Storing Your Sur-Ron Over Winter: The Off-Season Checklist

Short answer: if you are putting your Sur-Ron away for winter, leave the battery around 60 to 80 percent, clean and dry the bike, protect bare metal from rust, and keep it somewhere dry. Do that and it will wake up in spring exactly as you left it. Skip it and you risk a tired battery and a rusty bike come March.

Plenty of riders ride right through the British winter, and that is fine. But if you are storing the bike for a few months, a little care now saves a lot of grief later. This is the off season checklist we give our own customers.

Battery first, always

The battery is the part most affected by long storage, so get this right above everything.

• Charge to around 60 to 80 percent. Not full, not flat. A mid charge is kindest to a lithium pack sitting for months.
• Do not leave it flat. A battery stored empty can be damaged over time. Top it up before storage.
• Store it somewhere dry and not freezing. A cold damp shed is the worst place. Indoors at a sensible temperature is ideal.
• Check it occasionally. Every few weeks, check the charge and top back up to the storage level if needed.

On models with a removable battery, take it out and keep it in the house. Our battery care guide goes deeper on keeping your pack healthy for years.

Clean it before it sits

Storing a muddy bike is asking for rust and corrosion. Give it a proper clean first.

• Wash off all the mud with a low pressure hose, avoiding the motor, battery and bearings.
• Dry it thoroughly. Stored damp is stored badly.
• Clean and lube the chain so it does not rust over winter.
• Wipe down and dry all the connectors and switchgear.

Our washing guide covers the safe way to do it without forcing water where it should not go.

Protect against rust and corrosion

British winters are damp, and damp is what starts rust. A few minutes of protection now pays off.

• Spray a light corrosion inhibitor on bare metal bolts and exposed hardware. Avoid the brake discs and pads.
• A light film of protectant on the chain keeps it from seizing.
• Make sure the bike is bone dry before you cover it.
• If you ride near gritted roads on the L1e, rinse off road salt before storage.

Where and how to store it

A dry garage is the dream. If you do not have one, do the best you can.

• Off the cold floor. Stand it on a board or cardboard so cold damp concrete does not draw into the tyres and bearings.
• Use a breathable cover. One that lets moisture escape, not a plastic sheet that traps it.
• Keep tyres healthy. Pump them up properly so they do not sit flat for months.
• Lock it up. Out of season is prime theft time. Our security guide covers locks and anchors.

Waking it up in spring

When the sun comes back, a quick once over and you are riding.

1. Charge the battery fully and check it holds.
2. Check tyre pressures and look over the tyres for any perishing.
3. Check the chain tension and lube, as in our chain care guide.
4. Test the brakes gently before you ride properly.
5. Check all the bolts are still tight and nothing has worked loose.

Five minutes of spring checks and your bike is ready for the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charge should I store my Sur-Ron battery at over winter?

Around 60 to 80 percent. Not full and not flat. Check it every few weeks and top back up to that level if it has dropped.

Can I leave my Sur-Ron in a cold shed over winter?

The bike can cope, but the battery should not be stored cold and damp. Ideally remove the battery and keep it indoors, and stand the bike off the cold floor under a breathable cover.

Do I need to do anything to the battery during storage?

Charge it to the storage level, keep it somewhere dry and not freezing, and check it every few weeks, topping up if needed. Never let it sit fully flat for months.

How do I stop my Sur-Ron rusting in storage?

Clean and dry it fully first, lube the chain, and spray a light corrosion inhibitor on bare metal bolts and hardware, avoiding the brakes. Store it dry under a breathable cover.

What should I check before riding again in spring?

Charge the battery, check tyre pressures and condition, check chain tension and lube, test the brakes, and make sure all the bolts are tight.

Put it away right, ride happy in spring

A bit of care before winter means no nasty surprises when the riding season returns. Battery sorted, bike clean and dry, rust kept at bay, locked up safe.

Any questions about storage or getting your bike ready for the season, drop us a message. And if you are thinking of adding to the stable, have a look at the Sur-Ron range. The kettle is always on.