Winter Storage
Is it time to prepare your motorcycle for winter storage?
As the temperature drops and leaves turn, it's time to consider preparing your motorcycle for winter storage, depending on where you live in Canada.
Before diving into storage tips, remember to keep your insurance active throughout the winter. Motorcycle insurance in Canada is seasonally rated, meaning the winter months (November to February) are included at no extra cost. Keeping coverage allows you to ride on nice days and protects you from potential theft. Cancelling in winter doesn’t save you money — unless you’ve sold the motorcycle, keep the insurance year-round.
Motorcycle Winter Storage Tips:
- Oil Change: Change the oil before storing, so your bike isn’t sitting with dirty oil all winter. It's like putting away clean dishes instead of dirty ones. This is also a great time to do a general inspection of your bike before storage.
- Fuel Stabilizer: Top off the fuel and add stabilizer to prevent the gas from separating. This minimizes the air in the tank, which can cause corrosion and rust.
- Cover and Block Openings: Use a dust cover and block the exhaust and any large openings with foam or a tennis ball to keep mice out. Mice can damage your bike, including chewing through electrical wires.
- Protect Tires: Store the bike on wood planks or a stand to reduce cold contact with the tires. Move your bike a foot or so every few weeks to prevent flat spots in the tires.
If you're planning to buy a motorcycle this fall or winter, contact NFP. Our motorcycle insurance specialists offer friendly service, expert advice and competitive rates.
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