avoid all chances of corrosion and help your engine stay fresh.
Remove Your Battery
The battery of a motorcycle needs to be charged now and then. Charge your battery every month with a motorcycle battery charger to maintain its optimal voltage and prevent discharge. Your battery may freeze in the winter, so removing it and storing it in a dry, warm place should work fine. We already mentioned the charging part, follow that routine. Also, coat the terminals on the battery with Vaseline to avoid corrosion.
Remove the Spark Plugs
Tools required: Spark Plug Wrench
You can avoid this step if you are planning to store your bike for less than four or five months. However, winters can be ruthless. Also, squirting some oil in your cylinders will benefit your bike. Remove the spark plugs carefully with a spark plug wrench. Following the previous step, remove spark plug wires and keep them in a safe place. Squirt about one tablespoon of oil in the cylinders and spin the motor to spread the oil. Put the plugs back in and replace the plug wires in the end.
Read Also: How to Hotwire your Motorcycle
Take Care of Tires
We did not include any tool in this section as the choice depends on you. You need to take extensive care of your tires during the winter. Leave your bike as it is on the center stand. This will prevent your tires from absorbing moisture from your cold garage floor surface. However, if you don’t have a center stand, that may become an issue. In this case, insert plywood or a carpet. Rest your tires on either one of these two to protect them.
Avoid Starting the Motorcycle!
Once you have stored your bike, you can take some time off to check it but do not, I repeat, DO NOT run your bike for a short period. This could lead to condensation, and all your hard work goes in vain. Use a cloth to wipe off some dirt every time you visit your motorcycle.
What We Learned
After going through all the basic steps, you should be able to winterize your motorcycle easily. If you face any issues or have any questions, feel free to ask us. Have patience and wait for spring. Winters are quite annoying, but snow will change your mood. Once spring arrives, bring your baby out and have a long ride. Happy Winter!
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