Let’s be honest: not everyone is hardcore enough to ride their dirt bikes through the winter. If you’re one of those brave souls who tackles the Utah snow on two wheels, hats off to you! But for the rest of us who prefer to keep our dirt bikes tucked away until warmer weather, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing.
Properly storing your bike can prevent costly repairs and ensure it's ready to rip come spring. Here’s a simple guide to winterizing your dirt bike. And if you’re too busy, don’t have the tools, or just prefer to leave it to the pros, Alpine XC in Sandy, Utah, has your back.
1. Clean Your Dirt Bike (Yes, All the Mud)
First things first—clean that bad boy. I know, the mud looks cool, but letting it sit all winter is just asking for trouble. Dirt, grime, and leftover Utah trail dust can corrode your bike over time. Give it a thorough wash and make sure it’s completely dry before moving forward.
2. Change the Oil and Filter
Old oil sitting in your engine for months? Not a good idea. Before storing your bike, give it some fresh oil and swap out the filter. This will protect the engine and make your first ride in the spring so much smoother. If you're in the Salt Lake Valley, Alpine XC can handle the dirty work for you.
3. Deal with the Fuel (No One Likes Gummy Fuel)
Unless you like the idea of clogged fuel lines and gunked-up carburetors, you’ll want to take care of the gas situation. You’ve got two options:
Drain the fuel tank: Run the engine until it stalls to make sure it’s empty.
Add a fuel stabilizer: If draining sounds like a hassle, throw in a stabilizer to keep the gas fresh.
4. Take Care of the Battery (Don’t Let It Die a Slow Death)
If your dirt bike has a battery, make sure it doesn’t sit around and die on you during the off-season. Either:
Disconnect the battery to avoid any slow drain, or
Use a trickle charger to keep it in good shape while your bike hibernates.
At Alpine XC, we can help with battery maintenance if you’re not into fiddling with electrical stuff.
5. Lube the Chain and Cables (Rust Is Not Your Friend)
A rusty chain is no way to kick off the next riding season. Clean and lube the chain thoroughly before storage. Don’t forget to hit the throttle and clutch cables with some lube too. Winter moisture can cause them to stiffen up, and no one likes a sticky throttle.
6. Save Your Tires from Flat Spots
Don’t let your tires develop flat spots from sitting too long. Here’s how to avoid it:
Use a bike stand to lift the tires off the ground.
Check tire pressure if you can’t lift the bike, and make sure they’re fully inflated.
Utah winters can be rough on tires, so this step is key to keeping them in good shape.
7. Cover It Up (No, That Old Tarp Doesn’t Count)
Finally, throw a proper, breathable cover over your bike to protect it from dust, moisture, and any critters that might want to make a home in it. A good cover will keep your bike looking as sharp as the day you put it away.
Winterizing your dirt bike might not be as thrilling as hitting the trails, but it’s important to keep your ride in top condition. And if you’re like most of us and would rather spend your time planning your next ride instead of wrenching, Alpine XC in Sandy, Utah is here to help. We offer full winterization services for local riders, from Draper to Salt Lake City and beyond.
Book a service today and let us do the heavy lifting. That way, your bike will be ready to rip when spring rolls around!
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