Fewer Rides Happen in the Winter

As the fall progresses, we still have plenty of time to ride comfortably here in the Dallas area.  But soon the temperatures are going to dip even more, we’ll have rain and perhaps even some ice forming on the roads.  Most motorcycles will be put into the garage for at least a few months as the coldest part of the year comes and goes.

Before you tuck your bike away for the winter, make sure it has been winterized.  A properly cared for motorcycle now means it will function optimally when the spring rolls around.  Here are a few tips from the Car Crash Captain to help you avoid an accident when the spring comes back.

Motorcycle Winter Preparation Tips

Keep in mind that all motorcycles are different.  Newer bikes may need less prep, and older bikes may need more.

• Change the Oil and Filter – An oil change and filter change should be a regular occurrence with your bike anyway.  Get it done now so anything that happens to be in the oil and filter won’t settle out and cause a clog or major problems when you fire it back up in the spring.
• Give it a Wash – It’s not entirely necessary to wash, dry, and perhaps even wax your motorcycle.  But any little bits of dirt on it, when a cover rubs against it, can scratch the paint.
• Fill the Tank and Stabilize – Most gas tanks are fine when they are less than full.  But to be on the safe side it should be filled up and stabilizer added to it.  Gasoline can “crystallize” over time, and cause problems in the engine.  Stabilizer prevents this.
• Disconnect the Battery – No sense in trying to fire up a motorcycle with a dead battery.  You can set it on a trickle charger all winter, but that also isn’t necessary.  Put it on the charger a couple of weeks before your first ride of the spring and you’ll be fine.
• Clean the Air Filter – Pull that air filter out and clean or replace it.  Just regular maintenance here, nothing that must be done in the fall.
• Protect the Tires – Tires can crack over the winter, especially if they’re left in the sunshine.  You can coat them with a tire protectant, but the most important thing will be to get them out of the sun light.  At a minimum, cover them.  But if you can store your motorcycle indoors (in a garage) that is climate controlled, that is even better.
• Cover It – There are plenty of high-quality motorcycle covers out there.  Even better is to get your bike inside, tucked into a corner of the garage.  If that’s not an option, at least cover it, and make sure that the entire wheel is covered to prevent dry rot.

Do you have other tips that you have found are helpful in keeping your motorcycle well protected over the winter, so when the spring rolls around you’re ready to get back on the open road?

Herbert Law Group Helps Motorcycle Accident Victims

The best winter preparation can help you avoid an accident when the spring rolls around.  But even the most careful riders can find themselves the victim of a negligent motorist.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, and you were not the at-fault driver, then we need to talk.  Insurance companies will try to diminish your claim and pay out less than what you actually need to fully recover.  We have worked with hundreds of claims, and we know how to fight for you.

Let’s talk about what happened and see how we can help.  Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll have a free conversation to establish a plan.