Don't let winter ruin your ride! Join Dwight Smith in Ann Arbor, MI, and learn how to master cold weather motorcycle storage like a pro with AMSOIL's expert tips.
Contact Dwight Smith in Ann Arbor, MI, at (702) 561-3706 or stop by their website to preserve the thrill of riding with AMSOIL. In due time, you’ll see that with the proper care and attention, your bike will be in excellent shape to tackle the open road once warmer weather returns.
As the cold Michigan air begins to bite, the time to put your motorcycle into hibernation is fast approaching. Winterizing your bike ensures that when spring comes, it roars back to life without a hitch. This step-by-step guide will show you how to achieve cold weather motorcycle storage using AMSOIL products to protect your bike during those long winter months.
Step 1: Thorough Cleaning Before Storage
Before you begin the cold weather motorcycle storage process, it’s essential to thoroughly clean your bike. Road grime, bugs, and dirt can build up and cause corrosion if left untreated.
- Wash and Dry: Use a high-quality motorcycle cleaner to wash the exterior thoroughly. Pay special attention to the undercarriage and wheels, which tend to collect the most grime.
- Polish: Once dry, apply a good-quality polish to the bike’s surfaces, helping to protect against moisture and corrosion during storage.
- Protect the Chain: AMSOIL’s Chain Lube is a great option for lubricating your motorcycle’s chain after cleaning. It provides protection against rust and resists sling-off, ensuring it stays in place for months.
Step 2: Change the Oil and Filter
One of the most important steps in winterizing your bike is to change the oil and filter. Old oil can become acidic and cause internal corrosion while your bike sits idle.
- Use AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil: AMSOIL’s Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil is perfect for cold weather motorcycle storage. It provides superior protection against rust, corrosion, and wear, even when the motorcycle is not in use. Its high film strength will help your engine remain in top shape through the freezing months.
- Replace the Filter: While changing the oil, don’t forget to replace the oil filter with a high-quality AMSOIL oil filter to keep contaminants out of your engine.
Step 3: Add a Fuel Stabilizer
Gasoline begins to break down after about 30 days, leading to varnish deposits in your fuel system that can clog your engine. A fuel stabilizer will prevent this during winter storage.
- AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer: Add AMSOIL’s Gasoline Stabilizer to your fuel tank before filling it up. This product keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing gum and varnish build-up and making sure your motorcycle is ready to go when winter ends.
- Fill the Tank: Once you’ve added the stabilizer, fill the fuel tank to prevent moisture from forming inside. Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the stabilizer to work its way through the system.
Whether it’s synthetic oils, fuel stabilizers, or metal protectors, Dwight Smith in Ann Arbor, MI, offers the best performance and protection formulas for cold weather motorcycle storage. Contact them at (702) 561-3706 or stop by their e-store to keep your machine in perfect working order all winter long.
Step 4: Take Care of the Battery
If left unattended, a motorcycle’s battery can lose charge or even fail during storage. Proper battery maintenance is crucial during the cold weather motorcycle storage process.
- Use a Battery Tender: Disconnect the battery and hook it up to a battery tender or trickle charger to keep it charged throughout the winter. This ensures that the battery doesn’t go flat, which can permanently shorten its life.
- Store the Battery Indoors: If possible, remove the battery and store it in a dry, cool area away from extreme cold. This can prolong its lifespan and prevent cold-weather damage.
Step 5: It’s Storage Time
Even when your bike is stored indoors, moisture and dust can still cause damage. It’s important to protect the exterior of your motorcycle while it’s in storage.
- Use a Motorcycle Cover: Choose a breathable motorcycle cover that prevents moisture from getting trapped but still protects against dust and debris. Avoid using plastic covers, as they can cause condensation to build up.
- The ideal storage location should be dry, temperature-controlled, and secure. If possible, store your motorcycle in a garage or shed that offers protection from the elements. The more stable the temperature, the better your motorcycle will fare. If you can’t store your bike indoors, make sure it’s covered and placed in a sheltered area away from snow and rain.
From AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil to their Gasoline Stabilizer and Metal Protector, each product plays a crucial role in safeguarding your bike during those cold, idle months. Order AMSOIL products online or call Dwight Smith in Ann Arbor, MI, at (702) 561-3706 to buy them from an authorized dealer.