Motorcycle Winter Care: Storage Steps and a Checklist for Winter Riding
Winterising a motorcycle is about protecting what deteriorates during a long lay-up: keep the battery charged, protect the fuel system, change the oil, take the load off the tyres and lube the chain. If you keep riding in winter, tyres, battery, visibility and salt removal become the priorities.
Before laying the bike up
1. Wash and dry thoroughly
Road salt, mud and insects corrode paint and metal while the bike stands. After washing, dry it with a short ride or compressed air; don't aim a pressure washer directly at electrical connectors.
2. Change the oil before storage
Used oil contains combustion by-products and moisture, which isn't good for internal surfaces over months. Renewing the oil and oil filter just before storage means the engine starts on clean oil in spring. For choosing oil, see our motorcycle oil guide.
3. Protect the fuel system
- Fuel-injected bikes: storing with a full tank reduces condensation and rust. A fuel stabiliser can be added for long lay-ups.
- Carburettor bikes: turning off the fuel tap and draining the float bowl prevents gum forming in the jets.
4. Keep the battery charged
A standing bike's battery drains by itself and through alarms or clocks. Connect a smart (maintenance) charger, or remove the battery, store it somewhere cool and dry and charge it monthly. For codes and care see our battery guide.
5. Look after the tyres
Set the pressures to the manual's values. If possible, put the bike on its centre stand or a paddock stand so the tyres don't carry the load on one spot for months. Check values with our tyre pressure guide.
6. Lubricate the chain and moving parts
Clean and lube the chain, and give stand pivots, lever pivots and cables a little oil. For chain care see our chain and sprocket guide.
7. Check the coolant
On liquid-cooled models, coolant with too little antifreeze can freeze and damage the engine and radiator. Check its freeze protection and renew it with the type the manufacturer recommends if needed.
8. Use a breathable cover
Plastic sheets trap moisture. Use a waterproof but breathable motorcycle cover; you can plug the exhaust outlet and airbox intake against small animals (remember to remove them in spring).
Lay-up checklist
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Bodywork | Wash, dry, protect bare metal |
| Oil and filter | Change before storage |
| Fuel | Fill the tank on injected bikes; drain the float bowl on carburettor bikes |
| Battery | Maintenance charger or remove and store charged |
| Tyres | Set pressures, take the load off if possible |
| Chain and cables | Clean and lubricate |
| Coolant | Check freeze protection |
| Cover | Breathable cover |
If you ride through the winter
- Tyres: on cold tarmac tyres warm up slowly and grip less. Avoid hard braking and sudden lean in the first kilometres; tread depth and tyre age must be adequate.
- Battery: cranking power drops in the cold. Replacing a weak battery at the start of winter reduces the chance of being stranded.
- Visibility: days are shorter; make sure headlight, brake light and indicators work and wear reflective gear.
- Salt and dirt: rinse the bike with fresh water after salted roads and dry and lube the chain and brake parts.
- Heated gear: heated grips and clothing draw extra current; don't exceed your charging system's capacity.
- Brakes: stopping distances grow in wet, cold conditions; check pads and fluid.
Getting back on the road in spring
- Fully charge and refit the battery and tighten the terminals.
- Reset tyre pressures and look for cracks in the tyres.
- Check oil level, brake fluid and coolant.
- Unplug the exhaust and air intake.
- Check that brake and throttle cables move freely, then take a short, gentle test ride.
If you have no indoor space
If the bike has to spend winter outdoors, moisture and sunlight are the main enemies:
- Park where rainwater doesn't collect and, if possible, out of the wind.
- Use a waterproof but breathable cover that can be strapped underneath, so it doesn't flap and scratch the paint.
- Put a board or thick mat under the tyres to keep them off the cold ground.
- Remove the battery, store it indoors and charge it monthly.
- Use a disc lock or chain lock against theft.
Common problems after a lay-up
| Problem | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Cranks but won't start | Flat battery, gummed-up carburettor, stale fuel |
| Brakes binding or a sticking caliper | Corrosion on caliper pistons |
| Stiff chain links | Rust on a chain stored without lubrication |
| Flat-spot feeling in a tyre | Load carried on one spot for a long time |
Most of these can be prevented with the lay-up steps above.
Frequently asked questions
Is it good to start the bike occasionally in winter?
A short idle doesn't bring the engine to full temperature, so moisture stays in the oil and exhaust. Either warm it up properly with a real ride or store it correctly without starting it.
Should the tank be stored full or empty?
On injected bikes with metal tanks, a full tank reduces condensation. Carburettor bikes can be stored with fuel in the tank, but drain the float bowl. Follow any specific instruction in your manual.
Remove the battery or connect a charger?
With a smart maintenance charger the battery can stay in the bike. Otherwise, removing it, storing it somewhere dry and frost-free and charging it monthly is safer.
Motorsiklet Parçası editorial team
Our team of motorcycle parts and maintenance specialists writes these guides from the questions and faults we see every day.
