Winterising your motorcycle: the checklist to store it well
Storing your motorcycle well for winter spares you most of the spring headaches. The number-one enemy of a sleeping bike is inaction: a battery slowly going flat, fuel going stale, tyres deforming, damp creeping in. A few simple steps before you leave it to rest make all the difference.
The most important point is the battery: on a smart charger-maintainer it will see out the winter unharmed; left alone, it risks sulfating and losing capacity. Also think about the fuel, the fluid levels, and protection from damp and dust.
Winterising checklist
- Battery: connect a suitable charger-maintainer (lithium: a compatible charger is required), or remove it and store it dry.
- Fuel: fill the tank to limit condensation; a fuel stabiliser keeps the petrol from going stale.
- Fluids: change the oil before winter rather than after (used oil is acidic); check the coolant.
- Tyres: inflate a little above normal and, if possible, put the bike on a stand to relieve the tyres.
- Protection: a dry, ventilated spot and a breathable cover; never cover a damp bike.
- Mechanical: clean and lube the chain, a protective film on bare metal parts.
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â ïž The information on this page is provided for educational purposes to help you understand the role and operation of the part. It replaces neither a physical inspection nor the judgment of a certified mechanic. Before any work on a safety-critical component (braking, steering, transmission, suspension), have the part's condition confirmed by a professional.
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