No matter what type of bike you have; dirt bike, dual sport, or street bike, winterizing it is important for several reasons. First of all, if you don’t winterize your bike, chances are it will not run well next summer. Most dirt bikes need to be lubed regularly to run properly, and without the correct lubricant, your bike will become extremely difficult to ride. On a dual sport or street bike, this can result in difficulty starting the engine in the morning, and can also lead to problems with the shifting and braking.
Secondly, if you wait until summer to winterize your bike, all of the water and debris that has been building up on the bike overnight will come rushing off when it rains. This can cause serious damage to the finish on your motorcycle, as well as causing rust spots on other parts of the frame. For those who obsess about their bikes, winterizing them in advance is an essential part of keeping them running smoothly throughout the year.
How to Winterize a Dirt Bike?
One of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your dirt bike is winterize it. Winterizing your bike means doing everything possible to avoid freezing damages that can occur over the winter months. There are several things you can do to winterize your bike and the process is relatively simple. Some recommended steps are checking all fluids, servicing any necessary parts, lubricating moving parts, and storing your bike in a cold and dry environment.
If you plan on riding your dirt bike during the winter months, it’s important to take these steps soon after purchasing your bike so that damage doesn’t occur. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your dirt bike stays working for years to come!
Clean Your Dirt Bike
If you’re like most people, you probably take your bike for granted. You ride it around town or to the store but sometimes forget to clean it off. Not only is it important to keep your bike clean to prevent corrosion, but also it’s a good exercise and can be fun.
To clean your bike, start by making sure that you have clean water and detergent on hand. Wipe down the entire bike with a damp cloth, being particularly careful around the brakes and gears. If there is dirt or other debris on the bike, use a wand or your hands to dislodge it. If necessary, use a Kleenex to remove any water droplets that may have landed on the bike while cleaning. Once everything is clean, use a spray washer to remove all of the foam (if there is any). Finally, dry the bike completely before storing it.
Fix Broken Parts
It’s important to keep your bike in good repair during the autumn season. Not only will this help ensure a smooth ride, but it can also save you some money in the long run. Broken parts can easily be fixed during this time of year, so make sure to check them all out and get them patched up if necessary. Additionally, make sure all bolts and screws are tightened up as they may have become loose due to the weather conditions. When the riding season is back in full swing, you’ll be glad you took the time to repair anything that was broken!
Fuel Stabilizer
One of the best things you can do to prevent your bike from breaking down in the winter is to put a fuel stabilizer in your tank. This will help keep gas from going bad and potentially causing a problem. There are different types of fuel stabilizers, so find one that matches the kind of gas you use. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. Gas goes bad in about 4-6 weeks, so if you wait that long to put it in, it’s probably not worth doing.
Turn on the Bike
When you turn the bike on, it will start up right away. It may take a couple of tries to get the timing correct, as there may be some torsion in the valves. Once it’s running smoothly, let it idle for a few minutes until it cools down.
Run Bike for 2 Minutes
The next step is to run it for two minutes. Again, this isn’t necessarily a timed event, but just makes sure your engine is hot enough so that the gas runs fully through all parts and doesn’t stagnate in any places. This also gives the oil time to heat up and be ready for our later oil change.
Change the Oil
Your bike’s oil changes with time and usage, so it’s important to swap out the oil every 5,000 miles or so. Old and used oil must be swapped out in order to maintain proper engine operation. Replacing the oil filter is also a good idea, as it can help prevent contaminants from entering the engine. Motorcycle oils have different blends and properties that are specifically designed for dirt bikes, so make sure you get one that meets your needs. Finally, don’t forget to refill the bike’s oil before hibernation season. Unless you have an excellent memory like me, I recommend you do this every month or two.
Turn Off the Gas Tank
When it comes to safety, never take any chances. Turning off the gas tank prevents gas from evaporating or leaking, which can potentially cause a lot of harm in the wintertime. Doing this each year will help keep your dirt bike safe and sound throughout the cold months.
Lube the Chain
Lube is important when it comes to keeping your bike in good condition. Not only does lube keep the chain from rusting, but a lot of cyclists also believe that having a well-lubed chain helps to prevent slippage, which can lead to loss of speed and potentially dangerous situations. Additionally, you don’t want to overdo it with the lube – just enough so that it’s not dripping all over the place.
Check the Tire Pressure
Make sure you have your bike’s tires at their normal PSI (pounds per square inch) and pump them up if necessary. Tires with low pressure can cause exaggerated wheel wear and can cause a bike to feel unstable when in use. To avoid these problems, keep your tires inflated to their recommended PSI.
Nurse the Battery
One of the main ways you can nurse a battery is to keep it constantly charged. Though most batteries will lose a small amount of voltage over time if not used, allowing them to discharge completely will quickly kill the battery and require a new one. It is important to note that this also means that leaving your battery plugged in all the time will not charge it; you have to take the time to plug it in and activate the charger periodically. Batteries also lose voltage when kept idle for long periods, so try to avoid letting your bike sit unused for extended periods.
If your bike has a lithium-ion battery, though, there is little need to worry about this as they don’t bleed voltage easily. Simply unplug the negative terminal and then cover both terminals with seal caps when not using your bike to protect them from accidental short circuits.
Elevate Your Bike
Elevating your dirt bike is essential to avoiding dry rot. You can do this by taking the bike off of its double stand and putting it on an elevated surface like a cinderblock or step. Make sure the tires have the required air pressure before storage to avoid them from going flat in the middle of nowhere.
Store
There are a few ways to store a bike during the winter. The most common is to get it off the ground and onto a stand so there isn’t any pressure on the suspension, which also keeps the tires from deforming. This is more secure than simply storing it by leaning it against the kickstand.
Cover the Bike
When it comes to protecting your bike in the winter, there are a few basic things you can do. The first is to cover it up with a breathable cover to prevent dust settlement, snow, rainwater, or any other debris from settling on or onto your bike. A chain can secure your bike indoors or outside in a garage out of sight of potential thieves or vandals so be sure to put some steel wool in your muffler to deter critters.
