The Winter Bike Prep Mistake That Actually Causes Damage, by Timeforbikes on YouTube. 16 min 40 s.
- Video length
- 16 min 40 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Give the bike a full wash with motorcycle cleaner and water. Dirt holds moisture, so clean the frame, wheels, forks and engine before anything else.
Check the engine oil level and top it up if needed. Check the coolant level and strength, then top up with the correct mix for your bike.
Fill the tank to reduce air space and add fuel stabiliser at the dose on the bottle. Run the engine briefly so treated fuel reaches the injectors or carbs.
Clean the chain with chain cleaner, dry it, then apply chain lube evenly. A dry chain rusts fast in a cold garage.
Check tyre pressures and pump them to the recommended figure or slightly above. Move the bike now and then so the tyres do not sit on one spot.
Remove the battery and store it somewhere dry and frost-free. Connect a trickle charger or check the voltage every few weeks and recharge as needed.
Park the bike in a dry, ventilated space away from damp walls. Spray exposed metal, fasteners and the fork stanchions with ACF-50 or a similar protector.
Block gaps where mice can get in and avoid storing food or bedding near the bike. Check the airbox and exhaust for nests before spring.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not run the engine for short bursts over winter, as condensation builds up inside the exhaust and engine.
Do not leave the tank nearly empty, because the air space lets moisture and rust form.
Overinflating tyres slightly and rolling the bike helps avoid flat spots.
Use a trickle charger rather than a fast charger to keep the battery healthy.
Questions
Should I drain the fuel or leave it in the tank?
Leave fuel in the tank and add stabiliser. A full tank keeps moisture out and stops the inside rusting.
Can I leave the battery on the bike?
You can, but a trickle charger is safer. If you remove it, store it dry and frost-free and top up the charge every few weeks.
How often should I check the bike over winter?
Check tyre pressures, battery voltage and for damp or pests every few weeks. A quick look saves bigger problems in spring.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
