Alright, fellow Canadian riders, it’s that time of year again. The snow’s falling (or about to), and even if you’re hoping to sneak in a few more rides on those rare warm days, it’s time to face the cold, hard truth: winter is coming, and your bike needs to be tucked in for a long nap. Otherwise, come springtime, you’ll be left out in the cold with a machine that refuses to cooperate.

Fear not, though, because the MCC is here to help you fend off Old Man Winter. Here’s the lowdown on how to get your bike ready for hibernation, Canadian-style.

The Big Details

1. Secure the Battery!

Letting your battery sit all winter without a charge is a surefire way to kill it, and batteries aren’t cheap. The best way to keep it happy is with a trickle charger. Battery Tender is the big name, but Canadian Tire and Princess Auto have more affordable options. It’s up to you whether it’s worth risking a fire over saving a few bucks. We haven’t heard of any issues with the cheaper ones, but hey, it’s your garage.

A trickle charger will pay for itself in the long run. You can remove and charge the battery occasionally with a car charger, but be careful – those high amps can fry a motorcycle battery. If you’re strapped for cash, you can remove the battery, store it somewhere safe, and reinstall it now and then to run the bike and charge it up.

2. Stabilize the Fuel!

Gasoline goes bad over time, especially in carbureted bikes. Ethanol and other additives can clog the jets, leading to a spring cleaning or a carb rebuild. This problem is less common with EFI bikes but can still cause problems like clogged injectors and rotted fuel lines.

First, try to use ethanol-free fuel in your bike over the winter. Second, if your tank is metal, keep it full to prevent rust, but add a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from going bad. Third, if you have carbs, disconnect the fuel line (if you can) and open the drain bowls to let the fuel out. Some riders leave the bowls open all winter to drain condensation, then run fuel through them in the spring to clean them out. It sounds a bit fussy, but whatever floats your boat.

3. Stuff the Airbox!

Mice and other critters love to make nests in airboxes over the winter. They chew up air filters and cause all sorts of trouble. So, grab an oily rag and stuff it in the intake to keep them out. Do the same for the exhaust pipe. Just make sure you can get it out in the spring!

Other Details

Safeguard the Top End!

Spray some lube down the spark plug hole to keep the rings and cylinder from rusting. Use a light aerosol or engine oil, not something thick like Bunker C.

Scrutinize the Coolant!

If the coolant reservoir is low, top it up. Make sure you use the right type of antifreeze for your bike.

Switch the Engine Oil!

You can change the oil now or wait until spring. It’s up to you. A fussy owner would change it before winter, though.

Stand the Bike Up!

If you have a centre stand, use it to take some weight off the tires and prevent flat spots. If not, use a bike jack or paddock stand. Make sure the tires are aired up, too.

Stop the Cables from Seizing!

Lube your throttle and clutch cables to prevent rust. Motion Pro makes a handy tool for this, but it won’t completely prevent a mess.

Store the Bike Securely!

Ideally, store your bike indoors, in a heated space, and away from prying eyes.

And there you have it! If you follow these tips, your bike should be ready to roll when spring finally arrives. Happy hibernating, and stay warm out there!