Riding your motorcycle through the winter months can often be a tough task with winter weather making roads dangerous to travel on. Many choose to store their bikes during the winter and ride them again in spring. Whether you want to store your bike or brave the harsh winter here are some simple tips for both options.

Winter Storage

Before you store your bike for the winter, carry out a few simple actions to ensure the bike is fully functionally by spring.

• Check for mechanical problems
• Check the battery
• Change the oil and filter
• Clean the motorcycle
• Fill the petrol tank

Make sure you store your bike somewhere warm – ideally, you should keep your bike in a garage but at the very least you should cover it with a well fitting bike cover. Do not forget about your bike over the winter, make sure you turn the engine over on a regular basis and try to use the brakes.

Winter Riding

Your bike

• Think about purchasing a windshield
• Check your battery
• Use the correct oil
• Check the headlights are clean and working effectively

Conditions

• Make sure you take extra care if roads are slippery or icy to avoid accidents
• Check weather forecasts in advance – it may be find where you are but icy further along your route.
• If the weather is too poor, try delaying your journey – fog and snow are often dangerous conditions to consider driving in.
• Remember too to wear protective clothing – gloves and adequate layers are essential.