Ride or winterize your motorcycle this winter? The guide to decide

Every autumn, the same question: do I keep riding, or do I store my motorcycle until spring? There is no universal right answer—only yours, depending on your usage, your region, and your equipment. Here's how to decide, and do it right either way.

The questions that decide

• Do I need the motorcycle daily? If it's your main means of transportation, riding is a must—the key is to equip yourself properly.
• What's the climate? Salt, black ice, and long sub-zero periods make storage a better choice; a mild winter lets you ride.
• Do I have a garage and the gear? Winter riding demands good tires, good clothes, and regular washing (salt is corrosive).

If you ride: prepare the machine and yourself

Winter riding is possible with the right preparation: see prepare your motorcycle for extreme cold. The essentials: suitable tires and pressure checked when cold, warm gear (heated grips make a big difference), and above all rinse salt regularly to prevent corrosion.

If you store: do it right

Poor storage means a dead battery and a clogged carburetor come spring. The complete checklist is here: prepare your motorcycle for winter storage. Key points:

• Battery on a maintainer or disconnected and recharged (see winter battery maintenance).
• Fuel stabilized to prevent oxidation (fuel stabilizer before storage).
• Breathable cover against cold and moisture (choosing your cover).

The middle ground

Many ride when the weather is nice and store during salt-and-ice episodes. In that case, keep the battery on a maintainer between rides and rinse after every salted-road ride.

Tell the mechanic AI your bike, region, and usage: it'll help you decide and give you the checklist you need.