Before You Park Your Spyder for Winter: A Complete End-of-Season Checklist
Before You Park Your Spyder for Winter: A Complete End-of-Season Checklist
For many Can-Am Spyder and Ryker riders, the first cold mornings of fall bring an unwelcome realization: riding season is winding down.
It can be tempting to pull into the garage after that last ride, throw a cover over your machine, and call it good until spring. But a little preparation now can make a big difference when warmer weather returns.
Proper winter storage helps protect the battery, fuel system, tires, finish, and other components during months of inactivity—and makes that first spring ride much easier.
Here is a practical end-of-season checklist to help get your Can-Am On-Road vehicle ready for its winter rest.
1. Start With a Good Cleaning
Putting a dirty machine into storage means bugs, road grime, brake dust, salt, and other contaminants may sit on the finish for months.
Give your Spyder or Ryker a thorough wash before storage.
Pay particular attention to:
The front bodywork and suspension area
Wheels and around the brake components
Windshield
Lower body panels
Areas where insects and road debris collect
Dry the machine thoroughly afterward, including areas where water can hide.
This is also a good opportunity to apply an appropriate protectant or wax to painted surfaces.
Don't forget the windshield. Use products and cleaning materials appropriate for the windshield material rather than household glass cleaners or abrasive towels that could damage it.
2. Inspect It While You're Cleaning
Cleaning gives you an excellent opportunity to perform a close visual inspection.
Look for:
Fluid leaks
Loose or missing fasteners
Damaged body panels
Unusual tire wear
Cuts, cracks, or objects embedded in the tires
Damaged hoses or wiring
Signs of corrosion
Anything that changed during the riding season
If something needs attention, write it down.
Better yet, take care of it before winter if practical. There is nothing worse than uncovering your Spyder on the first beautiful spring day and suddenly remembering the repair you planned to make six months earlier.
3. Check the Tires
Check all three tires for damage and wear.
Then check tire pressures and adjust them according to the specifications for your particular model and configuration.
Tires naturally lose some pressure over time, especially as temperatures fall, so don't assume the pressure that was correct during summer is still correct in December.
During storage, periodically check the tires rather than ignoring them until spring.
If you're concerned about prolonged storage in one position, consult the recommendations for your particular vehicle and tires rather than relying on generic motorcycle storage advice.
4. Take Care of the Fuel
Fuel deserves attention whenever a vehicle will sit unused for an extended period.
Fresh fuel is preferable to leaving old fuel in the machine for months.
Depending on the length of storage and the recommendations for your vehicle, a suitable fuel stabilizer may also be appropriate.
If you use one, follow the product directions carefully. After adding stabilizer, the engine generally needs to run long enough for treated fuel to circulate through the fuel system.
Don't simply pour something into the tank and assume the job is finished.
Most importantly, consult your owner's manual for the storage procedure recommended for your specific Spyder or Ryker model.
5. Think About the Oil
If an oil change is due—or will be due soon—winter can be a convenient time to take care of it.
That way, the machine is ready when riding season returns.
However, don't automatically change fluids simply because the calendar says winter. Follow the maintenance intervals specified for your particular Can-Am On-Road vehicle.
This is also a good time to review your maintenance records.
Ask yourself:
When was the last oil change?
When were the filters changed?
Are any scheduled maintenance items approaching?
Winter provides something riding season often doesn't: time.
6. Protect the Battery
The battery is one of the most common sources of springtime frustration.
A battery that sits for months without proper maintenance can lose charge and may suffer permanent damage.
A quality battery maintainer can help keep the battery properly charged during storage.
There is an important distinction here:
You want a battery maintainer, not an old-style charger that continuously forces current into the battery.
Modern maintainers monitor battery condition and adjust their charging behavior accordingly.
Make sure the maintainer is compatible with the type of battery installed in your machine, and follow both the vehicle manufacturer's and charger manufacturer's instructions.
Also inspect the battery connections for looseness or corrosion.
7. Check Your Coolant and Other Fluids
Before storage, inspect fluid levels according to your owner's manual.
Depending on your model, that may include:
Engine coolant
Brake fluid
Engine oil
Other serviceable fluids
If you live where temperatures drop below freezing, proper coolant protection is particularly important.
Never assume the coolant mixture is adequate simply because the vehicle didn't overheat during summer.
If you're uncertain about coolant condition or freeze protection, have it checked.
8. Don't Forget the Brakes
Take a look at the braking system while you're inspecting the machine.
You don't need to disassemble anything simply for winter storage, but visually inspect what you can safely see.
Look for anything unusual around the brake components and check the brake fluid according to the owner's manual.
