Prepping Your Harley-Davidson for Off-Season Storage in Canada
Every motorcyclist's least favorite season is almost here. It's time for Canadian riders to figure out winter storage for their bikes so they're road-ready for springtime. There's more to winterization than throwing on a motorcycle cover, though. Good thing you've found a guide to make it easy. Whether you're prepping for snowstorms in Ontario or icy winds in Saskatchewan, your ride will be safe and snug in motorcycle storage until riding season is back.
Winterize Your Motorcycle
Winterization starts before your bike goes into the storage unit.
Scrub Everything
Whether you're the rider polishing your motorcycle twice a week year-round or the one that maybe washes off the mud sometimes, you need to do a detailed cleaning before winter storage. Dirt, salt, bug guts, and other grime can damage the paint and cause corrosion. Scrub every nook and cranny, wax the paint, and top off the chrome with a protectant.
Do Your Maintenance
You know all that normal maintenance stuff that keeps your motorcycle in good condition? Do one last round of it all before hibernation. Especially the oil change — dirty engine oil causes corrosion. Top up your coolant, replace air filters, check your spark plugs, and freshen up the lube. Check your owner's manual to make sure you don't miss anything.
Protect Your Fuel System
Top off your motorcycle's gas tank to prevent corrosion. Ethanol fuel needs a fuel stabilization additive to stop it from separating after a month or so. Go for a quick ride after adding the fuel stabilizer to get it through the whole fuel system.
Storage Unit Time
You've got your motorcycle prepped, so now it's time to set up everything inside your winter storage space.
Keep Your Tires in Shape
Motorcycle tires can get permanent flat spots if they sit in the same position for too long. The ideal solution is elevation using things like paddock stands and center stands. If you can't do that, the next best thing is maxing out the tire pressure, setting the tires on cardboard or carpet, and going out to move them every few weeks.
Perfect the Environment
If you control your motorcycle storage environment, keep it dry and temperature stable. If not, protect it from the elements as much as you can. If your only choice is outside, keep it out of direct sunlight, invest in a quality motorcycle cover, and do your best.
Bring the Battery In
Motorcycle batteries don't like the cold. Bring them indoors for the winter, just like that cute stray you've been feeding (just do it, you know you want to). You can charge it every now and then or let a battery tender or trickle charger do it for you.
These tips will keep your motorcycle in top shape through winter storage in the Canada cold. Check out the rest of the blog to find more tips and info for Redline Harley-Davidson's favorite people — motorcyclists. Contact the Saskatoon dealership for anything and everything Harley-Davidson.