Deer Tips & Bike Storage for Winter

As Seen in Thunder Road Magazine

 

 

 

 

On the off chance you’re still out riding, remember that October and November tend to be the worst months for vehicle-deer collisions. Most of these types of crashes happen between dusk and dawn, so if you do go out for a ride, make sure your lights are working properly before you head out. Watch for blinking, moving, or vanishing reflectors, as these could be an animal’s eyes or indicate an animal moving in front of roadside reflectors. If you’re riding with a group, stagger riders in a formation that reduces the chances that multiple riders will be involved if a collision with an animal happens. Watch your speed, don’t over-drive your headlights, and trust your gut: give yourself as much time as you can to avoid a collision.

 

If you have decided to hang it up for this riding season, there are a few things you can do right now to help protect your bike over the winter and potentially speed up your prep next season as well.

 

Keep your insurance active. Your Homeowner’s Insurance does not cover your motorcycle! It’s your motorcycle’s Comprehensive Coverage that will cover damages if there is a flood, fire, or storm; if something falls on your bike; if rodents eat your wiring; or other damage to the motorcycle happens. The same policy may also cover your loss if the bike is stolen. I also suggest keeping your Bodily Injury Coverage active: You need Bodily Injury coverage to ride legally on the road. If we get a beautiful day early next spring, do you want to miss an early ride because your policy isn’t active? Cancelling your motorcycle’s Comprehensive Insurance is risky because you won’t be covered for damages; cancelling your Bodily Injury is risky because you might not be able to go riding when you want to. I recommend keeping your policies active to help reduce these risks.

 

In terms of where to store your bike, choose a secure, dry space to help avoid rust and water damage. Too much light, including sunlight, can damage paint and leather, so invest in a high-quality motorcycle cover. Don’t use a sheet or a tarp; these can damage your bike and won’t keep moisture at bay. Wash, wax, and polish your bike before covering it, too: the wax will help keep the bike dry. Spray WD40 into your muffler ends and drain holes, then gently stuff these with light plastic to keep moisture out. Wrap the muffler in more light plastic to keep it nice and dry. Plastic grocery bags work well.

 

Take your battery out while your bike is in storage. I suggest getting a Smart Charger, which will condition the battery and keep it from getting under- or over-charged. This can prolong the battery life and save you money in the end. Leaving the battery in your bike will discharge it, even if the bike is switched off, and a discharged battery can do major damage to your bike if it corrodes or leaks.

 

Even if it’s not due, changing your oil is a good idea. Running the motorcycle can make the oil acidic, which in turn can corrode and damage your engine. Drain your carburetors and fuel lines, but fill up your gas tank with fresh gas and a stabilizer. Leave a little room for the gas to expand when the temperatures warm up in springtime.

 

Finally, winter is tough on tires. Put foam, wood, cardboard, or another insulator between tires and the concrete floor to help prevent freezing. I always recommend keeping a small, portable air tank in your garage; use it to fill your tires to the maximum recommended pressure before you store your bike. Avoid using tire cleaning or shining products right before winter storage, as these can cause the rubber to dry out which can result in freezing or cracking.

 

Throughout the winter, you’ll need to check on your bike now and then to make sure everything is ok. Inspect the area for water or leaks, check for signs of rodents, and just do a visual to make sure everything is nice and dry. Check your tire pressure now and then and keep your tires fully inflated.

 

These extra steps to get your bike ready for winter can help protect your bike from the cold and wet conditions, help you get back on the road quicker and easier when spring rolls around, and may even help extend the life of your motorcycle. Plus, it’s a good way to get one last day with your bike this riding season.