WORST MISTAKE That Most Riders Make Before Winter, by Ray Donnelly Motorcycles on YouTube. 21 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 21 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Read your owner's manual for the recommended tyre pressures, oil grade and battery type. These numbers change with temperature, so use the manual as your baseline.
Check the battery first. Cold slows the chemical reaction inside it, so a weak battery that starts fine in summer may fail in winter. Test the voltage and charge it fully.
If you are storing the bike, remove the battery and keep it on a trickle charger in a dry, frost-free place. If you keep riding, charge it regularly and consider a smart charger.
Check tyre pressures with a gauge when the tyres are cold. Cold air lowers pressure, so top up to the manual's figure and recheck every week or two.
Inspect the tyres for cracks, cuts and worn tread. Cold rubber grips less, so replace tyres that are near the wear limit before the weather turns.
Fill the tank and add fuel stabiliser if the bike will sit for weeks. A full tank leaves less room for condensation, which causes rust inside the tank.
Check the oil, coolant, brake fluid and clutch fluid levels. Top up or change them as the manual says, and look for leaks around seals and hoses.
Clean and lubricate the chain, then check its tension. Road salt and grit eat chains fast, so clean it more often in winter.
Wash the bike and apply a protective spray or wax to metal and painted parts. Road salt causes corrosion, so rinse it off after every ride on gritted roads.
For storage, park on a stand so the tyres are off the ground, cover the bike with a breathable cover and leave the battery on a charger. For riding, fit cold-weather tyres or adjust your riding for less grip.
Tips and common mistakes
Never leave a battery flat for months, as it may not recover.
Check tyre pressure more often in winter because cold air lowers it.
A full fuel tank with stabiliser prevents condensation and rust.
Rinse road salt off the bike after every winter ride to stop corrosion.
Questions
Should I remove the battery for winter storage?
Yes, if the bike will sit for weeks. Store it indoors on a trickle charger so it stays charged and ready for spring.
Can I ride my motorcycle all winter?
Yes, with care. Keep the battery charged, check tyre pressures often and watch for salt, ice and reduced grip.
Do I need to change the oil before storage?
It is a good idea. Used oil contains acids and moisture that can harm the engine over months of sitting.
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.
