If you're more of a fair weather rider, it's getting to be that time of year again—fewer hours of daylight and fewer hours of the dry, warm weather that provide you with the best bike experience. If it's time to put your Goldwing away until next spring, follow these tips to winterize your ride so it's better protected and ready to go when you are next year:
Take care of the battery. Consider a battery maintainer such as the Battery Tender Jr to keep your battery charged and extend its life.
Change the oil and filter. You don't want to give the various contaminants in used oil all winter to work on your engine internals, plus, it'll be one less thing to do come spring.
Make improvements. Now is also a good time to do any repair, service, or improvements you have been planning.
Stock up on steel wool and moth balls. Mice love airboxes for some reason and sucking a mouse nest into your engine the next time you start your bike makes for a bad day. So stuff the airbox intake and exhaust outlets with steel wool (don’t forget about the steel wool before your next ride!). It also helps to sprinkle moth balls around your bike.
Don't start it. It is a good idea NOT to start your bike over the winter unless you are planning on leaving it run for a long time to dry out the moisture in the exhaust system.
Cover it up. Depending on how and where your Goldwing is stored, a quality motorcycle cover will protect your investment from scratches, dust, bird droppings, snow, rain and Mother Nature in general. Clean it well, put it on centerstand, and shed a tear as you cover it up 'til next season!
