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How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Winter

As winter descends upon Atlanta, it's time for Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders to safeguard their prized machines against the seasonal chill. Properly winterizing your motorcycle ensures it stays in top condition, ready to hit the open roads of Atlanta when the warmer days return. Follow these key steps for a worry-free winter storage experience, ensuring that your Harley weathers the winter with resilience and is prepared to roar back to life come spring.

Clean and Protect: Start by giving your bike a thorough wash to remove dirt, grime, and salt residue. Apply a protective wax or coating to guard against corrosion during storage

Lube All Pivot Points: Keep your motorcycle's moving parts in peak condition by applying lubricant to all pivot points, including the clutch and brake levers, kickstand, and shifter. This prevents rust and ensures smooth operation when you bring it out of storage.

Inflate Tires: Inflate your tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure to avoid flat spots. If possible, place your motorcycle on a stand to take the weight off the tires and prevent uneven wear.

Change Oil: Change the oil and filter before storing your motorcycle. Used oil contains contaminants that can harm the engine during extended periods of inactivity. Fresh oil provides better protection against corrosion.

Top Off Fluids: Check and top off all essential fluids, including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. This helps prevent moisture accumulation and protects the internal components.

Stabilize Fuel: Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank and run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilized fuel circulates through the fuel system. This prevents fuel degradation and keeps the carburetor or fuel injectors clean.

Battery Maintenance: If possible, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, keep the battery on a maintenance charger to prevent it from losing charge. Check the electrolyte levels if you have a non-sealed battery.

Storage Location: Ideally, store your motorcycle in a controlled environment with a constant temperature. Fluctuating temperatures can cause condensation inside the motorcycle, leading to potential issues with fluids and electrical components.

Cover It Up: Invest in a high-quality motorcycle cover to shield your bike from dust, moisture, and other elements. Ensure the cover is breathable to prevent trapped moisture. You can grab one here in store we have one to fit every bike in any size!

Periodic Checkups: While your motorcycle is in storage, periodically check on it. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate fluids and keep the internal components lubricated.

By following these steps, you'll ensure that your motorcycle remains in peak condition throughout the winter, ready for the open road when spring arrives. Happy riding!