Anyone who rides knows there’s nothing like the freedom found on a motorcycle. The wind, the speed, being open to everything around you, feeling connected to everything and unattached to anything all at once.
Having nothing between you and the open road except two wheels and (hopefully) a helmet is an exhilarating experience. That thrill gives you a boost of adrenaline and a dopamine rush, while the intense focus puts you into a “flow state”. That combo of a meditative state, adrenaline rush, and connection to your surroundings creates a sense of euphoria that’s matched by very few things.
However, we’re entering the wet season, and that means most riders are going to be storing away their rides for the next few months at least. Riding a motorcycle in the off-season comes with greater safety risks, increased motorcycle insurance rates and maintenance costs, and a good chance of getting soaked on your ride. If that doesn’t sound great to you, maybe consider our motorcycle winterization tips, and spend your winter looking forward to breaking your bike out again next spring.
Motorcycle Winterization Tips: Safe Winter Motorcycle Storage
As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, be aware that the wet and cold weather can be really hard on your bike. Following these motorcycle winterization tips for proper off-season motorcycle maintenance and storage can help prevent damage, corrosion, and other issues that could cost you a lot of money in repairs when you go to do your spring motorcycle maintenance.
Even worse, it will keep you waiting to hop on your bike and hit the road come Spring! Instead of being stuck dreaming of riding well into the warm season, take the time to follow these motorcycle winterization tips and have it ready to go next year.
Cleaning and Inspection:
Now is the time to give your bike a thorough cleaning to remove all the built up dirt and grime from a summer well-spent riding. Once you have your bike gleaming, inspect everything that might have seen some wear on the road, like the tires, electrical components, and fuel system. It’s best to get these issues fixed before the cold can make them worse.
This is also a good time for all of your general maintenance, like changing the oil and filters. Besides, if it gets stuck in a shop for a while in the off-season, it’s not like you were going to be riding it anyway.
Fuel Treatment and Stabilization
Any time you store your bike for an extended period, make sure to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent gumming and varnish formation. After adding the stabilizer, run the engine for a few minutes to distribute it throughout the fuel system. Be sure to read the directions on your fuel stabilizer, since improper use can prevent your engine from running.
Tire Pressure and Storage
Make sure that your tires are in good condition and inflated to the recommended pressure. Overinflated tires can become brittle, while underinflated tires can develop flat spots. Rotating your tires a few times over the winter months to disperse the pressure to different parts of your tires can help to avoid forming a flat spot, too. You probably don’t want to try wheeling your bike out on flats come Spring, do you?
Lubrication
Lubricate moving parts, such as the chain or cables, to prevent rust and corrosion. Use a high-quality motorcycle lubricant that is suitable for winter conditions. A light application of WD-40, or something similar, to exhaust pipes and other exposed areas adds extra protection from rust.
Freeze Prevention
Depending on the environment in your spot for winter motorcycle storage, you may want to take some additional steps to prevent freezing by checking the pH of your coolant and adjusting it as needed.
Storage Location
If possible, store your motorcycle indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area. This will help protect it from the elements and reduce the risk of damage. If you must store your motorcycle outdoors, cover it with a waterproof motorcycle cover to shield it from rain, snow, and other weather conditions.
Stored motorcycles can be very appealing to rodents looking for shelter from the cold, so take extra care to seal off your bike from these intruders. Maybe consider deterrents and traps for extra protection, too.
By following these motorcycle winterization tips, you can help ensure that your motorcycle is ready to ride when spring arrives. Remember to consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual for specific maintenance recommendations and guidelines.
Motorcycle Winterization Tips: Riding Safely in Rain and Snow
Motorcycle winterization tips aren’t just for maintenance and storage, it also includes preparing your bike to ride it safely if you have to! Riding a motorcycle in adverse weather conditions can be challenging, but with proper preparation and safe riding practices, you can significantly reduce the dangers of riding motorcycles in rain or snow.
Riding in the Rain
- Visibility: Reduce your speed and increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react to changing road conditions. Use your headlights and fog lights to improve visibility.
