The Best Way to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Winter

Bad weather and cold temperatures lead many motorcyclists to "park" their bikes, but when the time comes, simply covering it with a tarp and forgetting about it isn't enough. To ensure your vehicle functions properly when you want to use it again, it's essential to follow some recommendations. For instance, although covering it with a tarp is advisable, leaving your motorcycle exposed to the elements is not. This exposes it to theft, deterioration of components like tyres, which can crystallise or lose pressure, or even fines if you exceed the maximum parking period set by municipal regulations.

Therefore, experts from AMV recommend that the motorcycle hibernate in a garage, covered with a tarp to protect it from direct sunlight, condensation, and dust.

Before leaving the motorcycle in the garage, it's also advisable to take it for a final ride to ensure everything is functioning correctly and perform preventive maintenance such as replacing the oil and lubricant filter, replacing or cleaning the air filter, checking the condition and level of fluids: coolant or antifreeze and brakes, and inspecting the motorcycle's transmission. Especially if it is chain-driven; lubricate components and mechanisms such as cables, locks, levers, metal parts, footrests, as well as the stand and kickstand.

It's also important to fill the fuel tank completely and add an anti-corrosion additive. Failing to do so risks impurities forming, which can cause problems in the fuel filter. Similarly, if the bike is carburettor-fed, it's advisable to empty the fuel from it.

Equally important is checking the tyre pressure. If you don't have a stand and the tyres will be in contact with the ground for several months, it's ideal to increase the pressure by half a kilo to a kilo above the manufacturer's recommendation. Another recommendation is to remove or disconnect the battery. This prevents it from discharging while not in use. While it's disconnected, it's important to check its condition and charge level.

This way, you ensure it remains useful when reinstalled. For this, there are several options, such as using a voltmeter, a battery maintainer, a smart charger, or a traditional charger.

Don't forget to thoroughly wash the motorcycle, another preventive measure to avoid vehicle deterioration and corrosion of metal parts. For washing, it's advisable to use a hose or pressure washer and a high-performance cleaning detergent to remove grease, dust, dirt, or insects from the motorcycle's surfaces. After a few minutes, rinse the motorcycle with the hose or pressure washer. Regarding the engine, spray a special spray and let it act. For the secondary transmission chain, it's best to use a specific cleaner and scrub with a toothbrush for better results. Finally, before storing it, ensure it's completely dry to prevent any part from rusting over time.

Once the motorcycle is thoroughly washed and dried in your garage space, it's most advisable for it to rest in a completely horizontal and stable position. The best way to achieve this is with a central stand. With this accessory, the tyres won't be in contact with the ground and, therefore, won't tend to deform.