TextHow to Winterize Your Indian Motorcycle
When winter weather strikes, snow and ice can transform your drive into a disaster. But before you hang up your helmet, there are a few things to consider to ensure your motorcycle is ready to ride when the forecast warms. While some riders simply leave their powersports vehicle in the garage and hope for the best, taking these simple steps can make a major difference.
Here at Redline Powersports Commonwealth, our service professionals have provided some helpful insight into winterizing your Indian motorcycle. Here’s what you need to know!
Your Indian Motorcycle Winter Maintenance Checklist
Follow these steps to ensure your motorcycle is protected from the elements all winter long:
Thoroughly Clean Your Bike
Before storing it for the season, make sure your bike is spotless. Be sure to remove dirt, grime, and salt from the body and chrome components to prevent rust and corrosion from forming. Applying a coat of wax is also a good idea, along with rubbing some WD-40 on any exposed metal parts.
Change Your Oil
To protect your engine and ensure it’s revved and ready when springtime arrives, change your oil and filter. Old oil can turn acidic over time, resulting in harmful corrosion and expensive repairs.
Add Fuel Stabilizer
Fuel stabilizer is key to keeping your bike’s fuel system free of clogs. It also prevents fuel from becoming acidic while in storage. Just add the stabilizer to your gas tank and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it through the carburetors or fuel injection system.
Top Off All Fluids
Check all your fluid levels and if needed, freshen up all the fluids – including motor oil, clutch fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Because fluids can accumulate contaminants over time, changing them is a crucial part of routine maintenance, especially in cold weather.
Store Your Battery in a Safe Place
Leaving the battery connected throughout the winter can drain it, so we recommend removing it and connecting it to a battery tender in a dry, safe place. While you are handling your battery, give it a visual inspection to check for any corrosion.
Inflate and Rotate the Tires.
Tires can go flat when your Indian motorcycle sits stationary, especially as pressure drops during the winter. To prevent this, be sure your tires are properly inflated before storing your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for details. If possible, store your bike on a motorcycle stand that elevates it above the ground. If this isn’t an option, rotate the tires every few weeks to evenly distribute the weight.
Find a Safe Storage Location
After all recommended winter maintenance has been performed, it’s time to store your bike. Choose a spot that’s warm, dry, and secure. An Indian motorcycle bike cover is also recommended.
Visit Your Motorcycle Dealership in Prince George, VA Today!
Want to learn more about preparing your powersports vehicle for the winter? We’d be happy to help at Redline Powersports Commonwealth!
We welcome riders throughout the Prince George, VA area – including Chesapeake, Richmond, and Norfolk! No matter where you call home, we’d love to serve you. From buying the perfect bike to adding accessories, our huge selection ensures you’ll find everything you need, right here at your local motorcycle dealership!
We’ve stocked a wide variety of powersports vehicles, like dirt bikes, side by sides, Indian motorcycles, ATVs and more! Your adventures start here, so come see us today!
