Q: Preparing your bike for winter riding

Clean your bike . A lot. The worst thing to do is put it away dirty. Road grime and lingering damp play havoc with the brakes, chain, suspension rubbers and seals. So clean it thoroughly, more often than in summer. And talking about regular things – check those tyre pressures before every ride. Lube it up . Chain, cables (often forgotten but important), and a splodge or two of Vaseline on the battery terminals. Cold starting puts a heavy drain on the battery so if you live in the mountains, a trickle charger makes sense. It’s cheaper than a new battery. Check your oil . Do this at the start of winter, not the middle. Old, thin oil makes for crunchy gears, tired tappets and more wear. Good oil makes for a happy machine. Check brake and clutch fluids . Spongy brakes in winter = hello ditch. Check the radiator . Not just for level, but for coolant quality. Make sure it’s fresh and up to levels; winter brings expansion/contraction extremes so check those hose clamps for tightness too. Fight corrosion. If you are paranoid, give any crusty nuts or bolt heads some anti-corrosion spray. Check your lights. Nobody minds a dim/blown globe in summer but in winter it can mean the difference between seeing the road and crashing. Look after your switches. Put a squirt of switch lubricant on your ride mode switch. Not being able to access Rain Mode can make riding very unpleasant.

Question 1

Preparing your bike for winter riding

Accepted Answer

Clean your bike. A lot. The worst thing to do is put it away dirty. Road grime and lingering damp play havoc with the brakes, chain, suspension rubbers and seals. So clean it thoroughly, more often than in summer. And talking about regular things – check those tyre pressures before every ride.

Lube it up. Chain, cables (often forgotten but important), and a splodge or two of Vaseline on the battery terminals. Cold starting puts a heavy drain on the battery so if you live in the mountains, a trickle charger makes sense. It’s cheaper than a new battery.

Check your oil. Do this at the start of winter, not the middle. Old, thin oil makes for crunchy gears, tired tappets and more wear. Good oil makes for a happy machine.

Check brake and clutch fluids. Spongy brakes in winter = hello ditch.

Check the radiator. Not just for level, but for coolant quality. Make sure it’s fresh and up to levels; winter brings expansion/contraction extremes so check those hose clamps for tightness too.

Fight corrosion. If you are paranoid, give any crusty nuts or bolt heads some anti-corrosion spray.

Check your lights. Nobody minds a dim/blown globe in summer but in winter it can mean the difference between seeing the road and crashing.

Look after your switches. Put a squirt of switch lubricant on your ride mode switch. Not being able to access Rain Mode can make riding very unpleasant.

Question 2

Storing your bike over winter

Accepted Answer

The alternative is to store the bike. There are a few things to get right here, too.

Top up the fuel tank. If you leave room for air, that can lead to condensation or all sorts of rust, emulsion, and grungy evaporation issues.

Clean your chain then put some light oil on it. It’s better than chain lube for rust protection.

Top up tyre pressure then put the bike on stands so you take the weight off just one spot on the rubber.

Take the seat off so mice can’t find a cosy winter home in the wiring.

Wax the whole bike. If it gets dusty/grotty, it’s way easier to clean come summer.

Store it properly. Put it somewhere nothing will fall on it, or knock into it. Most annoying winter damage comes from garage accidents. Fairings, indicators and lever crunches, plus accidental side stand fold-ups are all likely. Stash your bike in a safe, out-of-the-way corner.

Other advice? Get the maps out and start planning. Perfect for winter!

Advice: Motorcycle maintenance tips for winter

Preparing your bike for winter riding

Storing your bike over winter

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