At this point it’s pretty clear that I own & operate my motorcycle on the streets of New York City. I do not have a parking garage for my Triumph Tiger 1050 so I keep my motorcycle parked outside… even in the winter! This blog is going to walk you through the steps I take to winterize my motorcycle. Let’s begin!
Typically, I try my best to use my motorcycle all year round, but it becomes unbearably cold to ride when temperatures drop below freezing. Paying for winter storage in New York City is an option but it could be a bit pricey (at least for me). This year a friend of mine is letting me store my motorcycle in his backyard. The bike will still be outside and exposed to elements but it’s free storage and I’m super grateful. If you need to do something similar here’s how to winterize your motorcycle:
- Clean The Motorcycle – Wiping off any dirt and grime helps prevent corrosion. Polishing and/or waxing your motorcycle will protect the bike from water damage or rust.
- Lube The Motorcycle Chain – You should already be lubing your motorcycle chain every 200-500 miles but for the winter I highly recommend you use extra lube. Lubing your motorcycle chain will help prevent it from rusting. Obviously this only applies to motorcycles with a chain.
- Use a Trickle Charger – If you want your motorcycle to turn on when the winter is over, then you need to use a trickle charger. A motorcycle battery will lose its charge if it’s not being used. The trickle charger will prevent battery depletion and maintain a charge while your motorcycle is being stored.
- Cover The Motorcycle – Use a motorcycle cover. Use a tarp. Use anything you can to protect your motorcycle from rain and snow. Make sure to secure everything to prevent the wind from blowing it all away.
I hope these tips help! Ride safe and good luck winterizing your motorcycle!
