Naperville Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Motorcycle riding season in Illinois can be glorious, but winters here are long, cold, and wet enough to sideline most riders. Proper winter storage protects your bike, saves you time and money in spring, and helps avoid common problems like battery failure, stale fuel, flat spots in tires, and corrosion. In this blog, we provide steps you should take before you put your motorcycle away for the winter and answer frequently asked questions about motorcycle storage.
Quick Checklist Before Putting Your Bike in Storage
- Clean the bike thoroughly (wash and dry).
- Change the oil and oil filter.
- Stabilize the fuel or fill the tank and use a fuel stabilizer.
- Charge the battery and either connect a smart tender or remove and store the battery indoors.
- Inflate tires to the recommended pressure and consider using stands.
- Lubricate controls, chain (or shaft drive service), and protect exposed metal.
- Cover the bike with a breathable motorcycle cover and store off the ground if possible.
1) Choose the Right Storage Location for Illinois Winters
If you have a heated garage, that’s ideal. A dry, enclosed spot protects the bike from freeze–thaw cycles, road salt vapor, rodents, and moisture. If indoor storage isn’t available, a quality motorcycle cover plus a dry carport or tightly sealed storage unit is the next best thing. Avoid uncovered outdoor parking where snow, sleet and salt accelerate corrosion. Illinois winter normals show average winter temperatures well below freezing across much of the state, so minimizing exposure matters.
2) Clean and Protect the Finish
Wash the bike (including the underside and chain) to remove salt, bugs, and grime that trap moisture. Dry completely, then apply a light coat of polish or wax on painted surfaces and a corrosion inhibitor or silicone protectant on chrome and metal. Clean metal parts are less likely to pit or rust during months of storage. Pay attention to brake discs and exhaust outlets, as moisture in these areas can cause surface rust if not dried and protected.
3) Change the Oil and Filter
Change the engine oil and oil filter just before storage. Fresh oil contains fewer contaminants and acids that can sit on engine internals over winter. Old oil left in the motor for months can allow harmful contaminants to settle. Starting the bike in spring with fresh oil is better than letting old oil sit.
4) Fuel the Bike
Modern guidance generally favors filling the tank and adding a fuel stabilizer rather than draining the tank. A full tank minimizes air space and reduces condensation inside the tank. Adding a stabilizer (and running the engine a few minutes so treated fuel reaches the lines and injectors/carburetor) prevents varnish and fuel breakdown over months. If you plan to store the bike more than a year, consult the stabilizer manufacturer for long-term advice or consider fogging the carburetor/tank interior per manufacturer instructions.
5) Battery Care: the Single Most Common Spring Problem
Illinois’ cold temperatures reduce battery capacity and accelerate self-discharge. To prevent battery issues in the spring, there are two good options:
- Use a smart battery tender (maintenance charger) connected to the battery for the whole winter. These devices keep the battery at a proper floating charge and prevent sulfation.
- Remove the battery and store it indoors at room temperature on a trickle charger or charge it periodically if you can’t keep it on a tender.
If you leave the battery on the bike, disconnect the negative terminal or use an in-line quick-disconnect switch only if you won’t be using a tender. Long-term disconnection can still allow slow drain from clocks/alarms. Motorcycle manufacturers recommend maintaining a charge rather than letting the battery sit discharged in cold conditions.
6) Tires and Suspension
Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, then consider one of these options to prevent flat spots:
- Put the bike on front and rear stands to take weight off tires and suspension.
- Roll the bike a few inches periodically if possible (harder if stored in tight spaces).
- If using stands isn’t possible, slightly overinflate tires by a few psi within safe limits and check pressure in spring.
Also, if your bike will be stored for many months, lock the suspension or relieve preload where the manual suggests. Check your owner’s manual for specific storage recommendations.
7) Lubrication, Controls, and Seals
Lubricate cables, the chain (or do the appropriate shaft/gearbox maintenance), and moving pivot points. Spray a light protectant in exposed joints to prevent corrosion. If the bike has carburetors, fog the cylinders with fogging oil as recommended by the manufacturer to protect internal surfaces from corrosion. Seal any gaps where rodents could enter (rodents seek warm dark places in winter) and consider peppermint oil sachets or traps, rodent prevention is often overlooked but important.
8) Covering the Motorcycle
Use a breathable motorcycle cover, not a plastic tarp, so condensation doesn’t get trapped against paint and chrome. Covers designed for motorcycles fit well and often have vents to reduce moisture buildup. If the bike is outdoors, secure the cover to resist wind. A breathable cover plus a slightly elevated platform (pallet or blocks) keeps the bike away from ground moisture.
9) Security and Insurance Considerations
If you’re moving the bike to an off-site storage facility, document the bike’s condition with photos and keep proof of storage and receipts. Check with your insurance company about storage rules, as some insurers offer lower premiums for off-season storage or have specific requirements for maintained coverage (for example, collision/comprehensive waivers while in storage). Contact your insurer to understand how your policy applies during winter storage. Make sure before you ride again in the spring that your insurance coverage is active.
10) Spring Prep
When you bring the bike out of storage: check fluid levels, battery voltage, tire pressure, and brakes. If you used a stabilizer, run the engine and let it warm up; inspect fuel lines for cracks or leaks. Replace the oil if you didn’t before storage or if the bike sat more than a few months. Test lights and signals, check brakes for surface rust on rotors (brief rides and a few brake applications clean rotors), and do a slow test ride before full-speed riding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Storage
Q: Should I fill the tank or drain it for winter storage?
A: For most motorcycles and typical winter durations, fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer, then run the engine a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel. A full, stabilized tank reduces condensation and prevents varnish buildup. Draining is sometimes recommended for long-term storage or older carbureted bikes, but it requires fogging and extra steps to protect internal surfaces.
Q: Can I leave the battery on the bike all winter?
A: Yes, if you connect a smart battery tender that maintains a float charge. If you can’t use a tender, removing the battery and storing it inside at moderate temperature is safer. Completely disconnected batteries still self-discharge, and cold temperatures make recovery harder.
Q: Do I really need to change the oil before storage?
A: It’s recommended. Fresh oil reduces contaminants and acids sitting on internal parts during storage. If you can’t change it before storage, plan to change it promptly after bringing the bike back into service.
Q: Do I need stands for my tires?
A: Stands are highly recommended if you can use them; they prevent flat spots and relieve suspension. If stands aren’t available, slightly higher-than-normal tire pressure (within manufacturer limits), periodic rolling, or at least inspecting pressure in spring will help.
Q: How long can motor fuel stay stable with a stabilizer?
A: Many modern fuel stabilizers claim to keep fuel usable for months; for example, some formulations are rated for up to 12–24 months under proper conditions—follow the product label for exact claims and instructions. Always use stabilizer with fresh fuel for best results.
Store It Smart, Ride Safely
Winter is the perfect time for preventative care. A few hours of proper winterizing: cleaning, fresh oil, stabilized fuel, battery maintenance, and the right cover will make spring start-up smoother and safer. Illinois winters are variable, but dealing with cold, moisture, and road salt is the common thread: protect the bike from those elements and you’ll preserve value and reliability.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. Our Naperville motorcycle accident lawyers have helped countless riders get compensation after a crash.