Winterize your Ride Checklist: Dirt Bike Edition

Do you have your powersports vehicle prepped for the winter? If not, we’ve got you covered! We put together a comprehensive checklist that will include all the basics of prepping your dirt bike for hibernation.

Engine

Old oil can cause problems for your machine, so it's a good idea to change the oil and filter before storing your bike. 

If you plan on storing your bike for more than one season, be sure to use fogging oil in order to create a protective coat for all parts of your engine. 

Otherwise, you can simply add engine oil to the cylinder by removing the spark plug and pouring a teaspoon of it into the spark plug hole. 

To make sure the oil distributes evenly, put the spark plug back on without connecting its cap. Then crank the engine several times so the oil will spread. 

Click here: Shop Fogging Oil

Click here: Shop Engine Oil

Fuel

To avoid performance issues in spring, we recommend adding fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank. Then run the engine for five to ten minutes. This will allow it to run through all parts of the fuel system. To finish the process, top off the tank with fresh fuel and you will be good to go!

Click here: Shop Fuel Stabilizer

Coolant/Antifreeze

If you have been keeping up with the standard maintenance you should be fine when it comes to your cooling system. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to flush and replace your coolant before storage. 

Click here: Shop Coolant

Battery

For battery protection, we recommend removing your battery before storage and periodically utilizing a trickle charger/maintainer to prolong its life and keep it charged up. The trickle charger won’t overcharge your battery and will help avoid your battery draining during the time it won’t be used.

Click here: Shop Chargers

Air Filter

We recommend checking your air filter and getting it serviced or cleaning it if needed. This is important so you don’t run into issues with dirty oils and chemicals in the filter that can cause deterioration over time.

Click here: Shop Air Filters

Drive Chain

It's a good idea to spray a chain lubricant on your chain and cables before storing your bike to extend the life of your chain and avoid rusting.

Click here: Shop Chain Lubricant 

Click here: Shop Drive Chain

Suspension & Tires

If you want to extend the life of your tires over the winter and prevent flat spots, it’s important to elevate your vehicle using a lift stand. Otherwise, it never hurts to make sure your tires are completely aired up, so they don’t get too deflated by the cold weather.

Click here: Shop Lift Stands

Click here: Tire & Wheel Accessories

Clean & Cover

Clean your machine and spray it with polish before storage. This will protect the plastics and other surfaces from oxidizing. If possible, store your dirt bike in an indoor shelter of some sort, such as a garage, shed or barn to reduce its exposure to the elements. 

Also consider using a cover with ventilation and for additional protection. You could also use an old lightweight sheet or blanket as a cover to prevent dust and build up from occurring over time.

It’s also a good idea to plug up the exhaust pipe to keep moisture, condensation and bugs out of the exhaust system.

Click here: Shop Cleaners & Polish

Click here: Shop Covers

Now that you have winterized your ride, you have saved yourself from unnecessary wear & tear as well as potential issues that the winter months might have otherwise caused to your dirt bike. A little effort now goes a long way down the road. The best part is, when the spring season comes around you will be ready to whip your ride into action without any hassle!