How to Winterise Your Ducati Monster (and Any Motorcycle) the Right Way
As the temperatures drop and riding conditions become unpredictable, it’s time to think about wintering down your motorcycle. Whether you own a muscular Ducati Monster or another bike, proper winter storage protects your engine, paintwork, fuel system, and battery — saving you headaches and money when spring rolls around.
The Ducati Monster is a performance-focused, naked sport bike with high-quality components. That means winter prep isn’t just recommended — it’s essential.
Let’s walk through the ultimate winterisation checklist.
1. Give It a Deep Clean
Winter storage begins with a spotless bike.
✅ Wash off dirt, chain fling, and road salt
✅ Dry thoroughly (compressed air or towel)
✅ Apply a good quality wax to bodywork and tank
✅ Spray metal parts lightly with ACF-50 or WD-40 Specialist to prevent corrosion
Why it matters for a Monster: Ducati uses exposed metal components and a trellis frame — salt corrosion here can get expensive fast.
2. Fuel System Care
You have two options depending on where you store the bike.
✅ Option A: Fill the Tank + Add Fuel Stabiliser
- Fill the tank to prevent moisture and rust
- Add stabiliser and run the engine for a few minutes
✅ Option B: Drain the Tank (only if storing very long-term)
- More common on race bikes, less common for street bikes
- If drained, fog the inside of the tank with light oil
For the Monster? Option A is usually best.
3. Battery Maintenance (One of the Most Important Steps)
Modern motorcycles, especially Ducatis, have ECUs and electronics that slowly drain the battery. A dead lithium or AGM battery in spring isn’t cheap to replace.
✅ Remove the battery or at least disconnect it
✅ Store indoors in a dry place
✅ Keep it on an intelligent trickle charger/optimate
Never let your Ducati battery go flat — they don’t like deep discharge and can fail completely.
4. Tyre Protection
Tyres can develop flat spots over months.
✅ Best option: Lift the bike using paddock stands (front + rear)
✅ If no stands:
- Inflate tyres slightly above normal pressure
- Roll the bike and change contact point every few weeks
- Place cardboard or carpet under tyres to avoid cold concrete
5. Change the Oil and Filter
Old oil contains acids, moisture, and contaminants that can eat at engine internals.
✅ Change oil and filter before storage
✅ Run engine for 1–2 minutes to circulate clean oil
Ducati engines are high-performance—treat them like it.
6. Chain and Moving Parts
✅ Clean chain thoroughly
✅ Apply fresh lube generously
✅ Lube levers, cables, and pivot points
Leaving your chain dry over winter = surface rust.
7. Air Intake & Exhaust Protection
Moisture or even tiny critters can enter your intake or exhaust.
✅ Stuff exhaust outlets with an oily rag or exhaust plug
✅ Place a cloth in the airbox intake (remember to remove before riding!)
8. Coolant Check (For Liquid-Cooled Models)
The Monster is liquid-cooled (most models), so make sure the coolant is fresh and the correct antifreeze mix.
✅ Check levels
✅ Replace if it’s more than 2 years old
9. Storage Environment
Where you keep it makes a HUGE difference.
✅ Best: Dry, insulated garage
✅ Good: Shed with cover and ventilation
✅ Avoid: Outdoors or damp space
Use a breathable motorcycle cover—not plastic tarps that trap moisture.
10. Security
Sadly, winter is prime time for theft. Bikes sit unused and unnoticed.
✅ Lock the bike to an anchor or ground point
✅ Consider a disc lock with alarm
✅ If stored in a garage, hide it from view and cover it
BONUS: Start or Don’t Start Over Winter?
Two schools of thought:
❌ Don’t just start it occasionally and let it idle.
This creates condensation in the engine and exhaust.
✅ Either:
- Leave it completely alone
OR - Start it, ride until fully hot (20+ mins), then put away again.
If you can’t ride it properly, don’t start it.
Quick-Reference Ducati Monster Winterisation Checklist ✅
- Full wash & wax
- Protect metal with ACF-50
- Full tank + stabiliser
- Oil & filter change
- Battery on trickle charger
- Chain cleaned & lubed
- Tyres protected / on stands
- Exhaust & intakes plugged
- Coolant checked
- Covered and secured
Springtime Revival (When You’re Ready to Ride Again)
In spring, reverse the process:
✅ Reconnect battery
✅ Remove plugs from exhaust/intake
✅ Check tyre pressure, brakes, lights
✅ Quick clean
✅ Let it warm up properly
✅ Go ride and enjoy that Monster roar!
Final Thoughts
Winterising your Ducati Monster isn’t difficult—but it requires attention to detail. A couple of hours of care now can save you hundreds in repairs, keep your bike looking pristine, and ensure it fires up first time when the sun returns.