When the cold and rain arrive, many riders put their motorcycle away for the winter. Poorly prepared winter storage comes back to bite you in spring: a dead battery, stale fuel, misshapen tyres. Here is what to do.
The battery: keep it charged
A battery left for months without charging discharges and can become unrecoverable. There are two options: leave it in place with a maintenance charger suited to its technology (lead-acid, AGM or lithium), or remove it (negative terminal first) and store it somewhere dry and frost-free, recharging it from time to time.
The fuel: stabilise it
Petrol degrades over time, and the ethanol it contains attracts moisture. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, fill the tank to limit condensation and add a fuel stabiliser, then run the engine for a few minutes so that it reaches the fuel system.
The tyres: avoid flat spots
Left standing for months, a tyre can deform where it touches the ground. Ideally, lift the motorcycle onto paddock stands. Otherwise, check the pressure regularly and move the motorcycle from time to time to change the contact point.
Cleaning and protection
- Wash and dry the motorcycle thoroughly before storing it: dirt holds moisture and encourages corrosion.
- Clean and lubricate the chain.
- Protect unpainted metal parts with an anti-corrosion product.
- Cover the motorcycle with a breathable cover, not a waterproof tarpaulin that traps condensation.
In spring
Before setting off again: charged battery, tyre pressures, fluid levels (oil, brake fluid and coolant), brakes, lights, and chain tension. If an oil change or a service falls due over the winter, take the opportunity to have it done before you start riding again.
Keep a record
Note the date and mileage when you put the motorcycle away and when you bring it back into use in your maintenance log. You can keep it in our online motorcycle maintenance log.
