We get a lot of questions about how people can winterize their motorcycles around this time of year, so we thought it would be timely to publish our top motorcycle tips. Keep in mind, though, that these tips really only apply if you intend to take your bike out of service for an extended period of time, such as 90 days or more.

Seven Common Sense Motorcycle Care Tips

When you decide to store your bike for the winter, here are a few helpful motorcycle care tips to keep in mind:

1. Fill up with fresh fuel.
Probably the most important thing that you can do is fill your motorcycle gas tank with fresh fuel and add fuel stabilizer. Due to the short shelf life of the ethanol-enhanced blend of fuel that is common to the St. Louis metro area, it is important to use a fuel stabilizer specifically designed to address the ethanol-related problems that can occur to your fuel system while your bike is stored.

2. Change the engine oil.

3. Charge the battery.

4. Use a protectant.
Thoroughly clean the bike and spray a protectant, such as WD-40, on the metallic surfaces while trying to avoid spraying rubber surfaces, as well as the tires and brakes.

5. Don’t forget the chain.
Lube the chain, if applicable, or spray with protectant as described above.

6. Cover it up.  
Cover the bike to help keep dust and debris off it.

7. Wash it to remove the protectant.  
Don’t forget to thoroughly wash the bike before riding in order to remove the protectant that you used when you stored your bike.

We know your bike is your baby, so use these tips to keep your motorcycle in top shape this winter — and keep yourself and your bike protected all year long with a Motorcycle Insurance Policy. 

Get An Insurance Quote From Insurance Advisors of St. Louis