Things to Consider While Preparing Your Motorbike for Riding Season

We know that now is not the time to ride the motorcycle. After all, it is the winter season, and the last thing you want is to ride your bike in the chilly weather. If you own a motorcycle, you need to put it away for the winter. But not so quickly. If you think that parking the bike in a safe spot is the only thing you need to do, you are mistaken.

You need to put it away properly if you plan on riding it again in the spring season and want to extend its durability. PitStopArabia promises that if you follow the below steps diligently, you will save considerable time & resources in the spring season. While you ride down the road, others will spend weeks cleaning, repairing, and maintaining their bike. Here is what you need to do:

1. Clean It

The first thing that you need to do is clean it thoroughly. Make sure that there is no dust, grime, or any other contaminants. The reason is that they destroy the paint and cause problems in other components. Ensure that the motorbike is clean before proceeding with the other steps.

2. Battery

We all know that battery is a vital component in a car. In a motorcycle’s case, the same rule applies. There are two courses of action that you can follow: 1) remove the battery entirely; or 2) top up the battery. Both will ensure that the battery remains in perfect working condition.

3. Fuel Tank

It would be best if you topped the fuel tank but not fully. The reason is that an empty fuel tank will start to rot quickly, leading to expensive repairs. The job is not done. The vital components in fuel will start to evaporate in about a month. In that case, you would need to drain the fuel tank and top it off again. As fuel prices are already touching the sky, we do not recommend this practice. Instead, what you can do is add a fuel stabilizer. It is why we said not to top off the fuel tank entirely.

However, PitStopArabia does not recommend it. Instead, we ask motorbike owners to start their bikes once every couple of weeks to ensure that the fuel circulates throughout the pipes. It will prevent injector and carburetor blockages. It is inexpensive and the easiest way of protecting your bike.

4. Block the Holes

Insects, mice, and other similar creatures love finding their way into holes. In the case of a motorbike, they can wreak havoc. So, PitStopArabia recommends that you cover up all the holes. You should add a note on the bike saying that all holes are blocked. When you start your bike again, you will remember to remove the blocking.

5. Oil Change

If you have not done an oil change, do not forget to do it in the winter. First, remove the old oil in an environmentally acceptable manner. After that, add the new oil. Make sure that the engine is a bit warm as it will ensure the best results. Lastly, rotate the engine a few times so that the oil is dispersed to all required areas.

6. Coolant Level

Some bikes are liquid-cooled. If you have such a bike, make sure that the coolant is at the recommended level. Do change the coolant if you have not flushed it out for a while. It will improve the bike’s durability and prevent numerous other problems.

7. Tires

It would be best if you inflated the tires a little beyond the recommended level. The reason is that tires lose pressure over time. As you plan to store the bike away for a while, the best thing to do is inflate them. It will prevent bald spots and other forms of tire damage. If your bike has a center stand, use it. Why? It will take the pressure off the tires, prolonging their life. If not, put a carpet or any other material between the tires and the ground. Lastly, rotate the tires every few weeks.

8. Cylinder Protection & Lubrication

PitStopArabia recommends that you add oil directly into the cylinders to avoid rust and other problems. This tip is only for those people who do not plan on using or even starting their bike for an extended period. Do not forget to lubricate the chain and all cables.

9. Paint Protection

The paint is what makes a bike visually appealing. If you wish to protect the original paint job, apply wax or get the ceramic coating. It will protect the paint from scratches and other forms of damage.

10. Storage Location

If possible, store the bike inside. If not, keep it in a location that does not get direct sunlight. You will need to cover the motorbike in either case. If budget is not an issue, you can get a custom-stitched cover for your bike or buy it from any reliable shop. Cover the bike with old bedsheets or rugs if you do not want to splash out money on a cover. Please ensure that dust, rainwater, or anything similar does not find its way to the bike.

11. Insurance

Regardless of where you live, you need to have insurance for your motorbike. Thieves are active throughout the year, and they might try to steal it. Even if that is unlikely, countless other things can go wrong. For instance, the bike may fall over, causing damage. Hence, insurance is highly recommended.

Final Words

In this blog post, we have told you everything there is to know about safely storing a bike away for the winters. If you follow these tips, we promise that you can drive the bike in the spring without any issue. In case you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us.