Step 2
It is strongly recommended to check the coolant, more precisely its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Remember that this fluid starts to lose its effectiveness after two years or so. It changes color and may cause serious problems like overheating as the rubber hoses deteriorate and leak. The radiator will jam, while the water pump seal will loosen. Also, in the case of fuel-injected engines, the air-fuel mixture may become altered. These are the sort of problems you can expect and should definitely avoid.

Check the coolant, more precisely its ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

Beware of acid in the coolant. It affects any contacting sensor, like the temperature sensor (or thermal sensor), which reacts to cold and heat changes. Acid creates a slight charge which confuses the sensor, thus sending erroneous data to the ECU. The latter incorporates multiple electronic circuits, one of which is used to calibrate fuel injection timing. Engine performance will be reduced if there's acid in the coolant.

Corrupted coolant also leads to corrosion of internal parts. Furthermore, antifreeze protection will be diminished if not totally vanished, leaving the engine prone to freezing and cracking.

Step 3
Ideally, the battery should be removed and stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. An intelligent charger is perfect for maintaining a steady charge and prevent damage to the battery's internal plates. This intelligent charger should not exceed a 2 amp-hour capacity. Costing somewhere between $25 and $50, it even features overcurrent protection.

Some batteries require zero maintenance while others do. In the latter case, it's important to bring the fluid level back to its initial state. Only use distilled or ionized water. Any other type of water (from the faucet, for example) contains too many ferrous particles and this could damage the cell plates by accelerating sulfurization.

Step 4
Tire pressure also needs to be checked out. Use a jack so as to prevent the tires from having to support your bike. It may be a good thing to deflate them to about 15 PSIs. Over a long period of time, the heavy weight of a motorcycle can lead to tire deformation and cracking. During your first spring rides, you may feel annoying vibrations as a result.

Of course, it goes without saying that you need to re-inflate your tires prior to your first ride of the following season. Check the owner's manual for the recommended pressure. If you must replace any of your tires, wait till spring as rubber tends to dry out and stiffen when left unused. Your tires may become slicker, which will affect handling, especially on wet pavement.

Another benefit of jacking your bike is to relax the suspensions. Springs tend to collapse and lose tension over time, making the fork softer and less sharp. Therefore, you should also adjust the spring and shock settings to ensure minimum load.

A soft fork not only compromises handling but also braking performance. Stopping distances will indeed be longer since the increased weight transfer to the front reduces rear-wheel grip.