​​​​​​Winter Motorcycle Guide

The Winter Motorcycle Guide

Motorcycle maintenance is a year-round endeavor. Some months are more labor and time intensive than others, and each season’s maintenance schedule differs from the next because of the changes in temperature. But of them all, the winter months are the most demanding due to the thoroughness required to protect motorcycles from the elements.

Technically, the safest thing for a motorcycle owner to do during the winter is store his or her bike until the spring. Wet and rainy conditions in freezing temperatures are dangerous. Roads get slick and icy, which does not bode well for someone sitting on a two-wheeled machine traveling at high speeds. That’s not to say you can’t ride your bike and have a blast doing it during the colder months, however, it is to say that the risks associated with doing so are greater, and the precautionary measures one must take can prove daunting.

Safety aside, winter weather alone can damage a motorcycle, especially an older one. Should you choose to brave the elements and ride through the winter, though, there are a few steps you should take before and after each ride to ensure your bike is subjected to minimal weather-related damage. Likewise, if you elect to prepare and store your motorcycle for the winter yourself, there are a few key areas you would be wise to pay special attention to. Regardless, the sensitive areas are the same.

Engine

  • If you store: Remove the spark plugs and inject some oil into the cylinders to prevent corrosion.

  • If you ride: Use a thinner oil. Thicker oil does not flow as well in freezing weather. Although some bikes require a specific oil weight regardless of temperature, be sure to check your owner’s manual.

Fuel System

  • If you store: Prevent gumming. Drain the gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer.

  • If you ride: As with the storage option, you should treat your fuel with an additive to keep it fresh. Chances are you won’t be riding every day.

Electrical System

  • If you store: Smart chargers are great investments. Get one because it will monitor your battery and charge it only when necessary.

  • If you ride: Take a look at your battery’s cables, posts and fasteners to make sure they’re up to spec before the onset of winter. Thoroughly clean your terminals, and be sure your connectors are tightly secured.

Pipes

  • If you store: Corrosion can sneak up on you because of moisture accumulation. Spray the pipes with WD-40 as a preventative measure.

  • If you ride: Since you won’t be riding nearly as often, take the same precautionary steps you would if you were going to store your bike for the winter. At all costs, avoid moisture and prevent corrosion!

Body

  • If you store: As with pipes, potential corrosion due to moisture build up should be addressed. Thoroughly wash and wax your bike before putting it up for the colder months.

  • If you ride: Think about investing in a windshield (if you can) and hand guards. You’ll need to keep your vision clear and your hands safe.

Tires

  • If you store: Remove them. The best thing to do is take them off and set them aside because they’ll flatten in the cold under the weight of your bike.

  • If you ride: Take those racing tires off and throw the ordinary street tires back on! Race tires are stickier than others, and you want regular tires in the winter because they have an easier time gripping the road.

Here at Montgomeryville Cycle Center, we’ve been performing winter service on the Delaware Valley’s motorcycles since 1974. We hope you found this list useful! If you need your bike serviced this winter, check out our site for winter service deals. And if you want to store your bike for the winter but don’t have the space or time to do so, let us take care of it for you.

Give us a call for more information and be sure to like us on Facebook to stay updated on what we’re up to and what kinds of specials we’ll be offering. Stay safe!

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