Tips to Get your Bike ready for Winter
The coldest months of the year can be the hardest on your bike, Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki wants you and your machine to be prepared so you can hit the trails when the winter thaws. Read on below for our tips and recommendations for getting your bike through the colder months, and visit our dealership today in Memphis near Bartlett, Jackson, and Germantown, Tennessee.
Gas
If your bike is going to be sitting for a while, you need to make sure your fuel isn't going to turn into a corrosive mess inside your tank. Top off your gas and add a dose of fuel stabilizer, then run your bike for a bit to warm everything up and circulate the stable fuel.
New Fluids!
When spring rolls around, you'll probably want to get riding as soon as possible. Check all of your motorcycle's fluids (brake, clutch, coolant) and top off any that are running low. If you're worried about freezing, pay careful attention to antifreeze. Hit your bike's moving parts with a shot of lubricant to keep water off and prevent rust. Throttle, shifter, clutch cables, and kickstand should all get some attention.
Oil Change
Since your bike is warm from stabilizing the fuel, change out your oil. You've probably been putting it off anyway, but it's a must before winter storage. Change out your filter as well while you're at it.
Battery Care
Your battery will experience a steady drain while it's in storage. Keeping your battery healthy requires one of two things: You can remove your battery and put it on a trickle charger in a safe dry space. Alternatively, you can leave your battery hooked up to your bike and recharge it once a month. Either way, make sure it doesn't get left with no charge or you'll probably have to replace it sooner than later.
Wax before Storage
If you really love your bike, then give it a nice wash and wax before you get it stored for the winter. Not only will this make your bike look great when it rolls into the sun in spring, a coat of wax will protect your bike from dust and moisture. To protect your exhaust, hit it with a shot of WD-40, and plug a rag in to keep out unwanted guests.
Bike Placement
Placement matters, so pick a dry covered location to store your bike, preferably out of the sun. Adding on a breathable cover is a good idea too, to help keep dust and dirt off.
If your tires are left to sit on the ground over the storage period they'll deteriorate more quickly than if you manage to get them off the floor. Take the weight off your wheels with a center stand, put full pressure in your tires, and rotate your front tire periodically to prevent a flat spot from developing.
Remember, replace your fluids in the spring, keep your bike in storage and if you can keep it on a stand so it's not resting on the ground, remove your battery and wax your bike before putting it away for the season. If you need more help to get your bike through the winter, visit Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki today and let our professional and friendly staff get you squared away. Our dealership is located near Collierville, Tennessee, and Olive Branch and Southaven, Mississippi!