Winterize Tips?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,207
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
2. Dirty oil has carbon and other nasty stuff in it. It is actually a bit corrosive. You don't want that to settle in your engine.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
That's funny to think about caust it still super hot here. 77 last night and up to 90 today. Won't get the 1st night below 70 till mid October. Won't be able to cut off the AC in the house till Nov. Oh yea and I ride year-round. No off season. 62' is my cut off when it's cold and above 92' makes it not fun as well.
82° here today - might be mid-50's tonight. Last weekend, it got down to the mid-40's... and that's not even getting close to cold yet!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
(This coming from a guy who changes fluids every 20,000 miles or so - if they need it)
i ride year round as well... want to see a real rider... get out in 20 degree weather... i used to ride to school when i was in college... from chicago to missiouri year round... coming home for chrismas was rough sometimes!!! COLD AS HELL!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 2
From: North Lima, Ohio
62 is cold? Geez, I thought 15 was cold. I have been known to ride in temps in the 20's. Havnt had that since moving to SC. I can go all year. I go Christmas shopping on my bike. I used to look at it like this. If you can dress to ride a snowmobile or 4 wheeler, then if no ice on the roads, why cant I dress to ride my bike?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
Hey all! I am a proud new owner of a Softail Deluxe (My first Harley btw). Just got the bike Tuesday night. I would like to tap into the wealth of knowledge from all of you out there about the best way or tips for winterizing my bike during the down months. I live in Seattle so there is alot of rain and sometimes snow during the winter. Anything you all know out there would be greatly appreciated!
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 31
From: southeast pa
rather than a lift.. I "store" mine on a sheet of plywood.. I may put carpet on it this year but last few years.. no problems.. before it get's "stored".. I clean it, and then wax or harley gloss it.. I cover it with a sheet.. and keep a tender on it.. I do the stabil and full tank of gas as well.. I do not do the occasional start thing.. But, I do ride it when I can... the other thing is I have a heated garage so it's never colder than say.. 50 degree's or so.. that alone makes the storage thing that much easier...
Cheers
mavrick
Cheers
mavrick
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 1
From: SE Wisconsin
Followed the same routine for years; seems to work.
Change oil.
Wash and wax.
Fill gas tank and add Stabil.
Hook up a battery tender.
Cover bike.
Heated garage is a nice bonus (when there's two feet of snow and 10 degree temps outside, I can uncover and stare at the bikes while sitting around in the garage with a cold one counting the days until spring)!
Change oil.
Wash and wax.
Fill gas tank and add Stabil.
Hook up a battery tender.
Cover bike.
Heated garage is a nice bonus (when there's two feet of snow and 10 degree temps outside, I can uncover and stare at the bikes while sitting around in the garage with a cold one counting the days until spring)!
Last edited by wi.st.rod; Sep 4, 2009 at 10:58 PM.