Summer Is Over… Time to Store the Bike Until Spring

Even if you live in an area with mild weather where you can ride almost all year round, the truth is that many riders have no choice but to put their motorcycle away once autumn and winter arrive. Harsh temperatures, rain, snow, and icy roads make riding impractical or unsafe, so the bike stays parked until spring returns.

That is why, as the summer season comes to an end, we want to share a few practical tips on how to properly store your bike during the colder months, so that when it’s time to ride again, everything works smoothly.

1. Start With a Deep Cleaning

The first step is a thorough wash, leaving no corner untouched. Both metal and plastic parts should be cleaned carefully. Once the bike is dry, apply a protective wax layer to painted surfaces and plastics. This helps prevent fading and cracking.

You can also protect bolts and screws by rubbing a small amount of petroleum jelly over them. This creates a thin moisture barrier that prevents oxidation.

If your seat is leather or similar material, treat it with leather grease (horse fat is a classic product). It’s also a good moment to care for your riding boots and leather jacket, since they will likely be stored as well.

2. Chain Maintenance

The chain should be left completely clean, free of old grease buildup. Once cleaned, lubricate it properly so that the new protective layer shields it from humidity while the bike is parked.

3. Battery and Electrical Care

Disconnect the battery, or remove it entirely if possible. Coat the terminals with petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.

If your bike uses spark plugs that are easily accessible, removing them can also be part of long-term storage preparation.

4. Fuel and Stabilizer

Leave a good amount of fuel in the tank and add a fuel stabilizer. This is important because aged fuel can form deposits that are harmful to carburetors and fuel injectors.

5. Protect the Tires

Ideally, store the bike on stands so the tires do not rest on the ground for months. This prevents flat spots and deformation. If stands are not available, place a thick piece of wood or cardboard under the wheels instead of leaving them directly on concrete.

6. Oil, Filters, and Fluids

Changing the oil and filters before storage is highly recommended. Used oil contains impurities that may damage internal components over time.

Check the coolant system as well—never allow it to empty during winter storage.

7. Suspension and Fork Protection

Compress the front forks a few times to circulate the internal fluid, then apply a light spray of oil to the fork tubes and seals. This helps avoid dryness and corrosion.

8. Covering the Motorcycle

If you cover the bike, make sure the cover is breathable. Non-transpirable covers may trap moisture and create condensation, which is the perfect environment for rust.

9. Avoid Short Engine Starts

Contrary to popular belief, starting the engine occasionally for short periods does more harm than good. Brief warm-ups create condensation inside the engine, which can lead to corrosion unless the bike is ridden long enough to fully dry out.

The best choice is to prepare it properly, store it, and leave it alone until the riding season returns.

If you would like more motorcycle tips and maintenance advice, here you can read more interesting articles from our blog .