Winter storage question.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: South
Winter storage question.
I see several threads going on winter bike storage. None of them address protecting the chrome ect I plan on storing my Wideglide in a closed up unheated building and cranking it at least once a MONTH DURING THE WINTER to keep the batt up ect. My question is should I use a cover on it even though its inside? Should I wipe down the chrome any? Or will it be fine uncovered in the cold all winter? Does anyone use Sta-Bil gas treatment during storage?
I know the cold draws mosture. And yes I plan on changing the oil when it gets warm again.
I know the cold draws mosture. And yes I plan on changing the oil when it gets warm again.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Pa
I keep mine in a unheated garage I just polish up the chrome put Sta-Bil in the tank and run it for a while and put a tender on the battery my chrome still looks good and have the battery that came with my bike in 03
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Where in the "South" do you live? Starting it once a month and not riding it could be bad for it. You need to get it out and ride it if you're going to start it. A battery tender will do a better job of keeping the battery in good shape, IF you're not going to ride it at all. Protecting any of the metal is best done with a good wax job. Cover it if you want. But remember, even covering it with a sheet can be a bad deal if moisture gets into the garage. Covering it with a cloth that gets damp will only keep the dampness against the bike for a longer period.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,205
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I'll park mine in an unheated garage, fresh oil change (all 3 holes), a full tank of gas treated with stabil, a battery tender plugged in and loosely covered with an old bed sheet. During the winter I'll spend some time cleaning, polishing, maybe get some new accessories and generally checking things over.
On nice days I will even take a ride, top off the fuel tank after every ride). Been doing it this way for years (except I used to use a regular battery charger about once a month).
But that's all still a few weeks away, more I hope.
On nice days I will even take a ride, top off the fuel tank after every ride). Been doing it this way for years (except I used to use a regular battery charger about once a month).
But that's all still a few weeks away, more I hope.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 857
Likes: 1
From: Waynesboro, Va
I put my bike in a wheel chock(to keep straight up, uses less room) usually a full tank of gas with sta bil or seafoam, I use a harley cover, battery tender hooked up, and wait till the next available riding day. I change fluids only when next scheduled. Bike is kept is an unheated garage along with cars, etc. My 2cts......
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Only start it if you plan on riding it until it is at operating temp and for a fair amount of time.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 333
Likes: 3
From: Wuppertal, Germany
just ride it! wash as normal
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,190
Likes: 5
From: Eastern Washington
All you need to do is fill the tank and hook up a battery tender. Dont start it and let it idle. You are better off with the tender.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,421
Likes: 108
From: Tennessee
I ran across a helluva deal on the HD work station/storage stand a couple of years ago. It has wheels and I can move my scoot all over the garage and even push it outside on decent days when I need the room in the garage.
I read once in this forum that it eliminates flat spots on tires that can develop from setting in one place all winter. I'm not too sure it's true, but it does make sense. Already having the HD jack, I couldn't pass up the price I stumbled across for the stand.
I've never covered my Road King with anything during the winter months. Hell, some days during the winter around here it actually gets warm enough to ride it...
I read once in this forum that it eliminates flat spots on tires that can develop from setting in one place all winter. I'm not too sure it's true, but it does make sense. Already having the HD jack, I couldn't pass up the price I stumbled across for the stand.
I've never covered my Road King with anything during the winter months. Hell, some days during the winter around here it actually gets warm enough to ride it...