If you aren’t lucky enough to be in a climate where riding season is all year round, you may notice the leaves are beginning to change colors, and the temperature is beginning to drop. For motorcycle enthusiasts, this means it's time to start thinking about winterizing your bike to ensure it stays in top condition during the colder months. Proper winterization can make a significant difference in your motorcycle's performance and longevity. Here are our top three tips to prepare your motorcycle for winter:
Charge and Maintain Your Battery
Your motorcycle's battery is a critical component, and the cold weather can take a toll on its performance. Before putting your bike into hibernation, pick up a Battery Tender® battery charger. Battery Tender chargers are designed specifically for maintaining motorcycle batteries during extended periods of inactivity. They can be left connected to your bike for the entire winter without worry of overcharging or discharging your battery.
When winterizing your bike, extra steps can make a world of difference come Spring. Remove your battery and try cleaning your terminals with a battery terminal cleaner or an at-home method of baking soda and water. Just be sure to wear protective gear when handling any chemicals. Clean terminals will allow for a solid connection to the charger.
Connect your battery to one of the following Battery Tender motorcycle battery chargers:
- Battery Tender Junior 12V, 750mA Battery Charger - the best seller, great for long-term connections and a slower but steady charge
- Battery Tender Junior 12V, 800mA Selectable Chemistry Battery Charger - great if you have lead-acid and lithium batteries
- Battery Tender Plus 12V, 1.25 AMP Battery Charger - the original, especially helpful if you need your battery charged quickly
These chargers are designed to provide a precise charge and prevent overcharging, extending the life of your battery. They are safe for long-term storage and can be left connected throughout winter. When the battery reaches full charge, the charger will back off, allowing the battery to drop back down in charge before kicking back into gear.
Maintain Your Fuel System
Stagnant fuel in the system can lead to varnish and gum deposits, causing starting issues when you're ready to hit the road again. To prevent this, add a fuel stabilizer to your tank before storing your motorcycle. Run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilized fuel reaches the fuel system.
Then, top off the tank since a full tank minimizes the space for condensation to form inside the tank, reducing the risk of rust.
Protect Your Motorcycle from the Elements
Give your bike a thorough cleaning before storing it. Apply a coat of wax to protect the paint and metal surfaces from moisture and corrosion. Use a motorcycle stand to elevate the tires slightly off the ground to help prevent flat spots from forming during prolonged periods of inactivity.
Properly winterizing your motorcycle is an investment in its long-term health and performance. By taking the time to follow these top three tips, you'll ensure that your bike is ready to hit the road with full force when the warmer days return. Our range of battery chargers can assist you in keeping your battery in top shape, providing peace of mind throughout the winter months. A little preparation now will go a long way in preserving your motorcycle and maximizing your riding enjoyment in the coming seasons.
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