Winter Storage

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 20, 2006 | 02:11 PM

bogie

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 203

Likes: 0

From: North Central Massachusetts

Winter Storage

Won't be long before we start to think about getting our bikes ready for winter storage. My question is with the 10% Ethanol in the gas now, will this be a problem with moisture? I have read a couple articles about boaters having problems with moisture build-up in the fuel if they don't use their boats often. The article stated that many boaters are installing water seperaters in their fuel lines. The Ethanol is also reportedly eroding the interior of fiberglass fuel tanks. Any thoughts?

Sep 20, 2006 | 03:18 PM

MACK

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 1,817

Likes: 4

From: MONTGOMERY,AL.

RE: Winter Storage

Your tank is not fiberglass but very hard metal. I am not sure if ethanol could be a problem. I doubt it. Fill the tank as much as possible and add a good stabilizer. Harley sells a good one. When you store the bike try to stand it straight up as possible. When I lived in St Louis I use to put a block of 2x4 wood under my kickstand which still left a little tilt so that the bike was stable on the stand but almost standing straight up. Fill to the brim with the stabilizer after getting as much fuel in as possible. A full tank will displace any condensation that could collect on the sides of the tank. You may check with your dealer to be sure or get the tech number from the moco website and call them directly. I doubt that 10% will be enough to worry about.The tank will hold 640 ounces of fuel and 64 ounces at 10% is pretty small. I think you will be OK.You may also try to find fuel without methanol. Hope this helps. Maybe some others may chime in and know for sure.. COME ON GUYS LETS PUT OUR FRIENDS MIND AT EASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sep 20, 2006 | 09:13 PM

bogie

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 203

Likes: 0

From: North Central Massachusetts

RE: Winter Storage

I realize that my tank is not fiberglass!!!! I was refering to the fact that if the ethanol was able to deteriorate fiberglass, what about rubber or gasket material? I don't think it's a problem with condensation. More that it attracts moisture, as the articles state. I do use stabilizer and run the engine so that the stable fuel is in the carb, then fill the tank as much as possible. I store my bike in a heated garage. Just was concerned and was asking if any of you guys had heard anything about any problems. Thanks for your reply Mack.

Sep 20, 2006 | 11:35 PM

Geoseismic

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 711

Likes: 0

From: Bothell, WA

RE: Winter Storage

Hd fuel stabilizer in a full tank of gas, put the bike on a lift to level it and get the tires off the ground, and plug it into a battery tender. Cover the bike (garaged or not) to protect the paint and finish. I run a dehumidifier in my garage to keep the humidity down. Helps to preserve the metal and chrome from corrosion and oxidation.

Sep 23, 2006 | 03:55 PM

harleyfire18

6th Gear

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

RE: Winter Storage

Storage? Whats that? I keep mine ready to go in case the weather is nice. With these mild winters we've been having here I am going to try and ride at least once a month this winter. I plan on putting it on the lift and leaving the battery tender connected though. I'll cover it too.

Sep 24, 2006 | 10:42 AM

smithk

Cruiser

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 205

Likes: 8

From: Waterloo, Iowa

RE: Winter Storage

First of all, if you have a boat, ethanol is a big no no. I put stabil in everything I own that runs on gas. Don't matter if it is 2 or 4 stroke. Then like everyone one else said, fill it to the top. If you think you have moisture in your gas, Sea Foam will take care of that. Can put it in everything from boats to motorcycles.