Harley winter storage
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 3,065
From: USA
Sorry, I'm not buying in to the tires on concrete promote rot from moisture. Maybe 40 years ago but today's manufacturing process has improved exponentially. If you want to do it because it makes you feel better, then by all means have at it. But I'm not seeing anything but opinions (and we know what they are worth) here. Please back up the claims about rotting and flat spots with some current research. Until then, I'll call BS. Respectfully of course 
Are you worried about your tires or moisture coming up through the cement?
I put the kickstand down and plug in the battery tender.
I've been keeping mine in an unheated garage on a cement floor for the past 9 years with no worries.
I don't even throw a cover over it. Still looks amazing.
I put the kickstand down and plug in the battery tender.
I've been keeping mine in an unheated garage on a cement floor for the past 9 years with no worries.
I don't even throw a cover over it. Still looks amazing.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 6,716
From: WI
I have a motorcycle jack these days so now I do jack my bike up off the ground. That being said, for years now I've been storing a bike and a car and even the car still I do not put anything under the tires. I put stable in it, drive it for a bit to cycle the stable through, put it in the storage unit, take the battery out to put it on a tender, cover it, and shut the door till spring. My bike I always used to do the same thing, stable, ride it a bit to cycle the stable, put it in my spot in my garage, plug in the tender, throw on the cover and wait till spring. Only just the last 5 years or so have I owned a cycle jack. I've never had an issue with flat spots on any tires in over 25+ years of storing vehicles.
The only other thing I would do "IF" I had an issue with rodents is something for rodent retardant....
The only other thing I would do "IF" I had an issue with rodents is something for rodent retardant....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I change the oils (all three) and filter in the fall. I run Sta-bil in the tank and fill before storage. I am fortunate that one of our American Legion members owns a golf course and he lets some of us park our bikes in the lower level of his club house with the golf carts. It's not heated per se, but the heat from the banquet room and bar areas keep the temps in the 50's. Plug the battery tender in, cover and leave it sit for the winter....mid-November through late March. Have had no issues with tires, flat spots or condensation in the 6 years I've had it.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 521
Likes: 301
From: Indiana
Someone said opinions... Yup.
I was raised by my pops to put carpet or plywood under the tires upon storage (antique cars, boats and motorcycles), so that's what I do...
Now I use a motorcycle jack and lift/lower to the first detent... the tires touch the ground, but no real weight on them >> but still on a large rug under the bike.
(among other storage routines...)
pc
I was raised by my pops to put carpet or plywood under the tires upon storage (antique cars, boats and motorcycles), so that's what I do...
Now I use a motorcycle jack and lift/lower to the first detent... the tires touch the ground, but no real weight on them >> but still on a large rug under the bike.
(among other storage routines...)
pc
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
All I ever have done is hook up a battery tender to the bike. Drape it with a dust cover. Put in transport mode. And never started them except to ride. Nothing else. Also the garage is not heated. I've had a number of bikes over the past 40 years. Never had a problem. All fired up and ran perfectly after 4 + months of idle. But do whatever makes you feel right.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 653
From: Atlantic Canada, eh
All I ever have done is hook up a battery tender to the bike. Drape it with a dust cover. Put in transport mode. And never started them except to ride. Nothing else. Also the garage is not heated. I've had a number of bikes over the past 40 years. Never had a problem. All fired up and ran perfectly after 4 + months of idle. But do whatever makes you feel right.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I have never worried about flat spots or dry rott in modern day tires. Especially since they get changed out every year or so. Never had an issue. If the bike is more than half way to a service I change the engine oil out. Put a fuel stabilizer in the tank, plug in the tender and throw the cover over them and wait for spring.