Properly winterizing your motorcycle before storing it for the winter is crucial, in order to avoid costly repairs; rust, corrosion and fuel contamination, just to name a few. This should not be attempted by just anyone; However, if you are technically capable, somewhat tool savvy, and take the time to do a little pre-planning, following the process outlined below will prevent the engine from seizing upon startup and ensure that you will be rolling in the spring. The winterizing step of the process involves choosing a dry, clean, out of direct sunlight (to prevent UV rays from fading paint surfaces), and safe place to store your motorcycle during the winter months. 'winter. Remove all chemicals, fertilizers or other corrosive products from the storage area, as these emit gases which can deteriorate rubber components and cause surface corrosion of the bicycle. Ideally, the storage space would be a heated indoor space, but for the majority of motorcycle enthusiasts, it will likely be in their garage. Once you've found the perfect storage spot, place a sheet of plywood on the floor to set the bike on, as this will help prevent condensation. Now that you have chosen and arranged your storage space, you will now need to gather all the necessary items. the tools and products needed to complete the winterization process. You will need four or five quarts of high quality engine oil, a new oil and air filter, transmission fluid, fuel stabilizer, grease, S100 anti-corrosion spray , trickle charger or battery charger, vinyl gloves, mothballs, steel wool, cleaning products. and waxing products. Purchasing a torque wrench if you don't already have one is a great investment because most parts are aluminum and over-tightening will cause serious damage to the threads. At this point you will need to fill...... middle of paper .. ....be covered during storage. Sheets and tarps absorb and trap condensation leading to rust. Tarps often stick to the painted surface in cold weather, ruining the paint job once removed. It is crucial to purchase a specially designed motorcycle cover that is breathable and will prevent corrosion by allowing moisture and condensation to escape and allow air exchange. Finally, it is neither necessary nor advisable to start the motorcycle engine, even for short periods. winter storage months. This can lead to condensation due to engine combustion from by-products in the oil. If possible, manually move the bike periodically throughout the months of storage to avoid punctures on the tires. Simply following all of the steps above will ensure that the motorcycle will be in perfect working order come spring, allowing you to hit the road without costly repairs.!