How to Winterize Your Supermoto

Owning and riding a KTM Supermoto, or any bike for that matter, can be an exhilarating experience. The problem with bikes is that they do not do very well in the wintertime. That's why most people put their bikes into winter storage, though diehard enthusiasts prefer to ride all year long. In either case, the Supermoto can and must be prepared for either scenario. The good news is that the owner can prepare for winter himself.

Things You'll Need

• Engine oil
• Engine oil filter
• Tire gauge
• Front and rear motorcycle stands
• Soft towel
• Bearing lube
• Chain spray
• Wax-based corrosive inhibitor
• Stainless steel protectant
• Contact spray
• Polish

Instructions

Winter Storage

1. Run the engine until the gas tank is dry. Fill the tank with fresh fuel and pour the correct amount of fuel stabilizer into the fuel tank. Follow the fuel stabilizer manufacturer's instructions.

2. Clean the motorcycle following the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Change the engine oil and filter to remove any corrosive acids in the old oil.

4. Inspect the compensating tank and the radiator to ensure that the cooling fluid level is at the manufacturer's recommended levels following the manufacturer's instructions for checking cooling fluid levels. Fill the compensating tank until the cooling fluid level is between the MIN and MAX lines. Fill the radiator completely full if it is found to be low. Use a solution of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent distilled water as a cooling fluid. Bleed the cooling system following the instructions in the owner's manual if more than one liter of cooling fluid needs to be added to the radiator.

5. Inflate the tires. Ensure that the tires are inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer by checking the pressure with a tire gauge. Jack up both front and rear wheels with motorcycle stands so that the weight of the bike is not resting on the tires.

6. Remove the battery and store it on anything other than a concrete floor. Charge the battery using a battery charger set on a setting that will allow the battery to receive a steady trickle charge.

7. Cover the bike with an air-permeated tarpaulin to avoid moisture buildup under the tarp.

Winter Operation

1. Close the muffler openings and wash the bike with a sponge, using warm water and a commercial-grade detergent. Caked-on dirt can be removed with a soft spray of water, while you can remove stubborn dirt and stains by spraying with a motorcycle cleaner and scrubbing with a soft brush. Rinse the bike with a soft jet of water. Dry the bike using a soft towel. Remove the muffler coverings and take a short ride to enable water on the engine, brakes and other places that cannot be accessed to thoroughly dry.

2. Oil or lubricate all of the bearing positions and friction bearings after the engine has cooled down. Lubricate the chain with chain spray.

3. Slide the protective covers on the handlebar-mounted instruments back and allow any moisture that has gotten in while washing to evaporate.

4. Treat the engine, swing arm and any other unfinished areas with a wax-based anti-corrosive agent. Treat the exhaust pipes with a product that will protect stainless steel. Polish the painted surfaces of the bike

5. Spray the ignition lock, emergency off switch, combination switch and all electrical connectors with contact spray to avoid corrosion and malfunction.

References

• KTM: 950 Supermoto Owner's Manual 2008