Winterizing and storing your motorcycle in the off-season is an essential safety measure that all Michigan riders should take. The state’s harsh winters make it crucial to maintain your bike even when you cannot ride it. Taking the proper precautions now can mean safe riding when good weather returns.
So, what should you do now to prep your motorcycle for winter? Keep reading for more tips from Christensen Law.
Things To Consider Before Motorcycle Storage
Before storing your motorcycle, there are a few things you should consider:
- Where is the bike going to be stored? In a barn or shed? A garage? Outdoors?
- How much money can you afford to spend on motorcycle storage?
- Will you be using the motorcycle during the off-season or storing it until spring?
Regardless of where you store your motorcycle, it’s wise to keep it covered to protect it from the elements.
Tips to Maintain Your Bike in the Cold
Here are some tips for maintaining your bike in the cold:
- Clean and wax the bike’s exterior surfaces: Waxing the motorcycle can prevent corrosion. Any debris or dead insects on your bike’s surfaces will be more challenging to get off if you wait.
- Lubricate all moving parts: Ensure that the bike’s chain, cables, and other engine parts are adequately lubricated, especially if you plan to store the bike for a long time.
Fill the fuel tank and consider adding a fuel stabilizer: After topping off your tank with gas, think about adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from breaking down while it’s in storage. Allow the fuel stabilizer to disperse throughout the bike’s fuel lines by taking the bike on a short ride after topping off your tank.
Change the oil and install a new filter: The last thing you want is old oil sitting stagnant in your bike for months. Adding fresh oil will prevent corrosion during the winter.
Remove the battery and connect it to a trickle charger: Hook the battery up to a charger to keep it charged throughout the winter months while you aren’t using the bike.
Rest the bike on a motorcycle stand: A center stand will take the weight off your motorcycle’s tires over the winter months.
Insert muffler plugs: Plug any open areas on the motorcycle to keep wildlife out.
Cover the bike: A good motorcycle cover is essential to shield your bike, especially when storing it outside.
Should I Cancel My Insurance?
Even if you store your bike for winter, don’t cancel your liability insurance. There may be days when you decide to take your bike out for a ride. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, your liability coverage will provide critical coverage if others suffer serious bodily injuries, death, or property damage and you are at fault.
Contact Christensen Law
Christensen Law is a proven personal injury law firm with offices in Detroit, Southfield, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. Our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys have a reputation for excellence and a history of obtaining record-setting verdicts and settlements for injured people throughout Michigan.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a crash, call or contact us today for a free consultation with an acclaimed motorcycle accident lawyer.
