The checklist
- Clean it. Road salt eats metal over the winter. Wash, dry and protect it with a corrosion spray, keeping it off brakes and tyres.
- Battery. Connect a smart maintenance charger, or take the battery out and keep it indoors on a charger.
- Fuel. Fill the tank to stop rust and add a fuel stabiliser. Run the engine briefly to get it through the system.
- Chain. Clean and lube it.
- Tyres. Pump them up to the right pressure, and if you can, use paddock stands to take the weight off.
- Cover. A breathable cover indoors, not a plastic sheet that traps damp.
- Security. A ground anchor and a good chain, even in a garage. Winter is when a lot of bikes are stolen from sheds and garages.
SORN and insurance
If the bike won’t be used or kept on a public road, you can declare it SORN with DVLA and stop paying tax. Check your insurance: laid-up cover is often cheaper and still covers theft and fire.
In the spring
Check the tyres, brakes, chain and fluids before the first ride. If it won’t start, see motorbike won’t start. If it still won’t go, we’ll take it to a garage for you. See motorcycle transport.
FAQ
Rider questions
Can you take my bike to a garage for its spring service?
Yes. Tell us where it is, which garage, and when they can take it.