If you've noticed changes in braking performance, unusual noises, warning lights, or other brake-related symptoms during the season, winter is an excellent time to have them investigated.
9. Keep Rodents Out
A warm, quiet garage containing a parked vehicle can be attractive to mice and other small animals.
Unfortunately, wiring, insulation, air boxes, and hidden compartments can become nesting areas.
Keep the storage area clean and avoid leaving pet food, bird seed, or other food sources nearby.
Periodically inspect around and underneath the machine throughout winter.
Be cautious about stuffing materials into exhaust or intake openings. Anything placed on or in the vehicle creates the possibility that it will be forgotten in spring.
If you use any temporary deterrent or barrier, make yourself a reminder that cannot be missed before starting the vehicle.
10. Choose the Storage Location Carefully
Whenever possible, store your Spyder or Ryker:
Indoors
In a dry location
Away from standing water
Away from corrosive chemicals
Away from significant temperature and moisture swings
A garage doesn't have to be heated to provide useful protection.
Keeping the vehicle sheltered from precipitation, sunlight, wind, and repeated outdoor freeze-thaw cycles is already a significant advantage.
11. Cover It—But Use the Right Cover
A cover keeps dust and debris off the vehicle during storage.
Use a cover designed for vehicle storage and appropriate for the environment.
Breathability matters, particularly where moisture and condensation are concerns.
Before installing the cover, make sure the machine is clean and completely dry. Covering a wet or dirty vehicle can create problems rather than prevent them.
12. Don't Start It Just to Let It Idle
This is a common winter ritual: uncover the machine every few weeks, start the engine, let it idle for a few minutes, shut it off, and cover it again.
Unless your owner's manual specifically directs otherwise, don't assume this is beneficial.
A short idle period may not bring the entire drivetrain fully up to normal operating temperature. It can also introduce moisture without giving the vehicle enough operating time to remove it.
If the machine has been properly prepared for storage, generally leave it stored until you're ready to operate it properly.
Follow the storage and return-to-service instructions for your particular model.
13. Make a Spring List Now
Before putting the cover on, create a simple spring checklist.
Write down anything you want to remember:
Maintenance that's coming due
Accessories you want to install
Tires you may need
Repairs you've postponed
Registration or insurance items
Riding gear that needs replacement
Trips or events you're considering
Put the list somewhere you'll find it before the first ride.
Your future self will appreciate it.
One Last Walk-Around
Before declaring the riding season finished, take one final walk around your Spyder or Ryker.
Ask yourself:
Is it clean?
Is the fuel prepared for storage?
Is the battery being maintained properly?
Are the tires properly inflated and in good condition?
Are the fluids where they should be?
Did I identify anything that needs repair or maintenance?
Is the storage location dry and secure?
Is the vehicle properly covered?
If the answers are yes, you're in good shape.
Then comes the hardest part:
Waiting for spring.
Key Takeaways
Winter storage doesn't need to be complicated, but a few basic steps can prevent unpleasant surprises in the spring.
Clean and thoroughly dry your Spyder or Ryker before storing it.
Inspect the tires, brakes, fluids, wiring, and visible components while you're cleaning.
Prepare the fuel system according to the recommendations for your vehicle.
Use an appropriate battery maintainer during extended storage.
Store the vehicle in a clean, dry, protected location whenever possible.
Watch for rodents and other signs of unwanted winter visitors.
Don't start the engine periodically just to let it idle unless the manufacturer's instructions call for it.
Make a list of maintenance, repairs, accessories, and riding plans you want to address before spring.
Above all, follow the owner's manual and applicable BRP/Can-Am recommendations for your specific model and model year.
Final Thoughts
Putting your Spyder or Ryker away for the winter is never quite as enjoyable as getting it back out in the spring.
But the work you do now can make that first warm riding day much better.
Instead of discovering a weak battery, low tire, old fuel, forgotten maintenance item, or other problem when you're ready to ride, you'll have a machine that was properly prepared months earlier.
Think of winter storage as the final maintenance job of this riding season—and the first preparation for the next one.
Then put the cover on, start thinking about where you want to ride next, and wait for that first good riding day.
Stay Connected With Spyder Riders Hub
Your Can-Am may be parked for the winter, but your riding community doesn't have to be.
Spyder Riders Hub stays active year-round. Use the off-season to:
Connect with other Can-Am Spyder and Ryker riders.
Join conversations in the community forum.
Find clubs and other riders in your area.
Discover upcoming events and rallies.
Research maintenance, accessories, upgrades, and riding destinations.
Start planning next season's rides.
Not a member yet? Join Spyder Riders Hub free and become part of a growing community built for Can-Am On-Road riders.
Already a member? Visit the Forum and tell us: What's on your Spyder or Ryker winter project list?
