Every bike is different, so your owner’s manual has the last word on oil, fuel, battery and storage procedures, especially for fuel-injected or liquid-cooled models. These general steps apply to most motorcycles.
Before it goes into storage
- Wash it and dry it completely. Road grime and salt left on the bike can corrode metal over the winter. Dry the chain, too.
- Change the oil and filter. Used oil carries combustion byproducts and moisture, so many riders change it before storage. Use the oil your manual specifies.
- Take care of the fuel. Many manuals recommend filling the tank to limit condensation, adding a fuel stabilizer, and running the engine briefly so treated fuel reaches the fuel system. Some carbureted bikes also call for draining the float bowls.
- Clean and lube the chain on chain-drive bikes so it doesn’t sit dry or wet all winter. Belt and shaft drives have their own checks in the manual.
- Check the coolant on liquid-cooled bikes, and make sure the freeze protection suits the coldest temperatures where the bike is stored.
- Look after the battery. Charge it, then connect a battery maintainer or remove it and store it somewhere cool and dry, as the manual recommends.
- Take care of the tires. Set them to the recommended pressure. A paddock stand or center stand takes weight off them; otherwise, roll the bike occasionally to avoid flat spots.
- Block out pests and cover it. Plug the exhaust and air intake openings against rodents, hang a reminder tag on the handlebar, and use a breathable cover.
Waking it up in spring
Remove the plugs and reminder tag, reinstall or reconnect the battery, set the tire pressure, check the oil and coolant levels, test the brakes and lights, and check chain slack. Make the first ride a short, easy one while you make sure everything works. If you also ride off-road, see the ATV and UTV winter prep checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Should I start my motorcycle during winter storage?
Many riders avoid short idle-only runs, because an engine that doesn’t reach full operating temperature can collect moisture. Follow your owner’s manual.
Should I store my bike with a full or empty tank?
Many manuals call for a full tank of stabilized fuel to limit condensation and rust in the tank, and some carbureted bikes also call for draining the float bowls. Check your manual.
Do I need a battery maintainer?
Batteries slowly discharge in storage and can be damaged if they go flat. A maintainer or periodic charging helps. Follow your manual and the charger’s instructions.
AMSOIL products for motorcycle layup
- AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil. AMSOIL explains that during storage “water vapor can form condensate within the engine,” and says this product “offers superior film retention.” AMSOIL lists motorcycles among its applications. Follow your manual’s directions.
- AMSOIL Chain Lube. AMSOIL says it “provides outstanding wear and corrosion protection for all types of chains and sprockets” and “leaves a protective coating that will not fling off or attract dirt.”
- AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer. AMSOIL names motorcycles among the stored seasonal equipment it’s ideal for and says it “fights ethanol corrosion.”
Product wording above is quoted or summarized from amsoil.com. Read each product’s label and data sheet for directions.
For motorcycle oil, use AMSOIL’s motorcycle lookup or AMSOIL’s official lookup guide to see what AMSOIL lists for your bike.