Winterize Tips?
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Winterize Tips?
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 Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 2
From: North Lima, Ohio
I used to live in Ohio where it gets pretty cold and snow in the off months. Only thing I did was keep fresh gas in it and a battery tender and a cover. I used to start it up at least once a week. For long time storage, use seafoam or stabill in the gas to keep it fresh.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Are you planning on riding during the winter or storing the bike til spring? I live in SLC and we get some brutal winters here. I usually store my bike from December to March. During that time, I do this:
(1) Fill the tank with gas - No additives (I've never used them and never have had problems). Fill it all the way up so no moisture can accumulate in the tank.
(2) Put the bike up on a lift (Sears Craftsman motorcycle jack). Let the suspension rest and no flat spots on the tires.
(3) Plug in the battery tender
If there's any projects I want to do, this is when I do them, so I'm ready to ride when it's time.
(1) Fill the tank with gas - No additives (I've never used them and never have had problems). Fill it all the way up so no moisture can accumulate in the tank.
(2) Put the bike up on a lift (Sears Craftsman motorcycle jack). Let the suspension rest and no flat spots on the tires.
(3) Plug in the battery tender
If there's any projects I want to do, this is when I do them, so I'm ready to ride when it's time.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
What Classic Eagle said. However! Do not start your bike during storage periods unless you plan on running it long enough to get to full operating temperature. Otherwise this will promote excessive condinsation in the bike. You are better off not starting over a period of time then the occasional fire up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
If you want to keep the dust off it use a bedsheet, most covers trap moisture.
Full tank of gas (add Stabil then run it for a few minutes if it's going to be stored for more that 3 months).
If it's close to needing it, change the oil before storing, not after. Don't store it with dirty oil.
Use a battery tender.
Full tank of gas (add Stabil then run it for a few minutes if it's going to be stored for more that 3 months).
If it's close to needing it, change the oil before storing, not after. Don't store it with dirty oil.
Use a battery tender.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,696
Likes: 17,533
From: Driftless Area
You're depressing me. I live close enough to the WI border to smell cheddar, and I'm not putting it away for another 3 months.
To answer your question, move the couch into the garage. That way there is space for your bike in the living room.
To answer your question, move the couch into the garage. That way there is space for your bike in the living room.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
What Classic Eagle said. However! Do not start your bike during storage periods unless you plan on running it long enough to get to full operating temperature. Otherwise this will promote excessive condinsation in the bike. You are better off not starting over a period of time then the occasional fire up.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 778
Likes: 10
From: Windsor Ontario
I ride occassionally in the winter so I don't totally winterize. Here's what I do
-Full tank of gas (I add stabilizer)
-Bike up on lift
-Covered with breathable Harley cover(an old sheet will work fine), just make sure it's a breathable cover if indoors
-Hook up battery tender(battery on bike)
-I never start my bike up unless I'm going for a ride of at least an hour, bike gets to operating temperature and burns off any condensation. If you take short trips the heat generated creates moisture which turns oil to sludge.
-My service manual says to remove plugs and add a bit of oil in each cylinder and crank over engine 5-6 revolutions and reinstall plugs.I don't do this one.
If my bike was gonna sit for 3 0r 4 months I would change my fluids also. I just keep my current schedule.
-Full tank of gas (I add stabilizer)
-Bike up on lift
-Covered with breathable Harley cover(an old sheet will work fine), just make sure it's a breathable cover if indoors
-Hook up battery tender(battery on bike)
-I never start my bike up unless I'm going for a ride of at least an hour, bike gets to operating temperature and burns off any condensation. If you take short trips the heat generated creates moisture which turns oil to sludge.
-My service manual says to remove plugs and add a bit of oil in each cylinder and crank over engine 5-6 revolutions and reinstall plugs.I don't do this one.
If my bike was gonna sit for 3 0r 4 months I would change my fluids also. I just keep my current schedule.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 22
From: Connecticut
If you want to keep the dust off it use a bedsheet, most covers trap moisture.
Full tank of gas (add Stabil then run it for a few minutes if it's going to be stored for more that 3 months).
If it's close to needing it, change the oil before storing, not after. Don't store it with dirty oil.
Use a battery tender.
Full tank of gas (add Stabil then run it for a few minutes if it's going to be stored for more that 3 months).
If it's close to needing it, change the oil before storing, not after. Don't store it with dirty oil.
Use a battery tender.
+1.
Sammi