Storing Your Motorcycle: Protecting Your Bike During the Off-Season

Your motorcycle marks a significant investment. And not only that, but your motorcycle is a source of freedom and fun, which means you want to take care of it. So, let's take a look at your motorcycle storage needs, from a motorcycle cover to motorcycle insurance, and much more. The off-season is coming. Don't make any mistakes that could harm your motorcycle.

1. Protecting Exterior Surfaces

When preparing for motorcycle winter storage, the first thing to do is taking care of the visible surfaces of the bike. This includes washing your bike and then drying it completely. This may mean letting the bike sit and air dry for an extended period to ensure it is fully dry before applying a wax coat to protect it from moisture. A corrosion inhibitor can also be an excellent choice to protect the many components of the bike.

2. Evaluating the Battery

If you have a standard battery, make sure you check the fluid levels before storing your motorbike for next season. If you have a maintenance-free battery you will still need to monitor the battery and ensure that the bike itself stays warm and well charged. A trickle charger could be one way to assist with this, as well as using indoor self-storage. A battery tender is another essential piece for keeping the motorcycle battery functioning properly.

3. Keep it Running Smooth

When you don't ride your bike year round you will need to evaluate all of the components more carefully, such as carburetors and the fuel system. A motorcyclist who doesn't use fuel stabilizer and fresh oil in their system before the cold temperatures hit is just asking for trouble.

The engine oil can fall into this category as well, because without it your motorcycle isn't going to run smoothly. It may not even run at all when you get it back out again for the next season.

In general, replacing fluids and basic components throughout the motorcycle, including motor oil and air filters will keep contaminants from damaging your bike, even as the storage space keeps out critters and grime.

4. Protect the Foundation

What about the tires on your motorcycle during the winter months? You need to be sure that they're in good repair and that you keep them from resting too much on the ground throughout the off season. This will help protect the tires, ensuring you don't end up with flat spots when you're ready to go again.

Using a center stand or paddock stand will keep this from happening. A full motorcycle stand can also assist with this, keeping your bike upright and safe while it's in the storage unit for the winter season.

All of these things together are going to ensure that your motorcycle is in the best shape possible when the riding season comes again. The winter months are coming. So, make sure that you are looking carefully at your bike and everything that it needs for a long, Saskatoon, Canada winter with FFUN Motorcycle Company.