In a perfect world, we'd be able to ride all year long – but the arrival of snow and cold weather marks the end of the season. If you were planning to throw a tarp over your 3-wheel motorcycle and call it a day, think again: proper storage requires a few important steps.
HERE'S HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE FOR THE OFF SEASON AND MAKE SURE IT'S IN TIP TOP SHAPE FOR THE FOLLOWING SPRING.
WHY YOU SHOULD WINTERIZE A CAN-AM RYKER OR SPYDER
The longevity of your vehicle depends on keeping it safe from harsh conditions. Extreme cold can damage its plastic and rubber components, and fluctuating temperatures can cause rust-forming condensation. The freeze-and-thaw cycle can also damage your wheels as the ground shifts underneath them.
STEP 1: BRING IT INDOORS
A garage is the perfect place to store your Can-Am 3-wheeler : it offers protection from the elements in an environment that's relatively temperature-controlled, dry, and away from sunlight. If you don't have a garage, try shopping around for a public storage facility, which will offer the same benefits.
STEP 2: SEAL IT UP
No matter which storage solution you choose, there's one important issue you might need to work around. Just like your 3-wheeler, mice much prefer being warm and dry during the winter! There are plenty of places in a garage or storage unit for rodents to hide and plenty of things for them to chew on, so it's important to take preventive measures.
Start by covering any holes where a mouse might burrow, like the exhaust pipe or air intake, with steel wool. Next, place mothballs or cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil along the perimeter of the vehicle, since the smell is said to keep these unwanted visitors away.
STEP 3: MIND THE DETAILS
Next, you'll want to check a few preventive measures off your list. Start by touching up any spots where paint has chipped off your Can-Am Ryker or Spyder, then put a plastic bag over your muffler outlet to keep moisture out. Once you're done, cover the vehicle with a breathable material that won’t trap moisture or heat inside.
STEP 4: CREATE SOME CLEARANCE
To avoid getting flat spots on your tires, jack up your Can-Am Ryker or Spyder to alleviate any pressure. If your tires develop flat areas, it will cause vibration while you ride, which makes for an uncomfortable experience. Additionally, if you don't complete this winterizing step, it might cost you: flat spots don’t always go away on their own, and if they don’t, you’ll need to replace your tires.
STEP 5: PAY IT A VISIT
It's best not to let your 3-wheel motorcycle sit idle all winter long. Approximately once a month, run it for 10-15 minutes, letting it get up to temp each time. Before you begin, make sure to remove the wool plug from the exhaust pipe and take the vehicle outside for proper ventilation.
Not only will this step circulate the oil throughout various portions of the engine that should remain lubricated, but seeing your vehicle again will have you daydreaming about which adventures you'll conquer as soon as the snow melts.
Now that you know how to store a Can-Am Ryker or Spyder for winter, you can move forward with confidence. Make sure to treat your vehicle right, and get excited for the big thaw!
