Winter Storage Ideas.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
I might be storing my bike for a whole year, so I have a couple of questions.
Why change the fluids before the storage? Why not after you take it out of storage and get it fully services so you are ready to ride?
Why fill the tank to the top? Why not drain it? Doesn't fuel start breaking down after a while? I was told on my carbed bikes (KZ1000s) to drain the carbs or the gas will break down and gum up the jets with varnish.
Is it okay to leave a battery on a tender for a whole year?
I don't have a centerstand or floor jack. Is it okay to leave it on the jiffy stand?
I planned on getting it fully detailed before storing it under an HD cover. I like the idea of a light coating of WD40 on all the chrome.
Once again, this is not for four months of winter, but a whole year, maybe 14 months.
Why change the fluids before the storage? Why not after you take it out of storage and get it fully services so you are ready to ride?
Why fill the tank to the top? Why not drain it? Doesn't fuel start breaking down after a while? I was told on my carbed bikes (KZ1000s) to drain the carbs or the gas will break down and gum up the jets with varnish.
Is it okay to leave a battery on a tender for a whole year?
I don't have a centerstand or floor jack. Is it okay to leave it on the jiffy stand?
I planned on getting it fully detailed before storing it under an HD cover. I like the idea of a light coating of WD40 on all the chrome.
Once again, this is not for four months of winter, but a whole year, maybe 14 months.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
I used to fire up my V Star once in awhile, with no problem. Then, a couple years ago when a different bike wouldn't start & I had to have a dealer come get it, I found out that fuel injected's a different animal. It fouls up the plugs, and you should fire it up only if you're going out for a ride. What I was told. Kept my battery tender on, didn't fire it up for months, and it was fine in April.
sometimes, I do this while watching the family shovel the driveway.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Steel wool in the exhaust. keeps our furry friends out.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,110
From: Florida
What's "winter storage"?
Just kiddin;tryin' to be a wise-***. First of all. forget the jack, light bulb & fan--unless you wanna start a fire! jack is an accident waiting to happen;just move it occasionally. Bedsheet is the best; they breathe. WD-40 & Seafoam are good ideas, plus battery tender. Cover exhaust & A/C. I like to put a block of wood under the kickstand so the lean angle isn't so sharp;less weight on the kickstand for long periods. #1 on not starting it unless you're gonna ride it-- frozen moisture can cause sludge which then freezes & blocks your oil from flowing. Any way you can bring the bike in the house?
OR...
Do like Ed Norton & "pack up & move to Florida"! I DID!! Got tired of long,cold,gloomy winters.
Just kiddin;tryin' to be a wise-***. First of all. forget the jack, light bulb & fan--unless you wanna start a fire! jack is an accident waiting to happen;just move it occasionally. Bedsheet is the best; they breathe. WD-40 & Seafoam are good ideas, plus battery tender. Cover exhaust & A/C. I like to put a block of wood under the kickstand so the lean angle isn't so sharp;less weight on the kickstand for long periods. #1 on not starting it unless you're gonna ride it-- frozen moisture can cause sludge which then freezes & blocks your oil from flowing. Any way you can bring the bike in the house?
OR...
Do like Ed Norton & "pack up & move to Florida"! I DID!! Got tired of long,cold,gloomy winters.
Last edited by dickey; Oct 26, 2011 at 11:11 AM.
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