The season is over, it's getting cold outside and your motorcycle will stand still for a few months. To make sure it starts reliably after the break and lasts a long time, thorough motorcycle winter care for 2026/27 pays off. Here's step by step how to store your bike properly, which care matters now and which mistakes to avoid.
Why winter care matters so much
Many people underestimate how much frost, moisture and long standing affect a motorcycle. Without care you risk rust on the chain, frame and brake parts, aged or contaminated fluids and a sluggish start in spring. Motorcycle winter care is mainly about:
- Corrosion protection: salt, moisture and frost attack metal parts.
- Engine protection: old fuel or contaminated oil can harm the engine.
- Battery care: cold significantly reduces battery performance.
- Tyres and suspension: long standing leads to flat spots and suspension problems.
1. Clean the motorcycle thoroughly
Before you store your bike, give it a thorough wash. Otherwise dirt, salt residue and insects can cause corrosion over months.
How to clean
- Pre-wash: loosen coarse dirt with water and a mild motorcycle cleaner.
- Wheels and chain: use dedicated chain and wheel cleaners. Take care not to remove lubricants that are still needed.
- Drying: dry the bike with a microfibre cloth so no water marks remain.
- Corrosion protection: treat metal parts with suitable care products such as anti-rust spray or motorcycle wax.
2. Oil change and fluids
Old oil and old brake fluid can cause problems over winter. That's why the oil change before the winter break is one of the most important points.
Oil, brake fluid, coolant and fuel
- Change the engine oil: fresh oil protects the engine even during long periods standing. Drain the old oil warm, change the filter, refill and then don't run the engine again.
- Check the brake fluid: especially on modern bikes with ABS. Old brake fluid can contain water and lead to corrosion.
- Check the coolant: there must be enough antifreeze in it.
- Fill the tank or stabilise the fuel: according to the German automobile club ADAC, fill a steel tank to the brim so no condensation and rust form. A fuel stabiliser helps against ageing fuel. With a plastic tank, however, the ADAC advises running it almost empty, because fuel components can diffuse through the material.
3. Battery care in winter
The battery is the most common weak point in winter. Cold severely reduces its performance and can deeply discharge it.
Tips for the motorcycle battery
- Disconnect: separate the battery from the bike so the electronics don't drain it.
- Storage: keep it in a dry, frost-free place.
- Maintenance charger: best is a charger with a maintenance mode that looks after the battery continuously. With lithium batteries only use a charger approved for them.
- Check: measure the voltage regularly to prevent sulphation.
4. Check tyres and suspension
If the bike stands still for months, tyres and suspension suffer.
Tyres
- Increase pressure: the ADAC recommends about 0.5 bar more than normal.
- Put it on a stand: so no flat spots form. If that's not possible, move the bike a little every few weeks.
- Check: before storing, look for cracks, ageing and tread depth.
Suspension
- Check the suspension: wipe the fork tubes clean and check the seals for oil traces.
- Take the load off: put the bike on a stand to relieve shock absorbers and tyres.
5. Chain and final drive
The chain rusts particularly easily. So never skip chain care before winter storage.
Chain care in four steps
- Clean: clean the chain with a cleaner suitable for O-ring chains. No petrol, it attacks the seals.
- Dry: remove cleaner residue.
- Lube: apply chain oil or grease evenly.
- Cover: you can also cover the chain with a cloth against dust.
The full guide is in Motorcycle chain maintenance.
6. Store the motorcycle properly
The right place for the winter prevents lots of damage before it happens.
What matters about the storage location
- Dry and frost-free: a cellar or garage is ideal.
- Cover: use a breathable motorcycle cover, not plastic sheeting, so condensation can escape.
- Park it securely: stable ground, not on the side stand, better on the centre stand or a lift.
No garage? Our guide to winter storage without a garage helps.
7. Protect electronics and accessories
Modern motorcycles have sensitive electronics, so a little care is needed.
- Connectors and contacts: clean and lightly grease them so they don't corrode.
- Sensors: protect them from dust and moisture.
- Remove accessories: better take off the tank bag, smartphone and sat nav to avoid theft and damage.
8. Ready to go in spring
If you store your bike properly in autumn, you save time and hassle in spring. Before the first ride you should still check everything briefly:
- check oil level and brake fluid
- check tyres for pressure, cracks and tread
- charge the battery and check the terminals
- clean and lube the chain
- check the lights: indicators, headlight, brake light
All points are in our spring check.
9. Extra tips by type of motorcycle
Sports bikes
- keep the fork tubes clean and watch for leaking seals
- check the chain often, because sporty riding causes more wear
Cruisers and tourers
- A thicker layer of oil can protect parts prone to corrosion.
- The cover must be big enough to cover all the accessories.
Electric motorcycles
- Battery care is especially important here: never let the battery run completely flat.
- Check for software updates before storing.
10. Common winter care mistakes
- Just parking it and hoping: without care, rust and starting problems are likely.
- Leaving a steel tank empty: condensation forms and rust can develop in the tank.
- Leaving the battery connected: it discharges and can suffer frost damage.
- Plastic sheeting directly on the bike: condensation can't escape.
- Not using a stand: the tyres get flat spots and ride comfort suffers.
Summary
Motorcycle winter care isn't rocket science, but it saves you a lot of trouble in spring. If you prepare your bike properly for winter, you protect the engine, chain, tyres and electronics and start the new season reliably. Take a few hours, go through the points above in order, and your bike will come through the winter well, even when it gets really cold.
Frequently asked questions
Should I fill or empty the tank before winter?
Fill a steel tank, because an empty steel tank encourages condensation and rust. A fuel stabiliser also helps. According to the ADAC, a plastic tank is better run almost empty.
Does the battery have to be removed over winter?
Ideally disconnect it, store it dry and frost-free and connect it to a charger with maintenance mode.
What tyre pressure should I use in winter?
According to the ADAC about 0.5 bar more than normal. You should also put the bike on a stand so no flat spots develop.
Can I cover my motorcycle with plastic sheeting?
Better not. Condensation collects under plastic. Use a breathable motorcycle cover.
Sources
- Getting your motorcycle ready for winter (ADAC, German)
- Getting the bike ready for the winter break (ADAC Nordbayern, German)
- Winterising your motorcycle: tips and checklist (Allianz, German)
Last checked: September 2026. The manufacturer's information for your motorcycle takes priority.