With winter just around the corner, it's time to get your motorcycle ready for storage. Cold weather can wreak havoc on your motorcycle, especially if special precautions aren't taken to protect it during storage. Before you put your motorcycle away for the winter, here are four steps you should take to make sure it's ready when warm weather returns.

Change the Oil

Motor oil can turn to a sticky mess over the winter, especially if it's dirty when you put your motorcycle away for the winter. Colder temperatures and moisture can cause your motor oil to degrade, which will cause problems when you try to start the engine next spring. To protect your engine, change the oil before you put your motorcycle away for the winter. With fresh oil, your motorcycle will be ready to go as soon as the warm weather returns.

Protect the Battery

Even the best battery can die during the winter. The cold weather, and the fact that your vehicle is sitting dormant for several months, can sap the energy right out of your battery. To protect your battery, make sure it's fully charged before you put your motorcycle into storage. Next, either remove the battery and store it in a dry place, or leave it connected to your bike. If you leave it connected, make sure you go out and give it a charge at least once a month throughout the winter. The light charge will keep your battery fresh and make sure it's ready when spring arrives.

Wax Well

The winter months bring colder temperatures, and wet weather. Unfortunately, that combination can spell disaster for your motorcycle's metal parts. To avoid rust accumulation during the winter, give your motorcycle a thorough cleaning before you put it into storage. Dry the entire body, including all of the metal parts. Next, apply a generous amount of wax to protect against moisture damage. Finally, apply a thin layer of lubricating spray to your exhaust pipes to help ward off moisture and rust.  

Fill it Up

Before you put your motorcycle into storage for the winter, make sure that your fuel tank is full. This may seem counterproductive, since you won't be riding your bike this winter. However, an empty tank is the perfect place for moisture to build up. Unfortunately, moisture creates rust, which can spell disaster for your fuel tank and your motorcycle. Topping the tank off before storage will prevent moisture buildup, and keep your fuel tank safe during the winter.

Now that the cold weather is here, it's time to put your motorcycle away for a few months. The tips provided here will ensure that your bike is ready to go once spring arrives.