If it's too cold out to enjoy motorcycle rides, winter storage is your best option. Use these tips to prepare your motorcycle for winter hibernation.

How to Successfully Store Your Motorcycle This Winter

While you can ride your motorcycle through the winter, it's also valid to decide it's too cold outside to enjoy the open rode. If you've decided you'd rather not use your motorcycle through the cold winter months, the next step is preparing your ride for storage. To get started on this process, use these simple tips.

Find the Right Storage Space

Finding the right space to store your motorcycle in doesn't have to be a complicated task. In fact, many motorcycle dealers offer storage services during the winter. These spaces offer the perfect temperature conditions, preparation, and they even have people check on your ride every so often. However, you can take care of all this yourself at home. Your garage can be a great storage space if the conditions are right. Your motorcycle will be better off in a dark space that isn't affect by moisture. If your garage has a corner that is often affected by rain or if it has a window, it's best to keep your ride away from these areas. There are a couple reasons to keep you ride away from windows. The sun can cause fading and damage to certain parts of your motorcycle while the fluctuations in temperature due to exposure to direct sunlight followed by extremely cold nights can cause an increase in condensation. A dark, dry corner in your garage will be your best bet.

Fill up Your Tank

Filling up on fuel before storing your motorcycle may sound unnecessary, but it can make a huge difference in the spring. A tank that is left empty may develop condensation while in storage. This condensation can lead to rust formation in the fuel tank. This can then mix into your fuel and cause issues in your fuel system. To prevent this, fill up your tank so that condensation doesn't develop during the winter months. Remember to also mix in a fuel stabilizer so that your fuel stays in great condition while in storage. This can help ensure your fuel is ready for use once spring arrives.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change

Keeping old oil in your engine through the winter can be less than ideal for your motorcycle's wellbeing. Old oil can break down and become thick, causing internal issues like sludge formation in the nooks and crannies of your engine. To prevent this, give your motorcycle a synthetic oil change before storing it. Don't forget to also change your motorcycle's oil filter while you're at it. It's also a good idea to lightly coat your engine's internals with oil in order to prevent rust formation caused by moisture. Keep your motorcycle in great shape by giving it a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls this winter. Contact the pros at Schell Distributing Inc. at (208)524-0322 to get the personalized attention you need. They can offer great product recommendations like their 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil.

Disconnect Your Battery

Although your battery won't be in use, it can still lose its charge and even die out if it stays connected through the winter. You have a couple options that can keep your battery in good shape. One option is to connect it to a tender which will keep it charged without overcharging it or affecting its ability to hold a charge. Another option is to charge the battery every so often. This will require that you remember to follow through with this task. Whatever you do, just don't forget to charge it and don't leave it charging through the entire winter since both of these actions can have negative effects on your battery.

Wash Your Motorcycle

Before storing your motorcycle, it will need a thorough wash. Washing your motorcycle will help you get rid of any stuck on debris and moisture left over from your last ride. Getting rid of these substances will prevent potential corrosion and other damage. After washing your motorcycle, dry it thoroughly and give it a new coat of wax. The wax will act as a shield against moisture that can make its way under your cover this winter. Finally, spray the exhaust with WD40 to prevent rust and use an exhaust plug to keep critters out of your bike.

Synthetic Motorcycle Oil in Idaho Falls, ID

Before storing your motorcycle this season, be sure it's fully prepared. If you're looking for the right synthetic motorcycle oil for your motorcycle, contact Schell Distributing Inc at (208)524-0322. Don't forget that you can also browse their full range of AMSOIL Oil products in their online shop.