Your motorcycle is not ideal for driving in the winter, as it lacks the traction to properly handle ice and snow. Furthermore, the ice and salt that your motorcycle would be exposed to during the winter could cause damage to the engine and other vital parts of your vehicle. In order to ensure that your motorcycle stays in the best shape possible during the winter months, you should put it into storage. However, improperly storing your motorcycle can result in damage still occurring despite your best intentions. Understanding the right way to store your motorcycle is the best and only way to prevent damage from occurring.

Fluid Changes

The first thing that you'll want to do before putting your motorcycle into storage is to change the oil or have it changed by a professional. This is because oil that has been in use, even for a short period of time, will have dirt and other contaminants in it. Left to sit in the engine, especially during periods of low temperature, that dirt can become stuck on, hampering the performance of your engine when you turn the bike on next summer. You'll want to do the same with the coolant system, which can also form deposits over time without regular use, and ensure that the brake fluid is topped off (brake fluid won't need to be changed as much as coolant and oil will, however).

General Cleaning

It's also a great idea to clean the exterior of your motorcycle before you put it into storage. Any caked on dirt, salt, or other materials can cause rust to start to develop, and so washing it away can help ensure that the structural integrity of your bike won't be compromised during the winter months. It's also a good idea to spray a water displacement material into the exhaust pipe to prevent water from pooling and causing rust.

Suspension and Tires

In order to reduce the amount of strain that is placed on your suspension and tires, you should lift up your motorcycle. If your bike has a center stand, use that, but if not, you can simply prop up the motorcycle using blocks or jack stands – just take care that the bike is stable and won't fall over, as this can cause damage or injury. If you can't or don't want to lift your bike, you should at the very least inflate your tires to their maximum recommended air pressure. Doing so ensures that the tires retain their shape and helps reduce the chance of damage due to temperature changes. For more information, contact local professionals like Palmisano Ralph Movers.