As the nights grow longer and the first chills of winter begin to make their appearance, many of you will be preparing to tuck your cherished British classic motorcycles away for the long winter months. In this guide, we aim to arm you with comprehensive knowledge on how to winterize your bikes to ensure they come through the frosty season unscathed and ready to hit the road come spring. We’ll touch on everything from cleaning and storage to fuel treatment and battery maintenance.
Proper Cleaning and Storage
Before you even think about storing your motorcycle away for winter, it’s essential to give it a good clean. This isn’t simply an aesthetic concern – road grit, dirt and salt can all corrode your motorcycle over time, causing significant damage.
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Start by giving your motorcycle a thorough wash, using a specialist motorcycle cleaner and a soft cloth. Make sure to clean all areas, including the undercarriage and wheel wells. Once it’s clean, apply wax to the painted parts and chrome polish to the chrome elements. This will form a protective barrier over the winter months.
Choosing the right place to store your motorcycle is also crucial. Ideally, it should be indoors and out of the elements. A garage is perfect, but if you don’t have one, consider investing in a high-quality motorcycle cover that will protect your bike from moisture and other damaging elements.
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Checking and Changing Fluids
Next, turn your attention to the fluids in your motorcycle. Just like the human body needs proper hydration to function optimally, your motorcycle relies on well-maintained fluids for its wellbeing.
Start by changing the oil and filter. Used oil contains acids that can corrode engine parts over time, so it’s best to replace it before storage. Don’t forget to also check the coolant – if your motorcycle is water-cooled, ensure that the coolant is clean and filled to the correct level.
Other fluids to check and replace if necessary include brake fluid and hydraulic clutch fluid. Remember, if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s always best to take your motorcycle to a professional.
Fuel Treatment
A full tank of fuel can be a lifesaver for your motorcycle during winter storage. An empty or half-full tank can lead to condensation, resulting in water mixing with your fuel and potentially causing engine damage.
Fill your tank to the brim, then add a fuel stabilizer. This will prevent the fuel from deteriorating, which can lead to gum and varnish build-up in your fuel system. Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the stabilizer to circulate through the system.
Battery Maintenance
Battery maintenance is an essential part of preparing your motorcycle for winter storage. A battery left unattended over the winter months can lose charge and deteriorate.
Disconnect the battery and clean the terminals using a wire brush and a solution of baking soda and water. This will remove any corrosion that’s built up. Once the terminals are clean and dry, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion.
To keep your battery in top condition over the winter, consider investing in a trickle charger. This device maintains the battery at its peak charge throughout its storage period, extending its life and ensuring it’s ready to go when you are.
Tyre Care
Finally, don’t forget about your tyres. They bear the weight of your motorcycle, and if left in one position for too long, could develop flat spots.
Inflate your tyres to the maximum recommended pressure, then consider elevating your motorcycle on a stand to take the weight off the tyres. If this isn’t possible, make sure to rotate the tyres periodically to prevent flat spots from developing.
Remember, winterization is not a chore, but rather an essential part of motorcycle maintenance that will ensure your beloved British classic motorcycle remains in prime condition for many years to come. Take the time now to prepare your motorcycle for the oncoming winter, and you’ll be ready to hit the road as soon as the first signs of spring appear.
Keeping an Eye on Belts and Cables
Your British classic motorcycle’s belts and cables also demand your attention before you put your prized ride into hibernation for the winter. These components are often overlooked, but they play a critical role in your motorcycle’s operation and safety.
Inspect all the belts for any signs of wear and tear. Look out for cracks, fraying, and signs of stretching. If any of the belts are damaged, it would be best to replace them to avoid any complications when spring arrives. Failure to do so can lead to belt breakage, which can cause severe damage to your motorcycle’s engine.
Alongside belts, the cables are also integral to your bike’s functionality. These include the throttle, clutch, and brake cables. Inspect these carefully for any signs of fraying, kinks, or other damage. Lubricate them using a high-quality cable lubricant to prevent them from drying out and cracking over the winter months.
Remember, it is far safer and less costly to replace a worn-out belt or cable now than to deal with the consequences of a snapped belt or broken cable when you’re out riding in the spring. This is one of those instances where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Preparing Your Seat and Saddlebags
The seat and saddlebags of your British classic motorcycle contribute significantly to its look and comfort. As such, they demand special care to maintain their condition and ensure they remain in top shape for your spring rides.
The seats and saddlebags on most classic motorcycles are made of leather, which doesn’t like the frigid temperatures of winter. If left untreated, the cold can cause the leather to crack and degrade.
Before storing your bike for the winter, take the time to clean and condition the leather. Use a high-quality leather cleaner to remove dirt and grime, then follow up with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking during the winter months.
If your motorcycle’s seat and saddlebags are not made of leather, use appropriate cleaning and conditioning products for whatever material they are made of. This will help to preserve their condition and prolong their life.
Winterizing your British classic motorcycle may seem like a daunting task, but with patience and the right approach, it’s a manageable process. It’s all about taking care of the small details that will make a big difference in the long run. By following these steps, you’re not only preparing your motorcycle for the winter months but also ensuring its longevity and readiness for spring. By ensuring proper cleaning and storage, checking and changing fluids, fuel treatment, battery maintenance, tyre care, belt and cable inspection and attending to your seat and saddlebags, you’re setting your motorcycle up for an easy transition to the warmer months. Remember, the key here is prevention. Taking the time now to prepare your British classic motorcycle for winter will safeguard it for the years to come. It may seem like a lot of work, but when spring arrives, and your motorcycle starts at the first crank, you’ll know it was worth it.
