How to prepare your motorcycle for winter?

For some bikers, the first snowflakes mean freezing their butts off in winter conditions, riding at -10°C and bivouacking in the snow. For other riders, the option is to put the bike in the garage and enjoy the comfort of a sofa by the fire. At the same time, we understand. What fun is it to feel your extremities freeze as you ride? Is counting the stalactites on your eyelashes meditative? In short, if you're on the sane team, here are our 8 tips for putting your beauty to sleep until the first rays of spring sunshine return.

Before storing your motorcycle for the winter, it's essential to scrub every nook and cranny. What's the point? Firstly, to show your affection and explain that this break is only temporary. Secondly, to prevent dirt, mud and other impurities from damaging the paint or varnish in the long term. What's more, it will help you remove any salt you may have collected on the roads if you've taken advantage of the last rays of sunshine to drive.

Having said all that, how do you clean your bike properly?

By choosing the right products and taking the time not to forget any nooks and crannies. Take the opportunity to apply a little clean oil to the chromes and suspension bushes to protect the spinnaker seals.

----> Motorcycle maintenance kit Muc-Off Care Duo Kit

----> Spray UNPASS Addict 750 ml + microfiber

----> Motorex cleaning kit

Rust is enemy number 1 during long-term downtime. Particularly on the chain, this oxidation will lead to the appearance of hard spots. Not good. How to avoid this? By cleaning and greasing the chain. Start with a thorough scrubbing. Using a stiff bristle brush, we remove all dirt, salt residues and mud.

The next step is lubrication, which not only provides good lubrication, but also creates a protective layer against moisture and rust.

----> IPONE OFF ROAD CHAIN CARE maintenance kit

----> IPONE ROAD CHAIN CARE maintenance kit

----> Chain maintenance kit WD40 TRIPACK + chain brush

Should the battery be left on the bike or removed? The debate rages on. To put it simply, you want to protect it from two things: extreme temperatures and lack of "activity".

For the first consideration, either your bike sleeps in the garage, in which case you can leave the battery in place; or your wheel stays outside, in which case you'll need to dismantle it to prevent the electrolytes from freezing.

The second crucial point? Preventing the battery from discharging and "clogging" through lack of stimulation. There's nothing like an intelligent charger to do both. Also known as a charge optimizer, it tricks the battery into thinking it's still on the bike by maintaining the charge and simulating cycles of use. Yes, there's nothing good about idleness!

----> CTEK XS 0.8 battery charger

----> Battery charger Fulbat FULLOAD F4 6/12V 1.2 - 120 AH

What are we trying to avoid? To prevent the rubbers from deforming under the weight of the motorcycle. Staying in the same position for several weeks can create flat spots. You can imagine how unpleasant this can feel when riding.

Don't worry, there are easy solutions to prevent this. The 1st thing to do: over-inflate them (within the limit indicated on the tire, of course). Next, avoid leaving your bike on the side stand. Either your wheel is equipped with a central unit, in which case the case is folded, or it isn't, in which case you can opt for a workshop stand or a motorcycle lift.

Last option: move your bike regularly. This is the ultimate - and free - method of solving the problem of deformation.

----> Bihr X-Treme cross bike lift

----> Bike-Lift universal front stand with conical supports

----> Acebikes U-TURN XL 450 Kg motorcycle cart

As we've seen, rust is the danger that lurks during prolonged immobilization (especially with the humidity of winter air). And if your fuel tank is only half-full - or half-empty, depending on how optimistic you are at the moment - then its inner walls are in contact with the air, and therefore with condensation. Oxidation is just around the corner! Our advice? Fill up to the brim.

And last but not least: gasoline won't go bad in 4 months. So when the sun comes back out, your unleaded will still deliver the same performance.

What are the possible risks of leaving used oil in the engine over winter? Well, your precious 10W40 has degraded over the years. And - theoretically - it could have an acidity that could alter engine parts in the long term. Well, that's on paper. In fact, the quality of modern oils has improved, making it possible to store a motorcycle over the long term without damage.

So, what exactly should you do? Well, it's quite simple. If you've had your oil changed recently, then all you need to do is check the level and top it up if necessary. On the other hand, if you've been using the same oil for, say, 8,000 or 9,000 miles, then it' s a good idea to change the oil before winter (even if it means getting a head start on the next service). Your bike will thank you for this little pre-Christmas dialysis.

If you've followed our first piece of advice and spent 2 hours scrubbing every nook and cranny of your grinding wheel, it's not to let it rot outside for 4 months. Doesn't that make sense? There are two options here. If it sleeps in the garage, you simply want to keep it from collecting too much dust. So, covering her with a sheet will prevent her from accumulating ambient dirt and Minou from clawing at your comfort saddle.

If she sleeps outside, then it's essential to opt for a suitable protective cover. This will protect her from the rain, dead leaves and any acorns that may fall on her (we're talking about oak fruits here). What's important? The tarpaulin must be both waterproof and breathable, so that moisture can escape. Otherwise, you're looking at 4 months in the oven, with a cocktail of corrosion and mildew (especially on the seat, for example).

Last but not least. Every 15 days, or at worst once a month, you should start your bike. First of all, it's a sign of affection. You're showing her that you're thinking about her and that this separation is only temporary. What's more, starting the engine allows the oil to circulate, preventing parts from warping or seizing up as a result of prolonged immobility. A must? Keep the mill running until the cooling fan kicks in. That way, you can be sure you've put all the bike's major components through their paces.

You now have all the information you need to give your millstone a well-deserved winter's rest. What's more, while your beauty is sleeping peacefully, why not take the opportunity to clean your biker gear? Whether you're polishing your helmet, looking after your bootsor washing your Goretex jacket, by following our tutorials, you'll be able to sport brand-new gear when the sun comes back out!

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Image credit: header photo by Josh Howard on Unsplash