5 tips for winter storage of your motorcycle

The days get shorter, it starts to get colder and colder and every trip risks becoming an opportunity to take an unwanted shower. In short, that part of the year has arrived when many of us, albeit reluctantly, prefer to close our two-wheeled friend in the garage for a few months.
 

But what are the precautions to take into consideration in order not to have unpleasant surprises in the spring?

Insurance
First of all, the first thing to do if you want to stop the bike for a few months every year is to take out insurance that includes suspension. In doing so, keeping the bike still will not cost you anything. Suspension is now a practice that many companies provide, so make sure your insurance allows it.
 

Refuel
Many advise to fill up before stopping the bike. This is to prevent condensation from forming inside the tank. In reality, with modern motorcycles this risk is not there and you shouldn't run any danger in leaving the tank low on fuel, even if by filling up before you will have one less thought when you can finally get it back.
 

Cleaning
Once the motorcycle has been moved to its winter shelter, it is advisable to clean it from top to bottom to prevent the accumulated dirt from becoming encrusted. At this stage, particular attention must be paid to the motorcycle chain, as well as to the crown and pinion, on which chain grease must be passed.
 

Tires
Keeping the motorcycle on the ground for several months could deform the wheels. If your motorcycle is not equipped with a central lift stand, you can buy a pair of lift stands or simply remember from time to time to move the motorcycle slightly, in this case also remember to periodically check the wheels to keep them under pressure.
 

Battery
There are several ways to prevent the battery from draining during the winter “break”. In any case, it must be disconnected from the motorcycle and stored in a dry place. The first option for storing the battery is to keep it attached to a charge maintainer, thus keeping it constantly ready for use. The second option is to reconnect it to the bike at least once a month and start the engine, and then unplug it again. 

Finally, cover the bike with a sheet to prevent the accumulation of dust, after which you can only be patient and wait for the return of good weather and good days to get back on the saddle.