Some bikers enjoy riding during the winter months but often climates are so cold that icy roads become too much of a danger and storage is the only option.

Either way, looking after your bike in winter is essential. Below are some basic but vital tips before winter storage:

• Give your bike the once over for mechanical problems. If you are storing your bike away for a few months the last thing you want is for it not to work when you come to start it up again.
• Check the pressure of your tyres. Leaving your bike to sit on deflated tyres will spell problems later so make sure you have them inflated to the specified pressure before you put your bike away.
• Change the oil filter on your bike and add fresh oil. After, you should run the engine to allow this to penetrate the system.
• Clean and wax your bike. Leaving salt or grit on your bike for months on end will damage the body work.
• Store your bike away from passersby where it could get damaged or stolen
• Secure your bike with an alarm or padlock to prevent theft
• Check your bike’s battery. If your bike has an alarm this will slowly drain the battery so consider connecting it up to a trickle charger while in storage.
• Top up on fuel before storage. This will stop any condensation forming in the tank.

Looking after your bike in winter is also important even if you have decided to keep your bike on the road. Again, by not thinking about the effects of the cold weather on your bike you could be increasing the risk of a motorcycle accident.

• Wash your bike with cool water every night removing any grit or salt.
• Always use a bike cover at night to prevent ice getting to your bike. It takes time to remove ice from your bike and it can be dangerous if it isn’t thoroughly removed before setting off.
• If your bike is designed to have a coolant in it then make sure it does. Getting pure water inside a coolant system can overheat your bike and cause more expensive mechanical problems.
• Think about the grip of your existing tyres. Are they strong enough for icy roads? Consider getting some sports touring tyres as these warm up quicker in cold weather and offer a better overall grip.
• Keep the lenses of your headlights clean at all times. Make sure you have cleaning tools available when you are riding.
• Looking after your bike in winter also involves looking after you. Always wear high-visibility reflective clothing to stand out on dark nights

Disclaimer

Motorcycle Injury Lawyers and Jefferies Solicitors accepts no responsibility for the validity of information within this article. For further information on bike safety please refer to addition sources of information.

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