Winter Prep & Storage Guide
No matter if Winter is around the bend, or if you no longer have room in the garage, we understand that sometimes you just a safe place to keep your ride. So we came up with a few places to store your bikes and a 10-step check list if you want to do it yourself. If you store with a dealer, you could have some parts or accessories installed over the Winter, or at the very least, have it ready when we can get back on in the Spring.
We’ll be adding to the list, but here’s a start:
Yankee Harley Davidson, Bristol
Doc’s, Waterbury
Enfield Motorsports, Enfield
Mark’s Motorsports, Enfield
Old School Harley-Davidson, Ellington
Danbury Harley-Davidson, Danbury
Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson, Groton
Bridgeport Harley-Davidson, Stratford
If you’d rather do it yourself, here is a 10-step guide to keeping your bike in top shape and ready to ride next spring. Click here for more details.
1. Where to put your bike
Store your bike out of direct sunlight to avoid ultraviolet damage to finishes and big swings in ambient temperature. Trapped moisture is your enemy. Choose a specially designed motorcycle cover made of breathable and mildew resistant fabric.
2. Change the oil and filter
Consider a winter grade oil for an easier spring start-up. Dispose of oil and filter properly.
3. Add fuel stabilizer and drain carbs
Only drain carbs if you’re storing more than 4 months.
4. Lube the cylinder(s)
Only if you’re storing more than 6 months.
5. Battery storage
The battery must be removed and charged every 2 weeks. Add distilled water to conventional battery cells and charge.
6. Surface preparation
Wax and buff to protect against rust and moisture. Apply light spray of WD-40 to frame, engine and other metal surfaces.
7. Exhausts and mufflers
Drain muffler holes, spray WD-40 into muffler ends, loosely stuff pipe(s) with plastic shopping bag(s) and cover muffler with plastic bag.
8. Tires
Inflate properly, put cardboard or wood (1/4″ – ½”) under tires to keep from freezing and don’t use tire dressing.