With the temperatures dropping and snow on its way, the dreaded “Garage Season” has finally arrived for many of us. To ensure that your motorcycle starts up when the warm weather returns, we’ve put together a list of winterization tips & tricks for you.

Fill Up The Gas Tank – And Don’t Forget The Fuel Stabilizer

Some will say to drain your gas tank. However, that’s just not necessary. Head on down to your local gas station and fill up your tank while adding the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer. These days, gas containing 10% ethanol isn’t uncommon. This fuel begins to break down and absorb water in as little as 2 weeks. This will eventually make a total mess of your fuel system. If you do add a fuel stabilizer, make certain that the stabilizer enters the carburetor. If you don’t add stabilizer, make sure you drain the fuel in the carb bowl.

Changing Your Oil and Checking Your Fluids

We recommend changing your oil and filter in the spring. Over the winter the temperature fluctuates and will often times results in condensation on the inside of the engine. Wait until spring to change the oil and filter. Otherwise you might have a milk shake come spring when you start that engine. If the coolant levels are low, add antifreeze – NOT water. Once you’re done, start the bike up again. This will circulate the fluids through the system and provide additional protection against corrosion.

Remove and Store Your Battery

We recommend that you pick up a battery tender; you’ll want to remove and store your battery in a clean, dry place, but you also want to be sure it stays fully charged over the winter. Your best bet would be an Optimate TM-471 .8 amp battery charger/maintainer. They’ll charge ANY 12V lithium-ion battery out there.

Protect Your Tires

You’ll want to keep your tires in top shape as they can develop flat spots or even absorb moisture from your garage floor. If your bike has a center stand, use it and not the kickstand; if you have front and rear motorcycle stands, even better. If you don’t have any of those, placing a piece of plywood or carpeting under the tires will help prevent moisture damage.

Keep It Clean And Covered

Washing your bike when nobody will see it sucks, but giving it a thorough cleaning before storage is important; letting bug guts or water spots sit on your paint can corrode the finish permanently. Wash and dry completely to ensure all the moisture is removed from the nooks and crannies. Add a coat of wax and spray exposed metal with WD-40 to displace moisture.

With your motorcycle now fully prepped, invest in a proper cover if you don’t already have one. A quality cover will keep dust off the bike and will keep moisture out so it doesn’t get trapped underneath it, creating corrosion or rust.

Now that your bike is prepared to hibernate for the winter, now is the perfect time to do any maintenance or upgrade projects that you’ve had on your mind. www.billetproofdesign.com offers all kinds of upgrades that will make you feel like you’re riding on a brand new bike in the spring!

Set Traps!

This is probably not what you want to hear but there are usually little rodents running around garages. They tend to enjoy chewing on the things that reside on our motorcycles like leather seats and wires. It's always a good idea to set traps and do your diligence to ensure that a pesky mouse or rat problem doesn't rear its furry little head.