Winter Storage in Ohio.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Twin Cities, MN
Do you even have a cold winter that far south? bwahaha
Never a problem on paint finishes here in MN. Stabil, fog the engine and the battery tender. I keep mine on a rubber mat to block any moisture comeing up from the floor. Other than that its only for a few months.
Never a problem on paint finishes here in MN. Stabil, fog the engine and the battery tender. I keep mine on a rubber mat to block any moisture comeing up from the floor. Other than that its only for a few months.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,062
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From: Southwest OHIO
All good suggestions above... Might i also add, learned from an old timer, to wax your chrome parts, but dont whipe the haze off untill after winter. Im also from ohio and am pretty upset you brought this topic up so early. Should be able to keep your bike on the road well into november. But once the snow starts sticking around more than a few days, its time to start the winter mods!
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,119
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From: USA
After looking at a lot of posts about storage, I have a question that has not been answered. I'm going to be storing the bike in a 8x10 or 10x10 outside wood shed. This will be only thing in here and only used for the winter. I plan on adding fuel stablizer in it and the oil was changed about a month ago so not worried about that. The battery will be out of the bike stored inside the house and not i'm not sure of jack stands yet. Security will not be an issue since my alarm company will be installing an alarm sensor in the shed. Will the lower temps we get in ohio cause any issues with the bike? example paint issues, chrome and mainly any engine issues. I'm probably overracting but I'm allowed to.
I live in western NY and threw the years I've discovered a problem with small wooden or metal sheds. In winter a shed without insulation will get extremely cold during the nite but then heat up quickly from the sun on it's roof. This then causes thick metal to frost and induce a lot of moisture to form, especially inside the engine. You can actually see water on the outside of parts. I keep mine in an insulated garage and have no problem. I also don't do anything but add some fuel stabilizer, as I get frequent dry days to ride. Haven't needed a battery tender since they all have gel cells. I've plugged them in several times, but they go green right away. Also, never start a stored bike unless you can take it for a good long ride.
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From:
keep mine in heated work shop. Fog motor, stabil in tank (make sure to let it run for a few minutes after adding) Fresh oil park on the carpet and cover But in an uninsulated shed condensation will be a problem if the shed is that small insulation would not cost much and it will reduce condensation dramatically
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Commerce, Mich.
All info above is great...One thing I would add...If Possible, leave the bike on a jack or stand. this will keep the tires and jiffy stand away from the ground where moisture can effect them. The changes in temp won't hurt the bike as long as you leave it alone. DO NOT start the bike to "let it run a few minutes" No starting untill you are gonna go for at least a 10 mile run so the engine comes up to temp.
Waxing paint and chrome is a very good move...don't wipe it off till spring and your bike will look great when you take that first ride.
Number one rule.... Make sure you put her away CLEAN. You don't want anything left on the bike that may cause corrosion. I always detail the bike before4 storage. A breatable cover is a must, and like otehrs said...remove the seat and take it inside to keep the mice away, and cover the exhaust pipes. for the same reason.
As for the oil...if you changed it a month ago, and you aren't done riding it...CHANGE IT AGAIN Just prior to storage. I change mine the same day I put her away to make sure that she has good clean oil in all 3 holes for her winter nap..Besides, its a great time to check over everything on the bike and see if you need any other work done over the winter. I live in Michigan, and have stored my 2 bikes in the garage for the past 3 years with no issues. They start right up in spring, and are ready to ride in about 30 minutes ( time to wipe off the wax...)
Waxing paint and chrome is a very good move...don't wipe it off till spring and your bike will look great when you take that first ride.
Number one rule.... Make sure you put her away CLEAN. You don't want anything left on the bike that may cause corrosion. I always detail the bike before4 storage. A breatable cover is a must, and like otehrs said...remove the seat and take it inside to keep the mice away, and cover the exhaust pipes. for the same reason.
As for the oil...if you changed it a month ago, and you aren't done riding it...CHANGE IT AGAIN Just prior to storage. I change mine the same day I put her away to make sure that she has good clean oil in all 3 holes for her winter nap..Besides, its a great time to check over everything on the bike and see if you need any other work done over the winter. I live in Michigan, and have stored my 2 bikes in the garage for the past 3 years with no issues. They start right up in spring, and are ready to ride in about 30 minutes ( time to wipe off the wax...)
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: USA
It's a way of getting the pistons and cylinders coated with a good oil such as Marvel Mystery oil. I don't bother with my bike as I get to ride it now and then. I do use it on RC racing engines when I'm done running them as they burn alcohol.
With your bike, you could take out the plugs, insert some good after run oil in the holes, then hold a rag over the holes and turn over the engine a few times slowly by hand. Then reinsert plugs.
btw...WD40 works good for this and you can just spray it in.
With your bike, you could take out the plugs, insert some good after run oil in the holes, then hold a rag over the holes and turn over the engine a few times slowly by hand. Then reinsert plugs.
btw...WD40 works good for this and you can just spray it in.
Last edited by Snarly; Sep 8, 2009 at 06:40 PM.
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