How to Properly Winterize and Store Your Harley-Davidson

Proper winterization prevents costly problems in spring. Here's how to put your Harley away right — whether you're storing it for three months or six.

Start with a thorough wash. Road grime, bug splatter, and salt residue will corrode chrome and paint over the winter months. Clean it well, dry it completely, and apply a coat of wax to painted surfaces.

Change all fluids before storage, not after. Old oil contains acids and combustion byproducts that corrode engine internals when the bike sits. Fresh oil protects metal surfaces during months of inactivity.

Fill the fuel tank completely and add a quality fuel stabilizer like Sta-Bil. A full tank prevents condensation from forming inside, and stabilizer keeps the fuel from breaking down and gumming up your fuel system.

Run the engine for a few minutes after adding stabilizer so treated fuel reaches the injectors or carburetor. Then shut it off and don't start it again until spring — short run cycles without reaching full operating temperature actually cause more harm than good.

Connect a quality battery tender (not a trickle charger). Modern Harley batteries will die over winter without maintenance charging. A Battery Tender Junior is inexpensive and will keep your battery healthy all season.

Inflate tires to the maximum recommended pressure to prevent flat spots from developing where the tire contacts the floor. If possible, put the bike on a center stand or paddock stands to take weight off the tires completely.

Cover the bike with a breathable cover — never plastic, which traps moisture. Store in a dry, temperature-stable area if possible.

If all of this sounds like a hassle, our Winter Storage Inspection package is $125 and covers fluid changes, battery setup, stabilizer, and a full condition report so you know exactly what to expect come spring.