If you plan to store your motorcycle this winter, be sure it's properly prepared to hibernate with these simple storage tips. 

How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Winter Storage

Cold winter days may be great for curling up with a delicious mug of hot chocolate in front of the fireplace, but they definitely aren't ideal if you're trying to ride your motorcycle. If the winter is looking like it's going to full of dreary weather, you may be better off storing your motorcycle for the season. If you're not sure where or how to start your winter storage preparations, use these tips to get a better idea.

Prepare Your Engine

Your motorcycle's engine may not be put to use during the winter but this doesn't mean you should completely forget about it. In fact, your engine can benefit from an oil change before you put it to rest this upcoming season. If you don't change your old oil, it can become thick and break down even though it isn't circulating. This can cause internal issues come spring, including sludge in the nooks and crannies of your engine. Before storing your motorcycle, be sure to give it a synthetic oil change. Once spring arrives, your engine will be ready to take on the road.

Fill up Your Tank

It may sound silly to fill up your fuel tank right before putting your motorcycle away for a whole season, but this is actually quite necessary. You see, a full tank of gas will reduce the chances of your tank letting in moisture and getting rusty. If your fuel tank does develop rust, this can mix into your fuel and get into your carbs when you start it up in the spring. Once you've filled up your tank, use a fuel stabilizer to keep your fuel in good condition during the winter. A fuel stabilizer can also help ensure your gas is ready for use once spring arrives.

Keep Your Battery Charged

It's easy to forget about your motorcycle's battery when you're preparing it for storage, so be sure it's on your list of tasks to take care of. To start, clean your battery's connections to ensure they're still in good shape and won't develop rust during the winter. Next, take the proper steps to ensure your battery won't lose all of its charge when it's not in use. If you leave your battery connected through the winter, it can die out even though it's not being used. This is the worst kind of surprise to receive in the spring. To prevent a dead battery, take it out and either charge is sporadically through the winter or keep it connected to a tender that will keep it charged. Before storing your motorcycle, be sure to give it a full synthetic oil change. Contact AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith at (702) 561-3706 for more tips, recommendations, and personalized attention. Their experts can recommend products like AMSOIL's 20W-40 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil.

Prevent Tire Issues

Even though your tires won't have to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions, they may still be facing a couple challenges while in storage. To overcome most of these challenges, use a motorcycle rack to store your ride. This will prevent your tires from developing flat spots caused by them resting on the ground all winter. By keeping your motorcycle off the ground, you can also reduce the chances of moisture affecting your tires. If you don't have a rack, place a piece of carpet under your tires to reduce moisture concerns and rotate your tires every week or so to prevent flat spots.

Find a Proper Storage Space

If you plan to store your motorcycle at home, be sure to do so in a dark and dry space. Most motorcycle owners opt to use their garage, which is perfectly fine. If your garage has a window, be sure your motorcycle isn't stored next to it since sunlight can cause fading while increases and drops in temperatures daily can create condensation and lead to rust. Don't forget to use a motorcycle cover made of breathable material for the best protection.

Wash Your Motorcycle

Before putting your motorcycle away for the season, give it a thorough wash, making sure to dry it completely afterwards. Once your motorcycle is dry, apply a new coat a wax to it to create a barrier against moisture and rust. You can also spray the exhaust pipe with WD40 to prevent rust and corrosion. Finally, use an exhaust plug to keep critters and moisture out of your exhaust pipe. If you don't have an exhaust plug, you can also use plastic bags to seal this entrance.

Synthetic Motorcycle Oil in Ann Arbor

Once you've given your motorcycle a synthetic oil change, move on to the next storage steps. For even more help preparing all of your vehicles for winter, feel free to contact the experts at AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith. Give them a call at (702) 561-3706 for expert advice regarding your vehicle's oil. You can also shop their full range of AMSOIL Oil products by visiting their online shop.