Motorcycles and ATV’s are very expensive purchases and they are worth taking the time to take care of properly. When winter rolls around and we motorcycle enthusiasts begin our hibernation, it is necessary for us to winterize our motorcycles.
If you want that bike to fire up first kick like it did just before you stored it for winter then follow these simple steps to winterize the right way.
There is a fast way to do this for the average bike you aren’t obsessed with and a longer method for the people who care “too much” about their bike.
I personally do the full winterize process and would recommend it if you have the time and care a lot about the machine.
Fast Winterize Method (8 Minutes)
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel in the gas tank and let the bike run for a couple minutes to allow the stabilizer to reach the entire engine.
- Remove the battery and put it on a smart charger through the winter to preserve the batteries longevity. (they aren’t cheap)
- Clean the Air Filter
Most people I meet do not remove the battery and I think it’s something very important to do, unless you want to buy a new battery every year. The investment into a smart charger is worth the batteries you will save for years to come. The smart chargers also allow you to jump your bike if you have let the battery die. My charger definitely gets it’s use.
Full Winterize Method (1 hour)
This is the optimal care you can provide for your motorcycle or ATV during the winter months.
Step 1: Fully Wash the Motorcycle
Get rid of all that caked on mud from last season and protect your plastic from staining. Clean the bike thoroughly and wipe it down with a drying cloth to prevent any water marks.
Step 2: Put the Fuel Stabilizer in the Fuel Tank
Go buy some from a local bike shop and add the appropriate amount to the fuel tank. Some of them are different than others so just follow the directions on the bottle.
Step 3: Start the Bike and let it Run for a 3-5 Minutes
Warming up the engine will run the fuel stabilizer through the engine. This will also warm up the Oil in the motor so that we can change it later.
Step 4: Turn Off the Gas Line from the Fuel Tank and Fill it Up with Fuel
Turn off the Gas from the tank (petcock valve) to the carburetor or fuel injectors. You can usually do this with the valve switch just below the fuel tank on the left side of the bike.
Step 5: Changing the Oil and Oil Filter
We all know oil gets dirty after a while and it needs to be changed every now and then. The dirty oil contaminants can build up and settle in the motor causing 
future problems.
You want the bike to be warmed up when you change the oil so that the oil is hot enough to thin out and drain well from the motor.
This is a good time to change the Oil Filter as well if you feel its had some use.
Letting your bike sit with a belly full of fresh oil will really help come spring and you are ready to ride.
Make sure to use Motorcycle oil that is rated for your bike. Motorcycles run very hot and require a special type of oil to function properly.
Step 6: Remove the Battery and Put it on a Smart Charger
This is one of the most important things you can do when preparing your bike for the winter. If you fail to do this step you will almost guaranteed have a weak or dead battery come spring and need to get a new one.
Motorcycle batteries that are left hooked up to the bike will slowly drain over the winter months and if it does drain it can cause permanent damage to the battery and can lead to failure.
Step 7: Lube the Chain
I recommend lubing the chain before every ride but it is a must to do after the bike has been washed. Put a generous amount of lube on the chain and sprocket to prevent rusting and friction. Your chain is spinning very fast and needs to also be very smooth.
Step 8: Clean the Air Filter and Apply New Lube
This is also a great time to clean the air filter and apply new lube or simply replace the filter. This is something that should be done regularly not just when winterizing a motorcycle. Keep clean air going into that motor!
Step 9: Check the Tire Pressure
Check the tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended psi. This can usually be found on the wall of the tire. Most dirt tires will take around 15 Psi. This depends on the type of tires and riding you do.
This step isn’t required but it is something I like to do just to ensure the bike is fully prepared for next season.
Step 10: Store the Motorcycle on a Stand
It is recommended to store the bike on a stand that allows the weight of the bike to be taken off of the suspension. This will prevent the tires from potentially deforming and give those forks a break during the winter months.
Step 11: Cover your Motorcycle
Put a cover on your bike. you don’t have to get an expensive fancy cover just use an old blanket if you don’t have a bike cover. This will just keep the dust off and keep it out of sight for any unwanted eyes who may take a peep in your garage.
Nothing overly complicated about winterizing a motorcycle or ATV but it is something that should be done. I hope this helped you preserve your bike for the winter and get ready to braap on come spring!