As the colder months approach, many of us face that bittersweet moment—time to put our beloved motorcycles into winter hibernation. For some, like my husband, the die-hard two-wheeler rider, this means giving the bike a little extra love and care before tucking it away for the winter. For others, like myself, a Can-Am Spyder enthusiast, it's a small price to pay for keeping our rides in pristine condition when it's time to hit the road again next spring. Winterization isn’t just about protecting your bike; it’s about ensuring that when those warmer days return, you can hop on and go without a hitch.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m no stranger to the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities (as a Gen X mom who raised triplet boys, you get used to multi-tasking), but winterizing a motorcycle isn’t as overwhelming as it sounds. It’s kind of like preparing your kids for a busy school year. You give them the tools, make sure they’re set up for success, and then you let them go do their thing. Except, in this case, your "kid" has two (or three) wheels and requires a bit of technical attention. Let's dive into the key steps to help your motorcycle (or Can-Am Spyder) survive the winter with minimal fuss and hassle.

Prepping Your Fuel System

Think of your motorcycle’s fuel system as its lifeblood. If you leave fuel untreated over the winter, it can break down and gunk up your system. Trust me, I learned this the hard way in my early riding days—nothing ruins the start of a riding season like bad fuel clogging your carbs or injectors.

You’ve got a couple of options here. First, you can drain the fuel entirely if you’re storing your bike in a space where it won’t be started at all over the winter. But let’s be honest, most of us aren’t going to go through the hassle of draining fuel. Instead, I recommend adding a fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas. Ride your bike for a bit afterward to ensure the stabilizer makes its way through the entire system. This will keep your fuel from deteriorating and save you from expensive repairs come spring.

Battery Maintenance

If there’s one thing that makes me shake my head every year, it’s the number of riders who forget to maintain their batteries during winter storage. Your battery will lose its charge over time, especially in colder temperatures. I’ve had more than a few moments when I went to start up my bike in the spring only to be greeted by...nothing.

Save yourself the frustration by investing in a battery tender. These handy devices keep your battery charged without overcharging it. Plus, they’re easy to hook up and leave in place throughout the winter. For my Can-Am Spyder, I find it especially useful because, while I ride more than ever now, it’s still parked for stretches of time. A battery tender is a lifesaver.

Oil and Filter Change

Changing your oil before winter storage is like giving your motorcycle a fresh start. Old oil can contain contaminants that, over time, may damage your engine. It’s the same idea as changing your car’s oil after a long road trip—fresh oil ensures smooth operation next time around.

When I had my traditional cruiser, I made it a point to do an oil change every fall, no matter how tempting it was to put it off. With my Can-Am Spyder, I stick to the same routine. Plus, changing your oil filter along with the oil will ensure you’re not carrying over any grime into the next riding season. After all, you wouldn’t put dirty water into a clean glass, right?

Tires and Pressure

Tires tend to be one of the most neglected parts of a motorcycle when it comes to winterization. Yet, they’re crucial to your bike’s performance and safety. When your bike is in storage, cold weather can cause the tires to lose air pressure, and if you leave it sitting in one spot too long, you risk developing flat spots.

I always recommend inflating your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI and, if possible, storing your bike with the tires off the ground. If you don’t have a center stand or a lift, at least move your bike around periodically to avoid those dreaded flat spots. If you’re storing it in a garage, keep it out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause the rubber to degrade over time. This tip applies whether you're rolling on two wheels or three like me.

Cleaning and Protecting Your Ride

A good cleaning is like giving your bike a final pat on the back after a long season of riding. It helps prevent rust and corrosion from setting in during those winter months. I’m guilty of skipping this step in the past, but after dealing with rusted chrome once, I don’t take any chances.

Give your bike a thorough wash, including all those hard-to-reach spots. Make sure it’s completely dry before covering it up. Applying a coat of wax will also help protect the paint and metal parts from moisture buildup. For my Spyder, I like to give the windshield a little extra love, too, with a specific plastic cleaner to keep it crystal clear.

Cover It Up

A quality motorcycle cover is essential for protecting your ride from dust, dirt, and moisture. Even if you’re storing your bike indoors, a cover can keep unwanted grime from settling on the surfaces. For outdoor storage, you’ll need a weatherproof cover that can withstand rain, snow, and wind.

After all, think of your bike cover as a winter coat for your motorcycle—it keeps the elements out and preserves everything underneath. Just be sure the cover is breathable to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to rust.

Exhaust and Intake Care

One often-overlooked part of winterization is sealing up your exhaust and intake. Rodents have a funny way of finding the coziest spots in your bike’s exhaust pipes to make their winter nests (ask me how I know!). Use exhaust plugs or stuff the openings with plastic bags to prevent this. Just don’t forget to remove them when the riding season starts!

A Final Thought: Keeping Your Style Intact

As you get your bike ready for winter, you can still ride in style—even when it’s parked. Whether you're heading out for those rare warm winter days or just want to look good while daydreaming about the next ride, consider adding the Motorcycle-Themed Embroidered Champion Jacket from Street Iron Gear to your collection. The design features skeleton hands holding a gold cross with wings—a unique and bold statement that any rider would appreciate. It’s the perfect jacket for showing off your love for the open road, even if your bike is resting for the season.