5 Simple Tips to Winterize your Harley-Davidson
Winter isn’t a friend of any vehicle, especially for Harley bikes, so here’s how to keep your hog safe and dry during harsh spells.
It is decision time! Temperatures are getting lower, and you may even have snow in your neck of the woods. You need to decide if you are going to keep your Harley-Davidson road-ready or tucked in for the winter.
If you choose to ride right on through the winter, you can read some helpful winter riding advice here. In addition to keeping up with service intervals, here are five tips you can use to winterize your Harley-Davidson.
Invest In a Trickle Charger
A trickle charger can keep your battery topped up in chilling temperatures. This is not only imperative for starting and running the bike, but it can prove to be beneficial for the longevity of your battery.
A Clean Bike Is a Happy Bike
It may seem like a no brainer but keeping your Harley-Davidson clean can protect it from winter-related harm. Salt is a common de-icing agent that local governments employ to clear the roads in inclement weather.
Salt is, unfortunately, incredibly corrosive and will eat your Harley-Davidson given the opportunity. Keeping your bike clean and dry can prevent the long term consequences of road salt and freezing moisture.
Fuel Stabilizers Are Your Friends
Gasoline left sitting in a dormant motorcycle can be harmful. Fuel stabilizers can keep your fuel from becoming gummy and clogging the components of your fuel system.
No Garage? Covers Can ‘Pay Dividends’
Most of us would love to keep our motorcycles indoors. Unfortunately, that is not always an option. If you must street or lot park your bike, a cover is an absolute must.
A good cover can protect a bike from precipitation, wind, dust, and a myriad of other ways that winter can harm your ride.
Preventing Flat Spots in Tires
Tires are not cheap. If your bike is not going to see any winter mileage, you should take the time to uncover and roll it back and forth periodically. Doing so will prevent flat spots and more uniformly distribute the stresses of sitting still.
Got something else in mind? Let us know what tricks you use to guard your Harley-Davidson against the cold.
Photos: HD Forums, Harley-Davidson
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