Winter Motorcycle Maintenance Myths That Are Quietly Destroying Your Bike - Episode 29

Most riders think winter is harmless downtime for their motorcycle. It isn’t.

In this Christmas episode of The Braking Zone, Dave and Brian break down the winter maintenance mistakes that quietly ruin suspension, brakes, engines, fuel systems, and batteries. These are not beginner errors. Many experienced riders make them every year.

We cover what actually needs servicing, what can wait, and what you should never do “just to be safe.” From fork oil and valve adjustments to brake fluid myths, ethanol fuel problems, lithium batteries, and why starting your bike in winter is one of the worst things you can do.

This episode is about peace of mind. Do the work once. Ride all season without anxiety.

Plus: upcoming suspension deep dives, airbag tech with Alpinestars, and how winter maintenance makes you a better rider when spring arrives.

If you care about riding more and worrying less, this episode matters.

00:00 Sponsor and Christmas episode kickoff
02:46 Next year plans and upcoming guests
06:16 Why off season time matters for skill and maintenance
09:26 Fork oil, service intervals, and keeping seals alive
15:41 Coolant changes, track water only setups, vinegar flush
19:20 Valve adjustments, not "valve job”, best time to bring to the shop
26:06 Tires, pricing, brake cleaning, pads, rotors, calipers
33:31 Brake fluid flush, cheap bleeder, and why brakes matter
39:00 Caliper cleaning, seals, O ring removal trick
41:30 The mindset you need for a successful spring
48:30 Clean bike Zen, find issues before they're problems
53:30 Storing the bike, ethanol, Stabil, fill it or drain it debate
56:10 Myth dispelled, cold starts throughout the winter
58:15 Battery storage, lithium ion, battery tender

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Jackets I Love:
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Pants I Love:
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Trackday/Race Gear:
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