Winterization Service

A proper winterization is the difference between a Harley that wakes up ready to ride in spring and one that needs a carburetor rebuild, a new battery, and a fuel system cleaning before it can be ridden. Nova Scotia winters are long and hard on motorcycles — ethanol fuel phases separate, batteries sulfate, and rubber compounds dry and crack. Doing winterization right takes an hour; skipping it costs considerably more in the spring.

What's Included

• Full engine oil change — fresh oil protects internals all winter; old acidic oil does not
• Fuel system treatment: stabilizer added to full tank, run for 10 minutes to circulate
• Carbureted bikes: petcock to OFF, carb run dry
• Battery prep: connect to Battery Tender or remove for indoor storage with charger
• Fork lowers lightly wiped with corrosion inhibitor
• Exhaust pipe openings plugged (prevents moisture ingress and nesting)
• Tire inflation to maximum recommended pressure
• Soft cover recommendation check
• Written spring startup checklist provided

The Most Common Mistake

Most riders skip the fall oil change, planning to do it in spring. This is backwards. Old oil is acidic from combustion byproducts — those acids sit on engine internals all winter. Fresh oil has a neutral to slightly alkaline additive package that protects during storage. Change it before you park for winter, then change it again at spring startup to flush any condensation. Two oil changes per year, properly timed, is the single best thing you can do for engine longevity on any air-cooled Harley.