So winter is coming...
Protecting your bike against cold temperatures is vital for a healthy lifespan. This includes good practice in bike preparation and winter storage, as well as odd jobs to ensure the bike is properly protected throughout colder months, like rinsing the motorbike regularly.
Winter shouldn't mean an end to all riding, as wrapping up and hitting the crisp roads can be invigorating. Riding your motorcycle on quieter roads can give a greater sense of freedom, and muted, misty days can bring a feeling of peace and calm.
However, if you are planning to store your bike up for winter, we offer reliable recommendations for storage preparations and methods below. The motorcycle must be shielded from the elements, as well as pests and other damaging factors.
Various steps are involved when storing your bike for winter, this includes a handful of tasks during the storage period, and regular maintenance ensures the motorcycle will be usable after storage. Having good practice when it comes to storing your motorbike can ensure longevity and save you a lot of money, so take time to learn the best methods.
MOTORCYCLE TYRES IN WINTER
The state of your motorcycle's tyres can be a matter of life and death. If you notice a flat or inadequate tyre, it should be dealt with before any winter rides.
During the winter months, the necessity for high-quality and maintained tyres increases as the risk grows. You must prioritise time to frequently check the tyre pressure, ensure it sits within the manufacturer's recommended values, and that tyre tread depth remains well above the legal minimum.
Correct cold pressure, suitable tyres and adequate tread help the motorcycle perform as intended. They do not prevent ice or guarantee grip. Avoid riding on icy roads and adjust speed and following distance to wet or cold conditions.
Some riders believe releasing some air from the tyres can improve grip during brisk winter months, yet manufacturers actually advise against this. Letting air out can deform tyres and prevent them from rapidly heating up, creating more risk.
TRICKLE CHARGE YOUR BATTERY
It's natural for a motorbikes battery to slowly lose charge over time; this process can be accelerated by colder temperatures and lack of regular maintenance. Additionally, reduced rides during winter mean less opportunity to fully recharge the bike's battery, and, annoyingly, it may require charging before you head out on a ride. Furthermore, allowing your battery to run flat negatively affects the motorbike's health and longevity. Avoiding a flat battery saves you money in the long run, as new batteries carry a hefty sum.
Use a maintainer compatible with the motorcycle and battery chemistry, following both manufacturers instructions. There is no guaranteed number of extra years it will add to battery life.
LIGHTS & SIGNALS CHECKS
Pre-ride checks should entail a quick examination of your lights and signals' working condition. However, we know it can be hard to prioritise these checks when the sun is beaming and your heart is already out on the roads. When winter arrives, light and signal checks dramatically increase in importance, as the days and nights are darker and the roads are slipperier. Country roads are known to have a severe lack of lighting; without functioning motorcycle lights, this can be a death trap.
You must always ensure that the lights are working, clean and clearly visible to others. During the winter months, wetted dirt can stick to the motorbike, and grime can quickly build up on all exposed surfaces. Complete a routine check of lights and signals before setting off for a ride, including indicators, headlights, brake lights and the bike's full beams. If a cleaner is required, you can use a simple 'Helmet, Visor and Goggle Cleaner' to guarantee bright lights and maximal safety. It's smart to keep a travel-size bottle on your person when riding, allowing for quick pit stop cleans on longer rides. To further reduce dirt build-up without preventing light, you can apply a clear adhesive covering to the headlights.
CHECK COOLANT & ENGINE OIL
Use the coolant type and concentration specified for the exact model. Do not change the mixture to a generic winter ratio or mix incompatible products. Check only when the system is cool and investigate leaks.
CLEAN & LUBRICATE YOUR CHAIN
A motorcycle chain should be periodically checked throughout the year, yet in the winter months, it may demand more attention. The colder months mean one thing, road salt. Road salt is widely known as the biggest nuisance for drivers and even more so for motorcycle riders during winter. The salt can flick up into intricate parts of the machine, causing surface corrosion and rust development.
Chain lifespan quickly reduces if rust is left to set in, as it becomes more prone to snapping. A deep clean using a drivetrain cleaner and bike chain brush every 300 miles or so, will remove any lingering grime and improve traction. After cleaning, rinse off the chain and leave it to dry, then apply a coat of all-weather or wet-weather chain lubrication.
WASH YOUR BIKE AFTER EVERY RIDE
We know it's tempting to head straight inside for a warm brew and rest after a long ride in the cold. However, before you warm up, don't forget to give your bike a thorough rinse-off. A cold water rinse should remove any lingering salt and grime collected during a ride, preventing deeper set-in corrosion and damage.
Do not use hot water as this can dissolve road salt and cause further spreading. Many drivers set up a motorbike safe pressure washer in their garage or storage space for a hassle-free clean-off after rides. Just be sure the pressure washer is motorbike safe, as too high pressures can damage components.
Tips When Storing Your Bike
Plan storage in a suitable secure location and follow the handbook for fuel, battery care and checks during the lay-up. Keep a petrol motorcycle out of living spaces. Ask Jap & German Motorcycles for advice if you are unsure how to prepare your particular model.
Prevent Corrosion
It may be common sense, but ensure your motorcycle gets a thorough clean after its final ride before hibernation. Leaving an unwashed motorcycle for months on end can lead to moisture and corrosion damage to metal components.
