The Japanese Method to Store Your Motorcycle for Winter Without Killing It, by Blindspot Gear on YouTube. 9 min 40 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 40 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Wash and dry the bike, then take a short ride so the engine is warm and any water on the metal has burned off before you park it.
Fill the tank near the brim and add fuel stabilizer at the dose printed on the bottle. Run the engine a few minutes so treated fuel reaches the injectors.
Change the engine oil and filter while the engine is still warm. Old oil carries acids and moisture that sit against bare metal all winter.
Remove the battery or leave it in the bike, then connect a smart charger or battery tender so it stays topped up instead of draining flat.
Pump the tires up to the pressure on the sidewall and lift them clear of the concrete with a paddock stand, or slide a mat under each wheel.
Spray exposed metal, fork tubes, the chain and bolt heads with a corrosion protector. Keep it off the brake discs and pads.
Leave the engine off for the whole layup. Skip the weekly idle in the garage, which adds condensation and never charges the battery.
Run a 30-second check once a month: tire pressures, charger lights, cover still on, and no leaks or rust spots on the tank.
Tips and common mistakes
Fuel and stabilizer are flammable, so add them in a ventilated space away from heaters, pilot lights and sparks.
Plug the exhaust outlet with a rag or bung to stop damp air and mice getting into the pipe.
Use a breathable cover rather than a plastic tarp, which traps moisture against the paint and chrome.
Overinflate tires slightly if the bike sits on the ground, and check them again before the first spring ride.
Questions
Should I start the bike during winter storage?
No. Short idling in a cold garage builds up condensation in the exhaust and oil without charging the battery. Leave it off until spring.
Do I need to change the oil before or after storage?
Before. Used oil contains acids and water that attack bearings and gears over months, so fresh oil protects the engine while it sits.
Can I leave the battery in the bike?
Yes, if you connect a smart charger or tender that switches to a float mode. Never leave a plain trickle charger on for weeks, as it can overcharge the battery.
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.
