Winter Storage Suggestions
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 2
From: Rhode Island
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, KY
The manual for my '13 Dyna said specifically not to use a trickle charger and to use a battery tender. I think a trickle charger can damage the electronics on the newer bikes. Just something to take note of, I don't know how new/old your bike is but they don't usually bother to put it in the manual if it isn't important.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
When you store it use non-ethanol gas. Put Stabil in and take a 10 minute ride, or if conditions are unrideable, let it idle for a few minutes. I change my oil right before storing, as in WI it may be in for 5 months. I usually wash and wax bike, with saddlebags off.
I use a Batteryminder.
http://www.batteryweb.com/batterymindercomparison.cfm
http://batteryminders.com/details.php?prod=1500
I got the free digital multi-meter with it.
I use a Batteryminder.
http://www.batteryweb.com/batterymindercomparison.cfm
http://batteryminders.com/details.php?prod=1500
I got the free digital multi-meter with it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,227
Likes: 7,802
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
The manual for my '13 Dyna said specifically not to use a trickle charger and to use a battery tender. I think a trickle charger can damage the electronics on the newer bikes. Just something to take note of, I don't know how new/old your bike is but they don't usually bother to put it in the manual if it isn't important.
Forgot to originally say I like to change oil 'before winter time too. Rather than let it sit for weeks and weeks on end with old oil in it. Old oil can contain acids...leave it sit for long periods ain't good. Although I don't let her go for much more than 6 weeks during the worst of winters anyways...I still ride down to 30 degrees F out.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
I guess someone was watching TV and saw the KMart holiday ad...too early to think storage, but here's what I do anyway:
1. Run to station & fill tank
2. Ride home and add Sta-bil to fuel & idle for 5-10 min
3. Dump oils and change (all fluids & filter); after bike's shut off, of course)
4. Thorough wash/dry/wax
5. Polish all chrome (chrome polish & never-dull)
6. Lift bike onto jack
7. Remove plugs & squirt oil in cyls, rotate cyl's by hand (bike in gear/turn tire)
8. Lube all cables & pivot points
9. Check all bolts & tighten, if necessary
10. Cover & plug in tender
11. Sit back & cry for 4-months
1. Run to station & fill tank
2. Ride home and add Sta-bil to fuel & idle for 5-10 min
3. Dump oils and change (all fluids & filter); after bike's shut off, of course)
4. Thorough wash/dry/wax
5. Polish all chrome (chrome polish & never-dull)
6. Lift bike onto jack
7. Remove plugs & squirt oil in cyls, rotate cyl's by hand (bike in gear/turn tire)
8. Lube all cables & pivot points
9. Check all bolts & tighten, if necessary
10. Cover & plug in tender
11. Sit back & cry for 4-months