How to winterise your motorcycle properly
As autumn draws to a close, it’s time to prepare your motorcycle for winter storage or hibernation.
It makes sense to carefully prepare your motorcycle at the end of the season for the next one. That way, nothing stands in the way of a carefree – perhaps even spontaneous – first ride when the spring sunshine returns. In addition, both the mechanics and the paintwork will appreciate not being left covered in grime and grease, which are common causes of rust, stiff levers and scratches. Taking care of fresh oil, new filters and spark plugs, proper tyre pressure and battery maintenance as early as autumn helps preserve the technology and value of your bike.
For winter storage, we offer a wide range of care and lubrication products from renowned manufacturers for every conceivable application.
When should you change the engine oil? After the season or in spring?
We strongly recommend changing the engine oil and oil filter at the end of the season. Engine oil plays a key role in binding acids, water (e.g. from cold starts), combustion residues, and mechanical wear, and keeping them in suspension. Although the oil filter captures many of these substances, it does not catch them all. The remaining suspended particles can lead to undesirable corrosion inside the engine. This is easy to avoid by replacing the oil and filter after the riding season.
Letting the engine run briefly in winter?
We strongly advise against sporadically starting the engine. Every cold start causes wear. Each time you cold-start the engine, enriched fuel may enter the oil. Cold starts also encourage condensation. The result: water in the oil.
That said, there's nothing wrong with taking preservation rides during dry, salt-free winter conditions. This allows the engine, gearbox, and—if applicable—the shaft drive to reach full operating temperature. All mechanical components are in motion, which also benefits sealing surfaces. We recommend a ride of at least 25–30 kilometres. The condensation formed during cold starting can evaporate during such a ride—just like the excess fuel used during start-up.
The Basics of Winterising
Tyre pressure: To prevent flat spots, the tyre pressure should be increased by around 0.5 bar.
Fill the tank completely: Metal fuel tanks should be filled to the brim. This helps prevent corrosion and condensation.
Fuel stabilisation: Modern petrols blended with ethanol lose ignition quality over time, and the high water content causes fuel and water to separate when the bike is not in use. As a result, the engine may hesitate or fail to start, or fuel may not reach the injection pump or carburettor at all if the pump is drawing water from the bottom of the tank. All of this can be prevented by using a quality fuel stabiliser, ensuring your motorcycle starts reliably even after long periods of storage. Be sure to add the stabiliser in time to allow it to circulate through the fuel system.
- Oil change/check oil levels (engine/gearbox and final drive oil in shaft drive), top up or replace as needed
- Check spark plugs, if needed, replace spark plugs
- Check filters (oil/air) and replace if necessary
- Lubricate all joints and levers with oil or grease
General Cleaning
In the next step, we recommend thoroughly cleaning the bike—dirt and dust must be removed first. Special gentle yet effective cleaners such as the Moto Cleaning Kit or MOTO CLEAN PLUS by MOTOREX are ideal for removing tough dirt like insects, brake dust, and tar stains. The cleaner is simply sprayed onto the dry and cold (!) bike (not in direct sunlight) and thoroughly rinsed off with water after the recommended exposure time. Based on our experience, it pays to follow the application instructions for timing and dosage—“more is better” does not always apply.
CAUTION when using a pressure washer: wheel bearings, seals, electronics and delicate cables may be damaged.
Afterwards, the cleaned machine should be dried. Compressed air helps to remove moisture from hidden areas.
The Battery
Charging, maintaining, preserving and monitoring
The battery is tucked away out of sight and deserves attention next—before we move on to lubrication.
First, clean the battery terminals and then treat them with suitable terminal grease or simply with MOTOREX ACCU PROTECT spray.
IMPORTANT: Always wear protective gloves and make sure to disconnect the negative terminal first—this avoids short circuits in case the positive terminal accidentally touches the frame.
As many motorcycles have constant power consumers such as a clock or alarm system, it’s advisable to connect the battery over winter to a battery charger that maintains and protects it. Using a maintenance/trickle charger is a smart investment—it prolongs the battery’s life and ensures it’s ready for action in spring. Alternatively, the charge level of a stored motorcycle can be monitored with a battery monitor, allowing you to step in before it gets too low.
