Eight things to do before storing your motorcycle this winter

As winter approaches, more than 18,000 Brits turn to Google to look up this year’s “winter weather forecast”, with UK searches up by 21% in the last month.

Unfortunately for motorcyclists, the forecast brings less than ideal news. Recent reports predict colder-than-average temperatures, above-average snowfall and wet and windy conditions, making this a challenging season for riders.

For those planning to take their bike off the road during these harsher riding conditions, Jessica Loft’s from Lexham Insurance’s BikeMatters team, shares eight essential tips for winter storage to keep your motorcycle protected and ready to ride come the new year.

1. Tackle those overdue maintenance tasks: Before putting your bike away for the winter months, begin working through any overdue maintenance tasks. Jessica notes that this could include, “replacing the tyres, changing the oil, checking your spark plugs, or changing your motorcycle headlight bulbs.”

“Not only does this ensure your bike will be in the best shape for storage, but it also means you’ll be ready to get back out there as soon as the temperatures rise again”, Jessica explains.

2. Perform a deep clean and protect against rust: No matter how long your bike will be off the road, returning to a dirty, corroded motorcycle is the last thing you want. Start with a thorough clean, and ensure it's completely dry to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to corrosion. To reduce the risk of rusting from condensation, apply corrosion control or a water-dispersing oil like ACF-50 or WD40.

Jessica recommends focusing on areas like the engine case and wheels, while avoiding any contact with the brake discs and callipers. “When applying oil to the wheels, the best practice is to spray it directly onto a cloth and apply that way, making sure to follow the specified instructions within the manufacturers’ manual”, she advises.

3. Look after your battery: If there is one thing that we have in common with batteries, it is the fact we don't like the cold. There are a couple of ways you can protect your motorcycle battery from the colder weather - either removing the battery and storing it somewhere warmer, such as your home, or investing in a trickle charger.

With the first method, there are a few disadvantages as you will still need to start the engine every few weeks and of course have the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. “The second option and probably the best method is to use a trickle charger, such as an Optimate, helping to keep your battery topped up while still connected to your bike”, Jessica explains. You may find this easier as they are fairly inexpensive and easy to fit.

4. Top up the fuel tank: Unless you’re planning to store your bike for an extended period of time, Jessica recommends filling up before putting your bike into hibernation during the winter months to help prevent any rusting on the inside of the tank. However, it does require some additional maintenance, “Over time, petrol will lose its octane, meaning the fuel sitting in the tank will have a much higher density and can block your injectors. To prevent this from happening, it is advised you start up the motor on your bike once every few weeks.”

“Sometimes people will drain all the fluids to ‘dry store’ it, but if you keep the fuel in you can add some fuel stabiliser which should keep it good for up to something like two years. It’s also recommended that you put in higher octane fuel, but this isn’t a requirement”, Jessica shares.

5. Keep rodents away by blocking small holes and gaps: Unfortunately, whilst your bike is sitting dormant, any small holes and gaps such as your bike's air filter are the perfect places for rodents to settle in and hibernate for the winter. “One way in which you can keep your two-wheeler rodent-free is by blocking up any holes such as the airbox intake and exhaust pipes with cloths or spare tea towels you have lying around”, Jessica notes.

“Once the good weather returns, remember to remove any stuffing from the gaps or holes you’ve closed up before you attempt to turn the bike back on again.”

6. Choose a safe place and secure your bike: Whether you are keeping your bike in a garage or outside, it is always recommended to secure it with multiple locks. “Winter is a prime time for opportunist thieves, especially if you’re working away from home”, Jessica adds. 

7. Keep your bike covered and off the ground: Jessica recommends investing in a high-quality waterproof cover, like the Oxford Stormex Heavy Duty Motorcycle Cover, if storing your bike outside. If keeping it in a garage, any soft cover, such as old blankets, will do as long as it won't scratch the metalwork. The key is keeping your bike protected from the cold.

When storing your bike for long periods, it is also advised that you raise it off the ground. When a bike is left in contact with the ground in storage, it can cause flat spots in the tyres that may need replacing before you can take it out again. Jessica suggests using paddock stands, which can also come in handy if you like to carry out small maintenance tasks at home. A cheaper option is to over-inflate your tyres (without exceeding any limitations) and move the bike once every few weeks. “You will just need to remember to return them to the correct pressure before you get back to riding again”, Jessica adds.

8. Get your paperwork in order: Depending on your circumstance, check if you need to register your vehicle as off the road (SORN). This means that you are telling the DVLA that your bike is not being used and has been taken off the public highway. If you are planning on having your motorcycle in storage for longer periods, you may also want to consider laid-up motorcycle insurance, which will protect you if the unpredictable were to happen such as a fire or theft.

Once you have worked through Jessica’s tips, she also recommends keeping a note of everything you have done - “If you’ve blocked up any gaps on your bike, removed the batteries, or perhaps you’ve overinflated your tyres to store your motorcycle for winter, then you’ll want to make sure you reverse any of these adjustments before you set out to ride again.” Failing to do so may result in you potentially causing damage to yourself or your motorbike.

If you’d prefer to keep riding this winter, then there is no real reason why you can’t unless it is particularly harsh weather such as snow, providing you make sure to ride within your capabilities and when you feel safe to do so.