This is a quick guide of how to go about winterizing you motorcycle. This is just a starting point for you, but it is what I do to my machines every December.
Check over the motorcycle for any mechanical problems.
Fill the gas tank, add stabilizer according to the instructions on the can, and run the bike for a few minutes.
Warm-up the engine. This drives off any moisture that may have accumulated already and gets a good coating of oil in each cylinder. Turn the bike off and remove the spark plugs. Spray some fogging oil into each cyclinder. Turn the engine over by hand (put it in top gear and turn the rear wheel) with the plugs still out to coat the cylinder walls, piston rings and valve seats. Check the spark plugs for wear and replace if needed. Put the plugs back in.
Change the engine oil and oil filter. For the winter I use the cheapest car oil I can find. I change the oil just because I don't want the old oil with all the combustion products in it sitting in the crank case over the winter. In the spring before I start the bike I change the oil again with good oil.
Drain the fuel out of the carborators.
Check the battery, clean the battery terminals. Remove the battery and connect a Battery Tender or similar trickle-charger.
Clean and wax the bike all the painted surfaces.
Spiders and insects often invade exhausts, so stuff a clean rag in the end of your pipe, or cover with a plastic bag (secured with a rubber band). Leave a note to remove the rags in spring. NOTE: A touch of oil on the rag will discourage most critters from making a home in the pipe. Be cautious on the amount of oil used. Dampen, not soaked, then stuff in the pipe. Do the same for you air filters.
Cover your motorcycle with a good, breathable cover or a soft cotton bed sheet to keep the dust off. It will keep dust, etc. off the bike. If possible, keep the bike in a warm garage.
Write down all the things you need to do or check in the spring and tape the list to the ignition or handle bars where you will readily see it in the spring.
Make sure the bike is locked up and the registration and other papers are removed in case the bike is stolen.
If possible lift the bike so the tires are off the ground (front and rear stands). If it is not possible roll the bike forward or back every few weeks to help keep the tires round.
