How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Winter in Edmonton, Alberta

Winter in Edmonton, Alberta, can be harsh and unforgiving, and it’s not just your home or car that needs to be prepared for the cold. If you’re a motorcycle owner, taking the necessary steps to winterize your bike is essential for keeping it in good condition during the long, frigid months. Without proper care, the cold temperatures, snow, and ice can cause damage to your motorcycle, leading to costly repairs in the spring.

At Gateway Builders, we know the importance of winter preparation. While we specialize in commercial snow removal, we understand how vital it is to take care of your motorcycle before winter sets in. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to prepare your motorcycle for the winter so it’s ready to ride once the snow melts and spring arrives.

1. Give Your Motorcycle a Thorough Cleaning

Before you store your motorcycle for the winter, it’s important to give it a thorough cleaning. Dirt, debris, and road salt from the riding season can cause corrosion and damage to the finish if left unattended.

Wash and dry: Use mild soap and water to clean your motorcycle, paying special attention to areas like the wheels, chain, and engine. Once washed, make sure to dry it completely to prevent any water from freezing and causing rust or damage.
Wax and polish: Applying a coat of wax will protect the paint and chrome from moisture, which can help prevent rust from forming over the winter. It also adds an extra layer of protection against the cold and dry winter air.

2. Change the Oil and Fluids

One of the most important steps in preparing your motorcycle for winter is to change the oil and any other fluids, such as coolant and brake fluid. Dirty or old oil can contain contaminants that can corrode internal engine parts over time.

Change the oil: Before storing your bike, replace the oil and oil filter. Fresh oil will reduce the risk of corrosion while the bike is in storage.
Top off other fluids: Make sure that all other fluids, such as coolant and brake fluid, are topped off. If your motorcycle has a liquid cooling system, ensure the antifreeze is fresh and the coolant levels are adequate to prevent freezing.

3. Stabilize the Fuel

Fuel can degrade over time, and if left untreated, it can clog fuel lines and carburetors. To avoid this issue, adding a fuel stabilizer is a must when winterizing your motorcycle in Edmonton’s cold climate.

Add fuel stabilizer: Fill your gas tank to about 90% full and add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer. Run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilizer circulates through the system. This will prevent the fuel from breaking down and gumming up the carburetor or fuel injectors.
Empty the tank (optional): If you prefer, you can completely empty the gas tank instead of using a fuel stabilizer. However, many riders opt to keep the tank filled with stabilized fuel to prevent moisture from building up inside the tank.

4. Take Care of the Battery

Cold weather can take a toll on your motorcycle’s battery, causing it to lose charge more quickly. To avoid coming back to a dead battery in the spring, you’ll need to either remove the battery or use a battery maintainer.

Remove the battery: If you plan on storing your motorcycle in an unheated garage or shed, it’s best to remove the battery and store it in a warm, dry place. Clean the battery terminals and consider applying a light coat of petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
Use a battery tender: If you don’t want to remove the battery, connect it to a battery tender or trickle charger. These devices will maintain a steady charge throughout the winter without overcharging the battery.

5. Elevate the Tires

Storing your motorcycle on its tires throughout the winter can cause flat spots, especially if it remains stationary for long periods. To protect your tires, you can elevate the bike or take other preventive measures.

Use a motorcycle stand: If possible, store your bike on a center stand or paddock stand to elevate both tires off the ground. This will relieve pressure and prevent flat spots from forming.
Rotate the tires: If you don’t have a stand, consider rotating the tires every few weeks to distribute the weight evenly and avoid tire damage.
Inflate tires: Make sure your tires are properly inflated before storage. Under-inflated tires are more prone to developing flat spots.

6. Cover Your Motorcycle

Even if you’re storing your motorcycle indoors, it’s important to use a cover to protect it from dust, moisture, and temperature changes. A high-quality, breathable motorcycle cover will prevent condensation from forming, which can lead to rust and corrosion.

Indoor storage: If you have a garage, shed, or another indoor storage option, keep your bike covered to protect it from dust and moisture. Choose a cover that is breathable to prevent trapped moisture.
Outdoor storage: If you must store your motorcycle outdoors, invest in a weatherproof cover designed for winter conditions. Make sure the cover is tightly secured to prevent wind from displacing it and snow from accumulating underneath.

7. Check for Critters

During the cold months, small animals and rodents often seek shelter in warm, enclosed areas – like your motorcycle! To avoid unwanted visitors, take a few extra precautions.

Block entry points: Plug any openings, such as the exhaust pipe and air intake, with steel wool or rags. Just remember to remove these plugs before you fire up the bike in the spring.
Inspect regularly: Check your motorcycle periodically to make sure no animals have taken up residence. Rodents can chew through wires and cause serious damage.

8. Store It in a Safe Location

Finally, ensure your motorcycle is stored in a safe, secure location. If possible, keep it indoors in a garage or shed. If indoor storage is not available, make sure the motorcycle is well-covered and shielded from harsh winter elements.

Garage storage: If you have access to a garage, this is the best option for keeping your bike safe and secure during the winter months.
Outdoor storage: If storing your bike outside, place it in a sheltered area and use a heavy-duty cover to protect it from snow, ice, and wind.

Conclusion: Winterize Your Motorcycle for a Worry-Free Spring

Preparing your motorcycle for winter is an essential part of motorcycle maintenance in Edmonton’s harsh climate. With freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and long periods of inactivity, your bike needs special care to ensure it remains in top shape. By following these simple steps, you’ll protect your motorcycle from the elements and ensure it’s ready to hit the road when spring finally arrives.

At Gateway Builders, we understand the importance of winter preparedness. While we focus on commercial snow removal services, we know how crucial it is to be ready for winter, whether it’s your business property or your motorcycle. If you need snow removal services this winter, contact us today to keep your commercial property safe and accessible all season long.

Ride safe and enjoy the winter!