- Braking: Avoid sudden braking, as wet roads can cause your tires to lose traction. Apply the brakes gradually and smoothly to avoid skidding.
- Cornering: Take corners with extra caution, as wet roads can reduce traction. Lean into the turn gently and avoid excessive braking or acceleration.
- Avoid Puddles: If possible, avoid deep puddles, as they can cause hydroplaning, a dangerous condition where your tires lose contact with the road.
- Gear Up: Wear waterproof gear to stay dry and comfortable. A good rain suit can help protect you from the elements and improve your visibility.
Riding in the Snow
- Tire Prep: Ensure your tires are in good condition and have adequate tread depth for winter riding. Consider using winter tires or studded tires if you live in an area with severe winter conditions.
- Visibility: Use your headlights and fog lights even during daylight hours to improve visibility. Keep your windshield clean and free of ice or snow.
- Braking: Be gentle with your brakes to avoid locking up your wheels. Use engine braking to help slow down.
- Cornering: Take corners with extra caution, as icy roads can reduce traction. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
- Stay Warm: Dress in layers to stay warm and comfortable. A heated vest or gloves can be helpful in cold weather. Being cold slows your reaction time, which is especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Extra Safety Tips
- Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react quickly to changing conditions.
- Avoid Distractions: Avoid distractions such as using your phone or eating while riding.
- Take a Motorcycle Safety Course: A motorcycle safety course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to ride safely in all weather conditions.
Really, you should try to not ride your motorcycle in bad weather. But, if you absolutely have to, safety should be your Number One priority. By following these motorcycle winterization tips for safety, you’re setting up yourself (and your motorcycle) to make it home in one piece.
Motorcycle Winterization Tips: Insuring Your Ride On the Road & In Storage
The final motorcycle winterization tips are all about covering your motorcycle against unforeseen issues, and I don’t just mean because of low visibility. That’s right, insurance. While not nearly as fun as riding your motorcycle, insurance is what keeps you riding even if something does happen to your motorcycle.
For an in-depth guide to motorcycle insurance, check out our previous post about all the ins and outs of insuring your bike on the road. We break down everything about your needed motorcycle coverage and the types of motorcycle insurance, from motorcycle liability insurance to bodily injury. That article also guides you through motorcycle dangers and the best time to buy motorcycle insurance.
Now, since we’re looking for motorcycle winterization tips for your insurance, then we’re actually looking for the motorcycle insurance policy changes for winter. If you’re coming into winter with a motorcycle, you should already have your motorcycle insurance coverage basics down, right?
What you need to do to winterize your motorcycle insurance is update your policy! If you’re planning to keep riding during the winter months, contact your agent to help identify gaps and extend your coverage to make sure you are fully protected from the rain and snow. The rain slicker alone isn’t going to cut it here.
However, if you’re storing your bike for the winter, you can probably pause your motorcycle insurance coverage. After all, you’re not riding it, are you? Motorcycle insurance for winter storage is instead transferred to protecting your bike from damage or theft while it’s off the road, similar to other valuables you’re holding on to.
If your winter motorcycle storage plan is to keep it in your garage, then it might be covered by your homeowners insurance policy or personal umbrella policy. However, what you really want to have is “lay-up” insurance added to your motorcycle insurance policy. Lay-up insurance maintains comprehensive coverage against theft, fire, and damage, but suspends your collision, liability, and roadside coverages for the winter months.
Well, that’s all of the motorcycle winterization tips we have for you! You’ve got your winter motorcycle storage and maintenance covered. You learned how to overcome the dangers of motorcycle riding in the rain and winter weather. And, you either have extra coverage to ride, or you got a nice motorcycle insurance winter discount!
Now, take that money you saved, put it in your Vacation Fund, and start planning your next motorcycle adventure. We’ll see you on the road next spring!
If you still have any questions regarding the wide array of motorcycle insurance available, don’t hesitate to reach out!
541.482.0831 Ashland
541.857.0679 Medford