Chain, Sprocket and Pinion
Important: Never place your fingers between the chain and the sprocket while rotating the rear wheel to avoid injury. For cleaning the chain assembly, we recommend using a mat underneath to catch any dripping old chain grease without soiling the floor. Start with a rough clean using a rag and brush. Then spray chain, sprocket, and pinion with a degreaser such as CHAIN CLEAN DEGREASER to loosen grease. After letting the degreaser work, remove the remaining residue with a cloth and brush. Finally, wipe off all dissolved residues with a clean rag.
If the chain has stretched, now is the best time to retension it.
Finally, spray the chain with chain lube (e.g. CHAIN LUBE Adventure or CHAIN LUBE ROAD STRONG from MOTOREX). On bikes with a centre stand, this is straightforward.
For those with only a side stand, we recommend using our Race-Paddock front and rear lifters.
CAUTION: Make sure to:
- never get your fingers between the chain and sprocket
- avoid spraying chain lube on or near the rear wheel – risk of accident!
Maintaining Moving Parts
The joints of the following should be regularly lubricated—especially before winter storage:
- folding rider and passenger footrests,
- hand levers,
- locks (ignition, panniers, seat),
- main and side stand pivots,
- gear lever, linkage and rear brake,
- mechanical clutch linkages,
- carburettor throttle valve actuators,
- ignition locks,
- seat and helmet locks
Exact components vary depending on the bike model.
We recommend a creeping, water-displacing universal oil spray such as JOKER 440 SYNTHETIC or INTACT MX50, which penetrates moisture and leaves a highly effective protective film. The spray straw attachment helps reach even tight spaces.
CAUTION: Be careful when lubricating cables. Except on vintage bikes, Bowden cables are usually Teflon-coated and self-lubricating. Spray oil may damage this coating.
Preservation
Once your bike is technically ready for winter storage, it’s time to focus on its appearance. Painted surfaces, chrome, and metal parts can be preserved with a care and protection spray (e.g. MOTO PROTECT) or wax products.
The former leaves a creeping, fine oily protective film that guards against corrosion and can be easily removed in spring. It’s ideal for bikes stored in areas occasionally exposed to high humidity—such as unheated garages.
A wax product seals the surface, offering extremely long-lasting protection against weathering from rain and UV radiation. Thanks to its active formula, it also allows for waterless cleaning—light oil stains can even be removed.
The seat is exposed to temperature changes, UV radiation, dirt, water, and mechanical stress during riding. Without care, it becomes unsightly, fades, and becomes brittle. We recommend using a suitable care product (e.g. S100 Seat Care) to maintain it.
Wunderlich Motorcycle Cover
Store your bike safely and well protected for the winter
If your bike is stored indoors during winter, our Wunderlich motorcycle covers offer optimal protection: The high-quality, stretchable fabric is breathable and allows unwanted moisture caused by temperature fluctuations to escape. This creates a balanced microclimate that prevents condensation on metal parts. The inner lining is soft and plush, protecting paintwork and accessories from abrasion.
If your motorcycle must spend the winter outdoors, a waterproof cover is essential. The Wunderlich Outdoor Cover provides outstanding and reliable protection from the elements—shielding your bike from rain, snow, dust, UV rays and dirt. The outer shell is waterproof, durable and UV-stabilised. It features multiple adjustment options to prevent flapping in the wind and to securely fasten it even in storms. The inner fleece lining protects paint and attachments. The exclusive Wunderlich design features reflective piping and a premium logo that highlight its stylish appearance.
Easy parking!
Stable and secure – stands, lifters, manoeuvring aids & more
With the Wunderlich Manoeuvring Aid, it’s easy to move and position your bike—even into tight spaces—while saving valuable room (Wunderlich Manoeuvring Aid). For bikes equipped only with a side stand, we recommend our front and rear lifters (Race-Paddock front and rear lifters) for secure parking.
Our Conclusion
Those who prepare their motorcycle properly for winter will be able to make the most of the first fine days of the new season with minimal effort. Regular care not only preserves the value of the bike, but also helps prevent breakdowns and costly repairs—since minor issues are easier to spot early and won’t escalate into major problems.