How to Store Your Motorcycle for Winter

Winter’s coming, and if you’re not one of the lucky few living in year-round riding weather, you’ll need to think about motorcycle winter storage. –

Getting your bike ready for its seasonal rest isn’t just about parking it in the garage — it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring you’re ready to ride when spring comes.

How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Winter: Start with Winterization

Learning how to prep a motorcycle for winter might seem overwhelming at first but breaking it down into simple steps makes the process manageable. You’ll want to start with some basic maintenance that’ll keep your bike in top shape during its downtime.

Freshen Up Fluids

Start by checking all your fluids — but don’t feel like you need to change everything. If you’ve recently changed your brake or clutch fluid and only put a few hundred miles on the bike, you’re probably good to go. What’s most important is treating your fuel system.

Add a fuel stabilizer and fill up the tank to prevent rust from forming inside. Run the engine for a few minutes to let the stabilizer work its way through the system.

Change Oil

You won’t want old, contaminated oil sitting in your engine all winter. Fresh oil provides better protection against corrosion while your bikes in storage. It’s a simple step that’ll save you from potential headaches — and expensive repairs — down the road.

Don’t Forget the Battery

Letting your battery sit all winter is a recipe for trouble. Instead of starting your bike periodically (which can cause more harm than good), remove the battery and connect it to a trickle charger.

This’ll keep it properly maintained throughout the winter months. Clean those battery terminals while you’re at it — it’s an easy task that’ll pay off when spring arrives.

Wash and Dry

Before storing the motorcycle for the winter, give it a thorough cleaning. Road grime and bug splatter aren’t just unsightly — they can damage your bike’s finishes if left too long. After washing, dry everything completely and apply a coat of wax to protect the paint. Don’t forget to treat any leather seats or bags too.

Keys to Storing Your Motorcycle for the Winter

Motorcycle storage for winter isn’t just about the prep work — where and how you store your bike matters just as much. Let’s look at two key factors that’ll make a big difference.

Find the Best Location

The best spot for motorcycle winter storage is somewhere dry and well-ventilated. A climate-controlled garage or storage unit is ideal, but any covered space will work if it’s protected from the elements. You’ll want to use a breathable cover — skip the plastic tarps that can trap moisture and lead to rust.

Get Your Bike off the Ground

Getting your motorcycle’s tires off the ground during storage prevents flat spots and takes pressure off the suspension. This is where a quality motorcycle lift and dolly system like the Let’s Roll Cruiser® really shines.

It’ll keep your bike upright and secure without putting stress on the kickstand, plus it makes moving your bike around the garage a breeze when you need to access other stuff during winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Storage

Is it okay to store a bike on its tires?

No, storing your motorcycle on its tires for extended periods can lead to flat spots and premature tire wear. It’s best to keep your bike elevated using a motorcycle lift or stands that raise both wheels off the ground. This also helps prevent stress on your suspension system.

How do I protect my motorcycle in the winter?

Protect your bike by storing it in a dry, well-ventilated space under a breathable cover. Use fuel stabilizer, connect the battery to a trickle charger, and get the tires off the ground. Clean and wax the bike before storage, and don’t forget to plug exhaust pipes to keep critters out.

Should I store my motorcycle with a full or empty tank?

Always store your motorcycle with a full tank of gas treated with fuel stabilizer. An empty tank can lead to rust formation and dried-out seals. The full tank prevents moisture from building up inside and keeps your fuel system’s components protected throughout the storage period.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to properly store your motorcycle means you’ll be ready to ride as soon as the weather breaks. While it might seem like a lot of work upfront, each step protects your investment and helps prevent costly repairs down the line.

Check out our scissor lift and dolly package to make storing your motorcycle for winter easier!