How to Protect Your Motorcycle During Winter

Your motorcycle is susceptible to damage once winter sets in. The different parts of your motorcycle can be affected by the cold weather, rain, and snow, but there are ways to limit or completely protect your motorcycle from these effects of winter.

How to Protect YourMotorcycle During Winter

If you will ride your motorcycle during winter, there are a few measures you can take to prevent your motorcycle from getting damaged.

Battery

The battery of your motorcycle is hit the hardest during winter, because the lower temperatures slow down its chemical reactions. Your battery needs to use more electric currents to function properly during winter. Charge your battery overnight or keep it charged regularly to keep it fresh. Also, apply some grease on the terminals and ensure that they are tight. Unplug the connectors and spray it with some silicone grease to prevent salty water from seeping in.

Anti-Freeze

Using anti-freeze or any kind of coolant on the water you put into your radiator prevents the system from freezing on a cold and chilly night. Make sure to drain and fill the system properly. After draining, make sure to bleed the system while you refill it. Improper bleeding can lead to an air-lock and eventually, overheating.

Oil & Filter Change

One of the first things you must do when winter comes is perform the oil and filter change. The cold winter months make it harder for your motorcycle’s engine to heat up, increasing the likelihood of damage. Engine oil has all the additives your motorcycle needs to protect your engine from the cold weather. Fresh oil works quicker and provides the protection your engine needs.

Grease Joints

Grease plays a vital role in protecting your motorcycle and its parts from the low temperatures of winter. Start the greasing process by removing the levers of the handlebars. Apply a good amount of grease before refitting. On parts unaffected by heat from the engine, apply a lot of grease for maximum protection. Make sure to apply grease on any bare threads such as wheel spindles and gear lever tie rods.

These are some of the measures you can take to protect your motorcycle from the cold temperatures of winter.