Preparing your motorcycle for storage: 9 key steps before September 30

1. Give it a thorough cleaning

You’ve likely washed your motorcycle more than once this summer, but before putting it away for the winter, give it one last cleaning. You’ll want to remove any salt, dust and bug splatter from the bike, then let it dry completely before applying a protective wax coating. This extra step can help guard against moisture and corrosion.

2. Check the fluid levels

Clean fluids at the proper levels help protect your motorcycle from corrosion and mechanical issues that could surface in the spring. Before putting your bike into long-term storage, change the oil and replace the filter. Also check the level and condition of the brake fluid and coolant, and replace them if necessary, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

3. Top up the fuel tank

Filling the fuel tank is an essential step when preparing your motorcycle for storage. For fuel-injected models, fill the tank to about 90% of its capacity to help prevent condensation and rust from forming inside. Add a fuel stabilizer and follow the instructions provided on the product. Then start the engine and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes so the stabilized fuel can circulate throughout the entire fuel system.

4. Keep the battery in good shape

If left connected, your motorcycle’s battery will slowly but surely lose its charge during storage. Over time, this can affect its ability to hold a charge when you’re ready to ride again. Instead, disconnect the battery and use a smart charger to maintain an optimal charge without the risk of overcharging. That way, you’ll be one step closer to hitting the road when spring returns!

5. Protect the tires

A motorcycle that sits idle throughout the winter can develop flat spots or cracks in the tires. Use a tire pressure gauge to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure listed on the sidewall. If the motorcycle will remain on its wheels during storage, add a few extra PSI. Ideally, place the bike on stands to keep its weight off the tires.

6. Watch out for pests

During the winter months, your motorcycle can become an appealing shelter for rodents and other unwanted guests. They may find their way into the exhaust pipes or air intakes and build nests, potentially causing damage or problems when it’s time to start the bike again. To reduce the risk, cover these openings with steel wool or another suitable material. Just be sure to remove the coverings before starting your motorcycle in the spring!

7. Lubricate key components

Moisture and metal surfaces are a bad combination, and every motorcycle owner knows that rust is the enemy. Fortunately, a few preventive measures can help limit corrosion during storage. Apply a protective spray to metal and chrome surfaces, being careful to avoid brake components. Then lubricate the clutch and brake cables, along with moving parts such as the kickstand, foot pegs and levers. Finish by cleaning and lubricating the drive chain.

8. Choose the right storage space

For the best winter protection, store your motorcycle indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area. If space is limited at home, a secure storage facility may be a good alternative. Stable temperatures and low humidity can help prevent condensation, corrosion and component deterioration during the long winter months. If you use a cover, choose one designed specifically for motorcycles and breathable enough to allow air to circulate.

Aslo take this opportunity to check with your insurer to see whether certain types of coverage, particularly collision coverage, can be adjusted while your motorcycle is in storage. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to reduce your motorcycle insurance premium while keeping protection against risks such as theft. In Quebec, the Automobile Insurance Act requires motorcycle owners to carry a minimum of $50,000 in civil liability coverage.

9. Store your motorcycle before September 30 each year

Why keep paying for your motorcycle registration during the months it sits in the garage? In Quebec, storing your vehicle allows you to temporarily suspend your right to drive it and, in the case of a motorcycle, receive a partial reimbursement of your registration fee. To qualify, your motorcycle must be stored no later than September 30.

If your motorcycle is registered to an individual, the process can be completed in just a few minutes through SAAQclic, either in advance or on the day you store it. The SAAQ also provides an online tutorial explaining how to declare a motorcycle stored. Once you’ve stored it, leave the licence plate on it and keep your registration certificate in a safe place. You’ll need it to put the motorcycle back on the road in the spring.

FAQ – SAAQ and storing a motorcycle

What does it mean to place a motorcycle in storage ?

Placing a motorcycle, or any other vehicle, in storage means temporarily suspending the right to drive it on public roads. This allows you to stop paying registration fees during periods when the vehicle is not being used. When you’re ready to ride again, you can simply reactivate the registration and put the vehicle back on the road. By contrast, scrapping a vehicle means it will not be returned to service, typically because it has been declared a total loss following an accident.

How do you get a reimbursement from the SAAQ after you put a motorcycle into storage?

The registration fee reimbursement is based on the storage date and the registration expiry date. According to the SAAQ, no refund is issued for the month in which storage begins. As a result, scheduling storage toward the end of the month may help maximize the reimbursement. The refund is generally calculated automatically at the time of the transaction.

How long does it take to receive the SAAQ refund for storing a motorcycle?

The refund may be issued by direct deposit to the owner’s bank account, typically within 3 to 5 business days after the motorcycle storage date. Depending on the circumstances, the refund may also be made by cheque, by adjusting pre-authorized debits or by debit card at a service outlet.