Winterize Checklist

 Things You Can't Miss

Don't overlook the key steps to protect your bike this winter. Follow these essential tasks to ensure your motorcycle is ready to roll come spring.

• Add fuel stabilizer to a full tank of fresh fuel and run for three minutes: Pour a fuel stabilizer into a full tank of fresh gas, then run the engine for at least three minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the system and prevent corrosion or fuel degradation. Connect the battery to a quality charger/maintainer.
• Connect the battery to a charger/maintainer: To prevent your battery from draining over winter, hook it up to a smart charger or battery maintainer that will keep it topped off without overcharging.
• If rodents are a common occurrence, seal the muffler and airbox: In areas prone to pests, block the muffler and airbox openings with steel wool or plugs to prevent critters from nesting inside your motorcycle.
• Clean and lubricate the chain: Thoroughly clean and apply chain lubricant to the drive chain to prevent rust and ensure it remains in good condition during storage.

 Extra Credit

Want to go the extra mile for your bike this winter? These bonus tasks will ensure your motorcycle stays in top shape while it’s tucked away.

• Give your bike a thorough wash: Wash your motorcycle thoroughly to eliminate grime, dirt, and road salts that can cause rust and corrosion while it's in storage.
• Inflate tires: Inflate the tires to their maximum recommended PSI and, if possible, lift the bike on stands to prevent flat spots or tire deformation over long storage periods.
• Wipe down chrome with WD-40: Apply a light layer of WD-40 or another protective oil to chrome parts to prevent rust from forming due to moisture exposure during storage.
• Cover the bike:  Protect your bike by covering it with a breathable motorcycle cover that allows moisture to escape while keeping dust and dirt off its surface.