17/04/2008
As the biting winds of winter begin to blow and the mercury consistently dips towards freezing, it's a clear signal that your trusty motorcycle needs to be put into hibernation. However, simply parking it in the garage and forgetting about it is far from sufficient. To ensure your bike emerges from its winter slumber in peak condition, ready to tackle the open road come spring, a thorough winterisation process is essential. This guide will walk you through each crucial step, safeguarding your motorcycle from the harsh realities of winter and preserving its performance and appearance for the season ahead.
Why Bother Winterising Your Motorcycle?
The temptation to skip winterisation might be strong, but the benefits are substantial. Winter conditions, with their inherent moisture, salt, and fluctuating temperatures, can wreak havoc on your motorcycle's delicate components, leading to costly repairs and diminished performance. Properly winterising your bike acts as a shield, protecting it from these detrimental effects.
Here are the key advantages of a comprehensive winterisation:
- Corrosion Prevention: Winter brings moisture and road salt, notorious enemies of metal. Applying protective coatings to exposed metal parts, such as exhaust pipes and chrome accents, creates a barrier against rust and corrosion. A good quality wax or sealant on the paintwork provides an additional layer of defence against the elements.
- Fuel System Protection: Stagnant fuel can degrade over time, forming varnish and gum deposits that can clog fuel lines and carburettors. A fuel stabiliser, added to a full tank, prevents this degradation, ensuring a clean and ready fuel system when you're ready to ride again.
- Battery Health: Cold temperatures are a battery's nemesis, leading to a rapid loss of charge. Removing the battery and storing it in a cool, dry place, ideally connected to a trickle charger or battery maintainer, will significantly extend its lifespan and guarantee a reliable start in spring.
- Tire Preservation: Leaving your motorcycle to sit on its tyres for extended periods can lead to flat spots, deforming the rubber and potentially compromising its integrity. Elevating the bike on stands or ensuring proper tyre inflation and periodic rotation can prevent this.
- Optimal Fluid Conditions: Old, contaminated oil circulating in your engine during winter can promote internal corrosion. Changing the oil and filter before storage, along with topping up all essential fluids like coolant and brake fluid, removes contaminants and ensures all systems are protected.
- Freeze Prevention: In colder climates, coolant needs to be at the correct concentration to prevent freezing. Freezing coolant can expand and cause severe damage to the engine and cooling system components.
- Rodent Deterrence: Motorcycles can become attractive shelters for rodents during winter. Sealing off potential entry points, such as exhaust pipes and air intakes, with steel wool or other deterrents is crucial to prevent them from nesting and causing damage.
- Proactive Maintenance: Winterisation is the perfect opportunity to conduct a thorough inspection of your motorcycle. Addressing any minor issues before they escalate into major problems ensures your bike is in excellent mechanical condition for the riding season.
When is the Right Time to Winterise?
The precise timing for winterisation depends on your geographical location. Generally, you should initiate the process once average temperatures consistently fall below 10°C (50°F) and the risk of frost becomes a daily concern. However, there's no harm in starting the process earlier, especially if you find yourself riding less as autumn progresses. Getting ahead of the curve ensures your bike is properly prepared well before the harshest winter weather sets in.
The Cost of Winterisation: DIY vs. Professional
The cost of winterising your motorcycle can vary significantly depending on whether you undertake the tasks yourself or entrust them to a professional. For a DIY approach, you can expect to spend anywhere from £80 to £250, primarily on supplies:
| Item | Estimated Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Fuel Stabiliser | £7 - £15 |
| Engine Oil & Filter (if needed) | £15 - £40 |
| Cleaning Supplies | £7 - £25 |
| Battery Maintainer | £15 - £40 (if you don't own one) |
| Motorcycle Cover | £15 - £75 |
| Rust Inhibitor (e.g., WD-40) | £5 - £10 |
Opting for a professional service at a dealership or independent workshop will naturally incur higher costs due to labour charges. These can range from £100 to £300 or more, depending on your location, the specific services requested, and the workshop's hourly rates. While a professional service offers convenience and expertise, a DIY approach can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to connect with your machine.
The 15 Essential Steps to Winterise Your Motorcycle
Follow these comprehensive steps to ensure your motorcycle is perfectly prepared for its winter rest:
- Inspect and Repair: Before anything else, give your motorcycle a thorough inspection. Look for any loose bolts, worn cables, or emerging issues. Address any necessary repairs now to prevent them from worsening during storage. This is also an opportune moment for general maintenance, such as checking the brake pads and chain tension.
- Thorough Cleaning: A clean motorcycle is a protected motorcycle. Wash your bike meticulously, removing all dirt, grime, salt residue, and road film. Pay close attention to nooks and crannies. Once clean and dry, apply a high-quality automotive wax to all painted, chrome, and fibreglass surfaces. This creates a protective barrier against moisture and contaminants.
- Oil and Filter Change: Changing the engine oil and filter is a crucial step. It’s best to do this when the engine is warm, as the oil will drain more effectively. Used oil contains contaminants that can cause internal damage if left sitting. Ensure you dispose of the old oil responsibly.
