Preparing Your Ducati or BMW for Winter: Essential Maintenance Tips

Your BMW or Ducati requires extensive care and maintenance at the end of the season to ensure it's ready for the cold weather. That starts with understanding the different components of the motorcycle with these winter storage tips.

1. Getting Started

Start with filling up your fuel tank and then add a fuel stabilizer. This will keep the fuel currently in the unit from breaking down, which can damage the fuel tank and cause corrosion. By running the cycle you'll also get the stabilizer through the carburetor and injectors.

Next, keep in mind that old oil will become acidic over time and cause even more damage to your bike. Instead, do an oil change right before you put your bike away for the winter months. Finally, add antifreeze for liquid cooled bikes, to prepare it for storage.

2. Moving to the Exterior

During the riding season you always want your bike to look its best. But before you put it away for the winter months you still want to make sure it looks as good as possible. That means wiping it down to remove dirt, debris, bugs, and other contaminants. You'll also want to use some polish to really make it shine.

Proper lubrication and fresh oil will keep the bike looking great, because it's not only the moving parts that you need to pay attention to. You also need to make sure the moto is clean as damage to the aesthetics isn't all that can happen from dirt and debris.

While you're at it, do a once-over of your bike, including checking the tire pressure, the air filter, brake pads, and more. This will all make sure that when you take your bike out at the start of the new season it's looking (and running) its best.

3. Finalizing the Storage

What about the actual storage of your bike? You want to be sure that you have high-quality storage that is going to keep your bike from damage all around. Your BMW or Ducati motorcycle needs plywood or even carpeting to sit on. When combined with a stand you'll be able to prevent flat spots from developing. You should be sure to inflate them to the proper levels and check tread depth as well to ensure they are ready for storage.

Also, get a battery tender or smart charger, which ensures that the electrical system of your bike doesn't wear out with so long of disuse. A smart charger is a great investment for anyone who really wants to keep their bike running smoothly.

For those who live in Saskatoon, Canada and aren't able to ride their bike year-round, it's important to look at maintenance tips that will prolong the lifespan of your bike. And don't forget to look at the rest of the bike as well, such as replacing faulty spark plugs, checking brake fluid and engine oil, and more. You'll be glad you did when your bike is ready to ride next season. FFUN Motorcycle Company can help you.