Wash Before Winter Storage: Never Park the Bike Dirty

Dirt, road salt and dead bugs eat into paint, chrome and aluminium over the winter, and corrosion under a layer of grime goes unnoticed. A washed, fully dried bike looks in spring like the one you put away.

• Let the engine cool down completely so cold water doesn't hit hot discs and the exhaust.
• Rinse off dirt and salt with a gentle stream. Keep a pressure washer away from wheel and steering head bearings, the chain, electrical connectors and the airbox intake.
• Wash with bike shampoo and a soft sponge or brush, especially the underside, swingarm, hubs and subframe. Rinse off the foam with clean water.
• Dry the bike with a microfibre cloth and blow compressed air into crevices, connectors, brake calipers and fasteners.
• Take a 10–15 minute ride so water evaporates from the exhaust and brakes, then lube the chain.
• Store the bike in a dry, ventilated place, not under a tight cover that traps moisture.