- Fog the Engine (Optional but Recommended): For an extra layer of protection, consider fogging the engine. This process involves spraying a special fogging oil into the air intake while the engine is running. It coats the internal engine components, preventing rust and corrosion. You’ll need to remove the air filter for this, spray the oil into the intake, and run the engine until it stalls. Reinstall the air filter afterwards.
- Stabilise Fuel and Fill the Tank: A full tank of fuel is essential for winter storage. This minimises the air space within the tank, reducing the potential for condensation to form. Condensation can lead to rust and fuel system problems. Add a reputable fuel stabiliser according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once added, run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilised fuel circulates throughout the entire fuel system, including the fuel lines and injectors or carburettors. For carburetted bikes, it's often recommended to drain the fuel tank and carburettors completely after stabilising the fuel. This prevents the fuel from gumming up the delicate carburettor components.
- Check Antifreeze pH: If your motorcycle is liquid-cooled, check the pH balance of your antifreeze. Over time, the corrosion inhibitors in the coolant can break down. Use a test strip to ensure the pH is within the optimal range, typically between 8.0 and 10.0. If it's out of balance, consider a coolant flush and replacement.
- Top Off All Fluids: Ensure all fluid reservoirs, including brake fluid, clutch fluid (if applicable), and coolant, are filled to the correct levels. This prevents air from entering the systems and causing potential damage to seals and components over time.
- Check Battery Electrolyte Levels: For non-maintenance-free batteries, remove the caps and check the electrolyte levels. If low, top them up with distilled water only. For maintenance-free batteries, this step is not required.
- Disconnect and Maintain the Battery: This is one of the most critical steps. Disconnect the battery from the motorcycle and store it in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures. Connect it to a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep its charge at an optimal level throughout the winter. This prevents deep discharge, which can permanently damage the battery.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a suitable lubricant to all moving metal parts. This includes the chain (clean and lubricate it thoroughly), cables, pivot points for levers and pedals, kickstand, and any other exposed metal components. This prevents rust and ensures smooth operation come spring.
- Protect Exhaust Pipes: Apply a light coat of WD-40 or a similar rust inhibitor to the exhaust pipes and silencer. This will help prevent corrosion from moisture. Consider using exhaust pipe wraps for added protection, but be mindful not to leave them on for excessively long periods, as they can sometimes trap moisture and cause rust.
- Check and Adjust Tyre Pressure: Inflate your tyres to the maximum pressure recommended by the manufacturer. This helps prevent flat spots from developing during long-term storage. If you have a motorcycle stand, you can slightly reduce the pressure if you prefer.
- Elevate Your Motorcycle: If possible, elevate your motorcycle using paddock stands or a motorcycle lift. This takes the weight off the tyres and suspension, preventing flat spots and reducing stress on the tyres and wheels. If stands aren't an option, consider periodically rotating the bike to distribute the weight.
- Block Air Intakes and Exhausts: To prevent rodents and insects from entering your motorcycle, block the exhaust outlets and air intake openings. Steel wool is an effective deterrent, but ensure it's secured within a plastic bag to prevent it from falling into the engine. Alternatively, a piece of cloth secured with tape or a rubber band can also work for air intakes.
- Cover Your Motorcycle: Finally, cover your motorcycle with a breathable, high-quality motorcycle cover. This protects it from dust, dirt, and accidental bumps, even if stored indoors. If storing outdoors, a waterproof cover is essential to shield it from rain, snow, and UV damage. Ensure the cover is snug but allows for air circulation to prevent condensation buildup.
Winterisation FAQs
Is it absolutely necessary to winterise my motorcycle?
While not strictly mandatory, winterising your motorcycle is highly recommended, especially if you live in a region with harsh winters and won't be riding for several months. Neglecting this process can lead to corrosion, fuel system issues, battery degradation, and tyre damage, all of which can result in costly repairs and a frustrating start to the next riding season.
Can I leave my motorcycle outside during winter?
It is strongly advised to avoid leaving your motorcycle exposed to the elements throughout winter. If it's unavoidable, minimise its exposure to direct sunlight and moisture. A high-quality, waterproof motorcycle cover is essential. Accumulated moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and road salt can cause significant damage to various components.
Should I drain the fuel tank for winter storage?
For carburetted motorcycles, draining the fuel tank and carburettors is often recommended to prevent fuel degradation and gumming. For fuel-injected bikes, it's generally better to fill the tank completely and add a fuel stabiliser, as modern fuel injection systems can be complex to drain completely. Always follow the specific recommendations for your motorcycle's fuel system type.
What are the risks of not winterising?
The risks include:
- Corrosion: Moisture and salt can cause rust and corrosion on metal parts, including the frame, exhaust, and engine components.
- Fuel System Issues: Stagnant fuel can degrade, leading to gumming and blockages in the fuel lines, injectors, or carburettors.
- Battery Damage: Cold temperatures and lack of charging can lead to a dead battery or permanent damage.
- Tyre Flat Spots: Prolonged sitting in one position can cause flat spots on the tyres.
- Rodent Damage: Rodents can nest in your motorcycle, chewing on wires and causing other damage.
By taking the time to properly winterise your motorcycle, you are investing in its longevity and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable return to riding when spring arrives. Don't let winter catch you unprepared – give your bike the care it deserves!
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