Cold weather can be tough on your motorcycle, so proper preparation is essential before it goes into a storage unit. These tips will help you protect your motorcycle this winter, so you can enjoy a smooth ride in the spring.

What Motorcyclists Should Know About Winter Storage

1. Clean the Surface

Your bike likely collected dust, dirt, and even dead insects during the riding season. While you might be tempted to store it as is, this debris will be tricky to remove after it sets during the winter.

Take some time to wash your bike and thoroughly dry the surface. Then add a coat of wax to protect the metal from excess moisture in the air, which could lead to rust.

2. Replace the Oil

Old oil can separate and corrode your engine, so refresh your motorcycle’s oil before bringing it to the storage unit. Replace the antifreeze and fill your fuel tank as well to lubricate your bike’s parts. 

3. Remove the Battery

If your bike has a lead-acid battery, it’s best to remove this component during the winter. Cold temperatures can lower the fluid levels, shortening the life of the battery. If you can’t remove the battery, return to your storage unit about once a month to run your motorcycle and charge it.

4. Cover the Bike

Even though your bike is indoors, you should still cover it to keep moisture, dust, and pests out. First, cover the exhaust pipes with plastic wrap to keep critters from crawling inside. Mount the tires and carefully secure the motorcycle cover. Keeping the bike off the ground will prevent flat spots during storage. 

If you’re looking for a secure storage unit for your motorcycle this winter, call the team at Advantage Self Storage. Based in Flower Mound, TX, this affordable storage facility provides quality solutions for residential and commercial customers. They have 31 convenient locations around Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, all of which include climate-controlled storage units. Visit them online to view a full list of their services, or call (972) 212-5225 to ask about available units near you.