Frosty Tips for Winter Storage
Brrrr! December is here and the chilly air of winter has finally started to make it’s way across the first coast. We are lucky here in Florida to enjoy some of the best riding weather in the country. Compared to most places across the United States, we get to enjoy more beautiful days to ride (rainy days aside). But even here in Florida, it can get a little too chilly for some folks. For those riders, we’re going to talk shop today concerning winterizing and storing your hog until Spring warms us back up.
First things first. Find a warm stable for your iron stallion. Keeping your ride in a warm spot this winter can go a long way in keeping it ready to ride for Spring. Cold garages and sheds can lead to a myriad of problems: flat spots in your tires, fluids turning to gunk, batteries going kaput, and condensation in places you and your bike do not want to find it. If you don’t have a spot to park your bike through the winter months, or your significant other doesn’t feel comfortable sharing a bedroom or den with your Street Glide for a couple months (I mean really, who wouldn’t though?) look for a climate-controlled storage unit to keep your beast comfy.
Next thing to do is to tuck your bike in properly for its Winter hibernation. Top off the fluids, put a little fuel additive in the tank to help combat moisture accumulation. Speaking of fighting moisture, you can do your part to minimize issues with excess condensation by waxing your bike. Make sure to lube/oil cables, and to stuff some paper towels or newspapers in the pipes to help keep critters from making a winter home out of your ride.
Another thing many of us forget to do in the winter is to keep your bike hooked up to a trickle charger while it's parked. Nothing like getting the bike out for your first ride of the Spring only to find a battery that is deader than disco. Also, if you have access to a bike stand or lift, keeping your bike’s rubber off the ground can keep flat spots from forming when the chilly winter air inside your tires contracts.
Taking these few simple steps can make the bummer of not riding all winter from becoming the headache of getting a bunch of knick-knack things taken care of come Spring. Come by you nearest Adamec location and we can get you hooked up with the goodies you need to get your hog winterized, or if you are one of the brave souls who rides year-round, regardless of temperatures or seasons, then we’ve got what you need to stay on your bike too! We’ve also got experts you can trust to ask for advice on what you need to keep your Harley humming 365 days a year!