For many people, winter means storing away their bikes. Driving on icy roads and facing cold winds is not worth the risk. Here's some basic maintenance you should do to prepare your bike for storage. 

The Cold Affects Your Bike

Some people believe that winter riding is the best kind of riding. If you’re not one of those people and you can’t be convinced to ride your bike in the winter, then you should know about the necessary steps you must take to store your bike correctly. Every type of motorcycle can be affected by the cold weather and extended periods of no use. Since you'll probably be getting your snowmobile ready for the season, prepare your bike for storage too.  Here are some things you should do to keep your motorcycle warm and cozy this coming snowy winter.

5 Things You Must Do Before Storing Your Motorcycle

Stabilize Your Fuel

Unleaded fuel usually has a shelf life or 3 to 4 weeks before it starts breaking down and potentially turning into sludge. Your motorcycle is probably going to be stored for a longer period. Draining your fuel tank is a good idea. However, it’s practically impossible to drain out every last drop of fuel, especially from small passages and areas in the carburetor. You should use a gasoline stabilizer to prevent oxidation and sludge. Just fill up your tank, pour in the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer and let the engine run for at least 15 minutes. The idea is to allow the stabilized fuel travel throughout the engine, leaving a layer of protection. AMSOIL has a great Gasoline Stabilizer for the job.

Change the Motor Oil

One of the oil’s many jobs in your bike is to help the filtration system.  The oil carries many small pollutants to the oil filter. You need to change your oil and oil filter to prevent corrosion and remove sludge before a prolonged inactivity period. A fresh oil change will leave your engine lubricated for when the time comes to bring it out of storage. Don’t use just any oil though, use AMSOIL Synthetic Oil for excelling lubrication and prolonged engine life. Call Mooresville Synthetic Oil at (336) 247-0212 to get some special recommendations on choosing your synthetic oil and other advice to care for your motorcycle.

Take Care of Your Tires

Your tires should always have the appropriate amount of air pressure.  If possible, use a compressor to deflate the tires and expel any moisture, then fill them up again. During the winter it might be a good idea to over-inflate them to help them maintain their shape, especially if you plan to keep your bike standing on the ground. They will probably lose some of the pressure before spring arrives. But just in case the pressure stays the same, be sure to return them to the correct pressure when you’re ready to ride again. Preferably, you should elevate your motorcycle, so both tires are not under load.  You can use a center stand if you have one. If you don’t, try carefully propping up your bike using blocks. If you’re not able to lift your motorcycle and you live in a place where the ground will most likely freeze, keep the tires off the ground using wood blocks or layer the ground with an old carpet.

Wash and Wax

Grime, dirt, road salt, and sand can corrode and damage your bike’s metal surfaces. It’s necessary, and not just for aesthetic, to wash and wax your motorcycle before sending it to winter hibernation. Wash your bike and let it dry completely before covering it. Remember moisture can cause rust. Clean off any sludge on the outside of the engine using a degreaser. Wax all the paint surfaces and use chrome polish on the chrome areas, this will maintain moisture away. Here are some useful tips by Motorcycle Writer to thoroughly wash your bike.  After washing and waxing, cover your bike for the season. If you don’t have a bike cover, some old blankets or curtains will do.

Tend to Battery

Some batteries such as lead-acid batteries need to be continuously charged to prolong their life. After you clean your battery, you should attach a battery tender to it to keep it charged and ready for when it comes out of storage. If you don’t have a battery tender, a trickle charger will do fine. Just consider that you shouldn’t run the trickle charger for more than half an hour each they.  You can also choose to remove the battery altogether and place it in a warm, dry place. The battery should still be kept charged.

 Before Storing Your Bike in Mooresville Give It Synthetic Oil Change

It’s essential that you change your oil before letting your motorcycle rest for the winter. You can get all you need for an AMSOIL Synthetic Oil change online, or you can call Mooresville Synthetic Oil at (336) 247-0212 to make your purchase and get some lubrication advice. Don’t forget to change the oil filter too!