As the crisp autumn air settles across Canada, many Harley-Davidson enthusiasts face a familiar dilemma: whether to start or not start their beloved bikes during the long winter months. While the thought of a cozy hibernation might be tempting, giving your Harley the occasional rumble during the cold weather offers some surprising benefits.

Continue reading to understand why firing up your motorbike now and then can prevent engine issues come spring.

Prevent Battery Drainage

Winter months can be harsh on motorcycle batteries, and Harleys are no exception. Issues such as battery drain may arise if you allow your bike to sit idle for months, especially in the winter weather. However, starting your Harley at least once a week ensures the battery remains charged and prevents it from losing its capacity to hold a charge over time.

To be safe, consider buying a high-quality battery tender, also known as a trickle charger. This device connects to your motorcycle battery and delivers a small, constant current, keeping it topped up and healthy all year round.

Keep Fluids Circulating

To run smoothly, Harley-Davidson motorcycles rely on a variety of fluids, including engine oil, coolant, and even fuel. During the winter season, these fluids become sluggish, potentially leading to engine trouble. To avoid this problem, regularly start your Harley to keep the oil circulating and ensure the engine remains lubricated. This also keeps your engine's internal components dry and prevents corrosion.

Also, when motorcycle oil sits idle in cold temperatures, it can thicken, leading to wear on engine components when you eventually fire up the bike. This is common, especially for Harleys, which have air-cooled engines that rely heavily on oil circulation for temperature regulation.

By starting your motorcycle, you allow these fluids to warm up, maintaining their proper viscosity, which ensures the longevity of your engine components.

Avoid Fuel Degradation

Over time, gasoline can go bad, especially when it sits unused in your Harley's fuel tank during the winter. When fuel breakdowns, it can lead to clogs in the fuel lines or carburetor, which can cause problems when you try to start the bike again in the spring.

Regularly starting your motorcycle prevents the fuel from stagnating and keeps the fuel lines clear. If you plan on storing your bike for an extended period, consider adding a fuel stabilizer. However, even with a fuel stabilizer, occasionally starting your Harley is a smart way to prevent long-term fuel system issues.

Maintains Tire Health

Winter storage often means that your Harley will sit in one place for an extended period, which can result in tire damage. Parking your bike for a long period of time can lead to flat spots on your tires, especially if the temperatures fluctuate. While this is not a direct engine issue, it can affect your ride quality and safety once the snow melts.

By starting your motorcycle regularly, you move it a little, which distributes the weight more evenly across the tires. These simple actions help maintain the integrity of your tires and ensure they are ready for the road during the riding season.

Ride Strong, Even in Winter

Starting your Harley during the winter months is a small effort but with significant benefits. From protecting your motorcycle engine and batteries to preventing condensation and fuel issues, this simple maintenance step will save you time and money in the long run. Keep your Harley in top shape with regular winter startups, and you'll be ready to ride when spring arrives.

For more tips on motorcycle maintenance or to schedule a service, contact Redline Harley-Davidson. Let us help you keep your Harley performing at its best, no matter the season!