This is one of those necessary wintertime chores that should be done if you want to keep your bike running in top condition. There are a few steps that should be done in sequence before storing your ride when it is nearly impossible to get out.

Here are the 7 basic steps my husband uses before putting our bike away for winter.

1) Of course, you want to store a clean bike. Don't use regular household soap; get the good stuff that is made for cycles and cars. Get those bugs off the windshield and go over every inch of your bike and look for the beginnings of rust.

2) Dry the bike thoroughly. Use a leaf blower or whatever, but it is important to get every nook and cranny dry. Once it's dry, you might want to use a dab of touch up paint on those inevitable scratches or rust spots.

3) Use a quality wax; buff to a nice shine. There should be no wax residue when you're done.

4) Change the oil in your bike for those long, cold months of sitting.

5) Use extra lubricant on all the cables. Don't overlook the chain and sprockets if you have them.

6) Add fuel stabilizer to your tank. (My husband uses Sta-bil.) Run the bike for 15 minutes after adding; it will prevent the system from getting gummed up during winter storage.

7) Spray WD-40 or silicone on all the small screws, nuts, etc.

Hopefully, you have a dry garage or shed to store your bike in. If not, you might want to rent a place or buy a small storage shed. If you have a valuable bike, the cost will be worth it in the long run.

If you want to cover your bike, there are quality, specially-ventilated coverings. Some tarps and covers hold moisture and cause rust.

Set your ride up on the center stand. Get as much weight as possible off the tires which can cause flat-spotting during storage.

Remove the battery and store it in a warm place. Or invest in a battery charger for a 6- or 12-volt motorcycle battery. My husband uses "Battery Tender Plus," which keeps the battery fully charged without cooking it.

If you can get to your bike and start the engine without too much of a hassle, let your cycle idle once a month; it will keep the engine parts oiled internally.

Before riding again, check the air pressure in the tires, and inspect all screws, nuts, lights, etc.

Get back in the saddle and ride! Be safe and enjoy yourself.

Learn more about this author, Karon Brandt.
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