After completing a thorough wash, make sure you dry the bike entirely to remove any remaining moisture that can initiate corrosion. Additionally, you can use anti-corrosion sprays to protect the chassis and other metal components.
START YOUR ENGINE
Prepare for storage using the handbook. Do not rely on periodic brief engine starts as a substitute for suitable battery care. Never run the engine inside an enclosed garage or storage space.
KEEP FUEL TOPPED UP
Follow manufacturer storage instructions for the tank and fuel system. Tank material, injection or carburettor design and storage duration matter. Use fresh compatible fuel and approved stabiliser as directed; occasional starts are not a fuel-preservation procedure.
KEEP IT COVERED
Where you choose to store your motorcycle can make a huge difference. Tucking it away out of walkways and commonly used areas prevents scrapes and other things from being leant against it. Also, consider the areas most prone to pests, as they can cause damage to the components.
If you don't own a storage space like a shed or garage, you can purchase a specialised outdoor bike cover to protect your motorbike from the elements if stored outside. Motorcycle insurance should cover how the bike is stored, as this can affect premiums and the likelihood of damage.
KEEP IT LOCKED UP
Whenever leaving an item of value for extended periods, it can become vulnerable, especially if it's stored in public domains. A motorcycle left unused can be scouted by criminals and made a target, so ensure it's locked up safe. Use a sturdy lock, ideally with a ground anchor, to make removal of the bike as difficult and time-consuming as possible for potential thieves. If you're not planning on riding the bike anytime soon, you may as well secure it as much as physically possible, and even install an immobiliser and/or alarm.
TAX & INSURANCE
If you have no plans to ride your bike in the near future, it's time to cancel the road tax and communicate to authorities bodies that your motorcycle is SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). Most motorbike insurance covers you whilst riding and whilst the bikes are in storage; however, it's best to check.
A comprehensive policy will cover the bike if it's stolen, fire damaged and/or accidental/malicious damage. Look out for 'Third Party Fire and Theft' (TPFT) cover when deciding on new motorcycle insurance. Lastly, don't forget to check the motorcycle's MoT is in date, and problems highlighted for repair have been mended.
USE PADDOCK STANDS
Use the centre stand or suitable paddock stands if permitted, on firm level ground. Follow manufacturer storage pressure guidance rather than arbitrarily over-inflating tyres. Restore the specified cold riding pressures and inspect the tyres before use.
Lifting the weight of the tyres is beneficial for the tyre condition which you can do using a paddock stands.
Moreover, placing a scrap piece of carpet or similar material between the ground and tyre and regular turning of the tyre can prevent flat spots. Once out of storage, make sure the correct pressures are matched to manufacturer advice.
Winter riding and winter storage need different plans
A bike used throughout winter needs frequent cleaning, corrosion checks and attention to tyres and lights. A stored bike needs a dry location, suitable battery care and a return-to-road inspection. Decide which plan fits your use so that fuel, fluids and security are dealt with together.
Remove salt using the cleaning method in your handbook, then dry the motorcycle before covering it. Apply a compatible corrosion protector only where the product and manufacturer allow. Keep it away from brake discs, pads, tyre tread, controls and other grip surfaces.
Recent figures underline the importance of winter checks
For October to December 2025, lamps and reflectors failures affected 7.92% of motorcycle tests and brakes 3.89%. These Great Britain class 1 and 2 figures describe MOT defects, not defects caused by winter weather. Source: DVSA, September 2026 release.
Check that dirt has not obscured lights and investigate sticking brakes or a changed lever feel. Cold, wet roads also require a riding decision: postpone a journey when conditions exceed your experience or the motorcycle cannot be used safely.
Battery, fuel and ventilation during storage
Identify the battery chemistry before choosing a maintainer. It must be compatible with the battery and, if you use the accessory socket, the motorcycle charging system. Follow its instructions for connection and unattended use. Do not use an unsuitable lead-acid charging programme on a lithium battery.
Prepare fuel according to the handbook, including instructions specific to carburettors. If a stabiliser is permitted, use its correct dose and circulation procedure. Fuel cleaner and stabiliser are different products. Do not rely on brief engine starts to keep the battery charged or fuel fresh, and never run the engine in an enclosed storage space.
BMW winter-storage advice recommends using the centre stand where available to reduce prolonged loading of tyres and suspension. Use secure stands suitable for the motorcycle, with no improvised lifting points.
Returning your motorcycle to the road after winter
Remove the cover and storage plugs, disconnect the charger, and inspect for leaks, corrosion, damaged wiring or nesting material. Check tyre condition and cold pressures, fluid levels, chain condition where fitted, lights and controls. Confirm that the brakes release correctly and the wheels turn as expected.
Complete service work due during storage before riding. If the bike will not start normally, avoid repeated prolonged cranking. Arrange diagnosis if warning lamps remain on or braking and steering feel abnormal. Once checks are complete, begin with a short, cautious ride and recheck the bike afterwards.
Jap & German Motorcycles provides the best services in and around West London. Whatever you require, our team can assist you with everything from BMW motorbike repairs to providing motorbike spare parts.