How to do Harley Davidson Maintenance While it’s Garaged for the Season

It's that time of year again when many motorcycle owners prepare their bikes for winter storage. This is the best time to do some practical and cost-effective upgrades while your bike is in the garage. Whether you're upgrading the exhaust, adding a new seat, or just giving it a general tune-up, there's a lot you can do to help ensure your Harley is ready for the next riding season.

Here are some Harley Davidson maintenance tips to help you get started:

Check and Change Your Fluids 

Considering that your motorcycle will be sitting in the garage for a long time, it's a good idea to check and change your fluids. Make sure to check the oil, brake fluid, and coolant levels before you put your motorcycle away for the season. If any fluids are low, you can easily top them off yourself. 

Experts recommend changing your engine oil entirely and using synthetic oil that contains rust inhibitors to ensure maximum protection during motorcycle storage. Considering that gasoline oxidizes and breaks down over time, you should also add a stabilizer to your gas tank. This will help prevent corrosion that can develop, resulting in permanent damage to your Harley. 

Inspect the Brakes and Check Your Tires

Another Harley Davidson maintenance tip is to inspect the brakes and check your tires. Make sure that the brake pads are still in good condition, and if not, replace them. Also, check the tire pressure to ensure it is at the correct level. To ensure your tires last through winter in storage, you might want to invest in a proper stand or center stand to keep the weight off of them.

Add a Custom Motorcycle Seat

When your motorcycle is in the garage during winter, consider upgrading your seat as part of your Harley Davidson maintenance. A custom motorcycle seat can provide you with a more comfortable and personalized riding experience. If you're looking for a stylish and comfortable option, you can either opt for a seat cover or a complete replacement seat, giving you a customized look that provides maximum comfort and durability over time. Keep these tips in mind when choosing a motorcycle seat.

Replace Your Stock Exhaust With an Aftermarket Exhaust 

With your motorcycle in the garage, it's also a great time to replace your stock exhaust with an aftermarket Harley exhaust. This will give your Harley a new sound, stylish look, and better performance. As part of your Harley Davidson maintenance project, you can also upgrade the air intake and the fuel injection. You'll be amazed at how much of a difference these upgrades can make to your bike's performance.

Install a New Headlight for Better Visibility at Night

If you have been having visibility issues while riding your Harley at night, it might be time to install a new headlight. Auxiliary lights are a great option to add more illumination in front of the motorcycle. You can either install an LED light or replace the standard halogen bulb with HID xenon lights. Ensure that all electrical connections are done correctly and that the new light is securely fastened.

Update Your Bike's Electronics 

During winter, you can also upgrade your bike's electronics as part of your Harley Davidson maintenance list. This can include installing an aftermarket GPS system, Bluetooth speakers for music on the go, or even an app that can track your Harley's performance. Only do these upgrades if you know how to work with wiring and electrical systems. If not, it's best to leave this to a professional.

Change Your Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, and Spark Plugs

If you've not yet changed your Harley's oil filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs, it's a good idea to do so before putting it away for the winter. You don't want your bike sitting around with a dirty or clogged filter and old spark plugs, which can lead to engine problems. With this Harley Davidson maintenance tip, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your bike is in good shape for when you ride again next season.

Hook Up Your Battery to a Trickle Charger

Your motorcycle's battery is vulnerable to cold weather. If you're not going to be riding your Harley for a while, it's best to hook up the battery to a trickle charger. This will keep the battery in good condition and make starting your bike easier when spring rolls around. You should also clean the terminals and check the fluid levels in the battery before putting it away for storage.  

Lube Your Chain and Sprockets

Now that your Harley is tucked away for the season, it's a good time to think about winterizing and protecting it from corrosion. The most important component of this Harley Davidson maintenance process is lubing your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. You'll want to focus on the parts that experience the most wear and tear, such as your Harley's chain, sprockets, and rear drive.

Upgrade Your Bike Today

Wintertime doesn't mean you neglect your Harley Davidson's maintenance. By following these maintenance tips, you can store your motorcycle in the garage for months and enjoy a better bike come springtime. If you're looking to upgrade your bike with aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories, get started at West End Motorsports. We stock everything you need and offer a low price guarantee. 

Browse our huge inventory for the best aftermarket deals on brand-name exhaust systems, tires, fairings, filters, windshields, and more. Want to learn more about Harley Davidson maintenance? Visit our blog or contact our experts.