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Although it is not always necessary depending on the location in which an owner lives, properly storing a motorcycle for the winter months can be beneficial for the overall health and longevity of the bike.

Taking the extra time to correctly store a motorcycle can make the start up in the spring easier than it otherwise would be.

In order to complete get this job done, there are several items that owners will need:

• Motorcycle Oil
• Motorcycle Battery Recharger
• Motorcycle Owner’s Manual
• One can Motorcycle Wax and Wash
• One Tire Gauge
• Gasoline Stabilizer

With these items at hand, follow the following steps from One Stop Motors, a leading website to find used cars, for proper winter motorcycle storage:

Step 1: Heat the engine to the normal temperature of operation and then shut off. Change the motorcycle’s oil and then restart the engine in order to promote the circulation of the oil. There is no need to change filters.

Step 2: Top off the tank with gas and use a fuel-stabilizing additive.

Step 3: Turn the petcock to “off” and then keep the motorcycle on until the engine quits.

Step 4: Make sure to support the motorcycle so that the tires are not touching the ground. Remove all of the air from the tires, if possible. If you cannot do this, fill the tires with the appropriate amount of air pressure and place the bike on center stand. Throughout the winter, rotate the tires every so often so that the tire is not always touching the floor in the same place.

Step 5: Ensure that the brake pads are situated apart from the discs.

Step 6: Remove battery and place on charger. Store the battery at a temperature higher than 32 degrees F and charge for a short period each month. Do this if you have no intention of using the bike at all during the winter. If the bike will be used at least once per month, the battery can remain in place with the negative end being disconnected when not in use. Run the motorcycle at its appropriate temperature of operation or, if this isn’t possible, simply crank the engine several times.

Step 7: Make sure that the parts of the bike that are chrome and/or painted are washed and waxed.

Step 8: Thoroughly lubricate the bike chain.

Step 9: Place the bike in a well-ventilated, dry garage. Cover the bike with a cotton blanket or cover instead of plastic as plastic will allow moisture to remain trapped and could potentially damage the bike.

Owners can depend on One Stop Motors, an excellent place to find used cars, trucks, SUVs and, of course, motorcycles, to provide helpful guides like these that are sure to increase the lifespan of their automobile.

View One Stop Motors’ selection of used vehicles online: http://www.onestopmotors.com