Preparing your motorcycle for winter storage is an essential aspect of motorcycle maintenance. From prepping the engine to protecting the exterior, there are a few necessary steps you must take to keep your bike safe while in storage during the off-season. Follow these motorcycle winterization tips to protect your vehicle and ensure it’s ready to ride in the spring!

Gather Essential Motorcycle Winterization Supplies

Similar to winterizing jet skis, RVs, boats, and cars, winterizing motorcycles is easier if you can gather the necessary materials ahead of time. Here are some supplies you’ll need when winterizing a motorcycle:

Oil & oil filter
Lubricant
Fuel stabilizer
Antifreeze
Transmission, brake, & clutch fluids
Cleaning products
Exhaust pipe plugs or rags
Motorcycle wax
WD-40
Tire pressure gauge

Winterize Your Motorcycle’s Interior

From oil changes to fuel treatment, there’s a bit of work to do to prepare your motorcycle for winter storage. Properly care for your bike’s interior with this motorcycle winterization checklist!

Change the Oil & Filter

Changing the oil and replacing the filter is an important first step in bike winterization. New oil can help prevent corrosion, as well as protect the engine and lubrication system while in storage. If you’re storing your motorcycle for more than four to six months, apply a light coat of oil on the cylinder walls and pistons. To do this, remove the spark plugs and add a bit of oil to the holes. Start the bike and turn the engine over a few times to coat. Then, replace the spark plugs.

Add Fuel Treatment

Proper fuel treatment is key. Though you can winterize with an empty tank, built-up condensation in the gas tank may lead to rust or corrosion in storage. To reduce the possibility of damage, opt to fill the gas tank about 90% full and add a motorcycle fuel stabilizer. Once you’ve added the fuel stabilizer, run your bike to let it flow through the engine. If your motorcycle has a carburetor, be sure to shut the petcock off and drain the float bowl before filling the tank. For long-term motorcycle storage over six months, consider emptying the gas tank and spraying the inside with fogging oil to avoid rust damage.

Check the Fluid Levels

Before storing a motorcycle outside in winter (or even inside in a cold climate), topping the antifreeze off is a must, as it prevents water buildup from damaging your cooling system. You should also change and top off the transmission, brake, and clutch fluids. Fresh fluid will help protect your bike’s internal systems and pipes, as well as stop moisture from collecting. Just be sure to avoid putting water in your antifreeze over the winter—it could turn to ice and cause the tank to burst.

Take Care of the Battery

Over time, a motorcycle battery can lose its charge and even freeze, especially if it’s been sitting in long-term storage. To prevent these issues, take the battery out of the bike, top off the battery cells with distilled water (if it’s a lead-acid battery with a removable cap), then store it indoors or in a dry garage. This is an effective way to winterize your motorcycle battery and extend its lifespan. If you’d rather keep the battery in the bike, put it on a motorcycle battery tender. This device allows your battery to be charged over an extended period of time.

Winterize Your Motorcycle’s Exterior

While interior maintenance tasks are important, you’ll also want to ensure the exterior of your bike is ready for winter storage. Follow the preparation steps below before storing your motorcycle for the winter!

Clean the Bike

Neglecting to remove dirt, dead bugs, or water spots on your motorcycle before storage can lead to corrosion of the paint and finish—so this is an important step to consider, especially when winterizing a dirt bike. Wash your motorcycle with a proper cleaner and let it completely dry before putting it away. Add a coat of wax to protect against rust and moisture, and spray all metal areas with WD-40. Additionally, clean any leather parts—such as saddlebags, seats, or handlebars—with leather care cleaning products to prevent damage during storage.

Apply Lube to Moving Parts

Keeping motorcycle parts like cables, chain drives, controls, and pivot points lubricated will help prevent damage and corrosion during winter vehicle storage—not to mention, it will extend the life of your bike. Before applying lube to the chain, take your motorcycle on a five-mile ride to warm everything up. A warmer chain can help the lube absorb more quickly. You should also give each part of your motorcycle a thorough scrub before applying a coat of lube for storage.

Prep Exhaust Pipes

To prep your exhaust pipe for cold temperatures, spray some WD-40 into the end of the pipe to keep moisture at bay. Then, seal the exhaust with plugs, plastic bags, or rags to block the opening and keep rodents and pests out. Whatever you use, make sure it’s a different color than the pipe itself so you don’t forget to remove it in the spring!

Protect the Tires

During the cold months, motorcycle tires can develop flat spots from sitting in one position. Consider investing in a motorcycle stand for winter storage to prevent this. If you’re storing your bike without a stand, move it every few weeks and avoid leaving it on bare concrete—instead, place carpet tiles or plywood under the tires to help protect them from water damage. You should also check that your tires are inflated to the pressure recommended in your motorcycle’s owner’s manual, as cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop.

Use a Motorcycle Cover

Whether you plan to store a motorcycle inside or outside, it’s smart to invest in a quality motorcycle cover. For indoor storage, a dust cover is a good way to keep any dust and dirt at bay. A quality waterproof cover is perfect for outdoor storage because it will help protect your bike from snow, ice, and UV damage. No matter which you choose, any motorcycle cover for winter storage should be breathable enough to stop mildew or mold from forming.

Find the Right Motorcycle Storage Solution

If you’re wondering how to store a motorcycle in the winter, there are a variety of storage solutions to choose from. Depending on the region you live in and what type of bike you have, you’ll need to consider either indoor or outdoor vehicle storage options!

Indoor Motorcycle Storage Options

Garage Storage: An affordable and convenient solution, storing a motorcycle in a garage at home is a great way to keep your bike safe from the elements and get some peace of mind.
Storage Shed: Many home improvement stores sell sheds that can be used for motorcycle storage. Keeping your bike in a shed means you don’t have to take up space in a garage.
Indoor Storage Unit: Self storage facilities that offer drive-up, garage-like units for vehicle storage are ideal for protecting your motorcycle over the winter. Some even offer climate-controlled storage!

Outdoor Motorcycle Storage Options

Parking in a Driveway: Storing a motorcycle in a driveway at home is free, convenient, and allows you to keep an eye on your vehicle.
Covered Storage Unit: Though a covered unit at a self storage facility isn’t entirely enclosed, it provides a roof over your vehicle, keeping it safe from precipitation.
Uncovered Storage Unit: Many self storage facilities offer outdoor parking spaces in gated, monitored lots, providing affordable vehicle storage rates and an easily accessible option for your motorcycle.

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Find Winter Storage for Your Motorcycle in a City Near You

Looking for indoor, covered, or outdoor vehicle storage for your motorcycle? Extra Space Storage has the solutions you need at convenient locations throughout the U.S.! Popular cities for motorcycle storage include:

Find a storage facility near you today!

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Gather Essential Motorcycle Winterization Supplies