The cold weather is here!

Protect your bike at the end of the riding season with these winterization tips.

In some parts of the country, as soon as the temperature starts to plummet, it’s not practical or safe to be on the road on your motorcycle. If you’re storing your bike over winter, there are a few things you can do to ensure it’s raring to go the moment the sun shows its face again…

Thoroughly clean and dry your bike using a pressure washer on a cool setting to remove any major dirt, then use an H-D-approved cleaning product. Rinse off thoroughly and make sure the bike is bone dry before storage. Grease cables and linkages and use an anti-corrosion protectant to fend off damp and corrosion. Putting your bike away when clean and dry also shows up any potential leaks of oil, fuel or other liquids during the storage period.

Winter storage in a climate-controlled area is the ideal, but not everyone has access to a heated garage. Ensure your storage area is ventilated or use a dehumidifier; position your bike away from windows to avoid any risk of paint fade from direct sunlight and use a loose cover to eliminate dust or debris falling on it. Block air intakes and the exhaust with rags to eliminate small animals, insects, and damp air from intruding.

Winter is hard on batteries, so hook up your bike to a battery tender. Alternatively, remove and store the battery, although you may need to check how this affects any immobilizer or alarm that may be fitted.

Tires can deteriorate over winter if care is not taken. Ideally, lift the wheels off the ground with a stand. If this isn’t possible, overinflate the tires and put blocks of wood or pieces of carpet under them to remove contact with a cold floor. Rotate each wheel periodically to reduce deformation.

Fuel left in your bike can degrade or attract moisture, so consider draining the tank completely or adding a fuel stabilizer, and fill the tank to the brim to keep moisture at bay. Winter storage means you should change the engine oil, too before putting your bike away as old oil can contain acids and other impurities.

Do not start your bike during winter storage unless you intend to ride it! Cold starts are hard on engines, and if you don’t get your bike up to full operating temperature, you risk condensation building up in areas where you don’t want it. You will also deplete some of the battery’s charge if you don’t have it connected to a battery tender.

Your Harley-Davidson^® dealership can advise on supply and best use of Harley cleaning and protection products that have been specifically formulated for the needs of your bike.

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