What's the best way to store a harley for the long term, do i need to drain all gas, oil, and remove the batt?

 

Bunch of threads on this lot of ideas.
First what is meant by long term?
For the most part add stabil to the fuel top off tank
Change oil and lube, Leave battery in hook it up to a Battery tender not a charger.
Makes sure bike is clean a coating of a product like S100 corrosion protacant works well.
It you cover it use a cover that can will allow air to flow.
Seen many stored for year to 18 months on deployments with no problems following the steps listed.

 

What he said...

....or you could fill her up and use my garage...
Beautiful bike!

 

in addition to the above-for storage more than a few months:

I remove the battery--- zero risk of electrical problems. Trickle charge it on the bench

raise tire off concrete ( I use my lift)

remove sparkplugs, add a little oil to the cylinders, rotate motor a few times by hand ( turn rear wheel, bike in gear) remember to use antiseize on sparkplug threads

drain gas from tank ( tanks need to be stored either all the way empty or all the way full)- seen too many tanks rusted through from the inside


resist the temptation to start bike for short periods while "stored"--- this will only cause condensation inside the motor pipes etc--- it does not do anything to "keep the battery charged"

mike

 

1st: What is your definition of long term?
2nd: Where would you be storing the motorcycle?

 

I second this post but would add that I would use a regular fogging oil that comes in a spray can. It is a little stickier and will stick to the cylinderwalls etc better for longer periods of storage. I would also spray the outside of the engine etc with it as it will keep your aluminum jugs etc from turning white and getting crappy looking. You will have to wash the bike when you pull it out of storage to remove the sticky oil film all over every thing but it will keep things looking good for years. I used to do this with all my snowmobiles when I put them in storage. I would spray all the bare aluminum parts of the motor and clutches, and exhaust and they would still look like they came right out of the crate.

 

I put some stabil in the tank let it run for about 5 min to get the stabil in the fuel injection ect.. Took the Battery off the Bike. Put it on a battery tender on the bench!
Aside from that mines in a unheated garage uncovered.

I have heard some say you should leave the bike connected to the battery and then hook the tender up. The way I see it is just removeing the battery removes all worrys...... The worst thing you will have to do is reset your clock........

 

I cant speak for everone but my idea of longterm storage is 3 - 3.5 months. Dec,Jan,Feb and maybe part of March depending on the temps.

 

You could ship it to Fletch's Motorcycle Storage (me) in NC for the winter.

I will ensure that it is well taken care of:

1) Hooked up to a battery tender when not in use
2) Ridden frequently to ensure that it is in proper working condition
3) All required maintenance performed by the local Harley Davidson dealership and billed to you with only a 15% surcharge for delivery to and pickup from the dealership
4) Returned to you washed with a full tank of gas at the start of your next riding season

Hope this helps.

 

Will Pulling the battery 'f' up the memory of ECM maps. I'll be taking mine out so it doesn't freeze but wonder if I'll have to reprogram the ThunderMax in the spring.