Winter Storage Checklist
Five steps that keep your bike healthy through the off-season. Work through them before you park it for winter.
1. Change the oil and filter
Used oil carries acids and moisture from combustion. Fresh oil means the engine spends the winter sitting in clean oil.
- Warm the engine first so the old oil drains completely
- Replace the filter, not just the oil
- Due for primary and transmission fluid too? Do all three at once
2. Fill the tank and stabilize the fuel
A full tank leaves less room for moisture to form, and stabilizer keeps fuel from breaking down while it sits.
- Top off the tank
- Add stabilizer at the rate on the bottle
- Run the engine 5 to 10 minutes so treated fuel reaches the whole fuel system
3. Keep the battery on a tender
A parked bike still drains its battery slowly, and a battery left to sit dead can be damaged for good.
- Use a smart maintainer that switches to float mode once the battery is full
- If your garage drops below freezing, remove the battery and keep it on the tender indoors
- Make sure the terminals are clean and tight
4. Protect the tires
Months in one spot can flat-spot tires and dry out the rubber.
- Set pressure to the spec in your owner’s manual
- Use a lift or stand to take weight off the tires if you have one
- If it stays on its tires, roll it a few inches every few weeks
5. Cover it and keep pests out
A breathable cover keeps dust off without trapping moisture, and a quiet garage is exactly where mice like to nest.
- Use a breathable motorcycle cover, not a plastic tarp
- Plug the exhaust tips with steel wool or a rag
- Leave yourself a reminder to pull the plugs out before the first start
Rather we handle it? Bring it in for an Engine Only Oil Change ($149) or an Eastern 3-Hole Service ($249) before you store it.
Request Serviceor call 410-451-5181