Winter has arrived. Even if you have an excellent motorcycle insurance policy, your bike isn’t the safest way to navigate icy roads. If you haven’t stored your motorcycle for the season yet, it’s not too late. Here are five steps you can take to get your bike ready for storage until the spring.

Get Your Motorcycle Ready to Store for the Winter

1. Fill Up on Gas & Fluids

Fill your motorcycle’s gas tank before putting it in storage. Leave some room in the tank, because also you'll need to add some fuel stabilizer. This will ensure that the gas doesn’t deteriorate while you aren’t using the bike.

When it comes to your bike’s other fluids, such as the brake, clutch, and coolant fluids, you have two options. You can refill them, or you can simply drain them and wait until spring to fill up again. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure you’re using the right fluid and the proper amount.

2. Protect Against Rust

While your bike is in storage, its metal parts are at risk of gathering moisture. This moisture makes metal rust, but you can prevent this by washing and waxing your bike before putting it into storage. When dealing with the exhaust pipes, spray some WD-40 to prevent rust and moisture from accumulating.

3. Change the Oil

Before you put your kickstand down for the last time, make sure to change your motorcycle’s oil. Leaving old oil in the engine can corrode and otherwise damage the parts, requiring costly repairs. Changing the oil now will ensure that your bike is ready to ride come spring.

4. Conserve Your Battery’s Charge

The batteries of some newer motorcycles will drain when they’re not in use. This occurs so that your bike’s clock can keep track of the time, in addition to maintaining other presets. To deal with this issue, either remove your battery and use a trickle charger, or recharge your motorcycle now and charge the bike again once every month.

5. Take Care of Your Tires

If possible, store your motorcycle with the tires completely off the ground. Make sure your tires are fully inflated before doing so. Once your bike is in storage, rotate the front tire once a week.

Whether you need to upgrade your motorcycle insurance or purchase any other plan, The Insurance Exchange has you covered. Based in Whitefish, MT, they have provided personal attention and high-quality policy options to homeowners and renters throughout northwest Montana since 1998. Their agents are committed to protecting you and your property from the unexpected. Visit their website to learn more about their carriers and claims process, and call (406) 756-2500 to make an appointment or request a quote.