Winterizing your ride
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
That's funny. The one time I used Seafoam, I had to have my carbs rebuilt. But it was because I had run out of gas and sucked up some dirt. In the last 10 years Seafoam has doubled in price. Not sure why.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,877
From: Western South Dakota
Ride to gas station. Fill tank with non-ethanol premium. Leave enough room for Stabil. If non-ethanol isn't available use Marine Stabil.
Ride around 10 minutes.
Change your oil and filter.
Wash and wax bike.
Cover Bike.
Put steel wool in exhaust.
Cover Bike.
I put Battery Minder on once a month, for a day. Some guys leave it on, but I don't trust that.
Ride around 10 minutes.
Change your oil and filter.
Wash and wax bike.
Cover Bike.
Put steel wool in exhaust.
Cover Bike.
I put Battery Minder on once a month, for a day. Some guys leave it on, but I don't trust that.
My tender is on whenever the bike is in the garage, year round.
Battery is going on 6 years.
Thinking I might maybe replace it this coming season, but it is still strong.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 230
From: United States
Wiz
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
I fogged the cylinders on my outboards, but not on my bike. If they were long term storage, I would.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,532
Likes: 430
From: N.E. OH
In addition to all the other great tips, I place a trouble light with a low wattage bulb in it on the floor under the covered bike. Keeps the bike a tad warmer than anything else in the garage. NO CONDENSATION!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 755
Likes: 189
From: Sartell, Minnesota
I do the same with all the bikes when it comes to putting it away for winter - non heated garage in Minnesota.
1. Fill tank with non-ethanol fuel - no stabil or any add-ins. Non ethanol does not break down, separates nor absorbs moisture like 10% ethanol does. Never had an issue and the bikes start and run normal in the spring.
2. I get them off the wheels, have a J&S Jack and (2) J&S dollies, just easier to move around and store.
3. Battery tender
4. Steel wool in exhaust
5. Cover
6. Wait for clear roads to ride again.
1. Fill tank with non-ethanol fuel - no stabil or any add-ins. Non ethanol does not break down, separates nor absorbs moisture like 10% ethanol does. Never had an issue and the bikes start and run normal in the spring.
2. I get them off the wheels, have a J&S Jack and (2) J&S dollies, just easier to move around and store.
3. Battery tender
4. Steel wool in exhaust
5. Cover
6. Wait for clear roads to ride again.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 521
Likes: 301
From: Indiana
As most stated here... (not too much needed really):
Clean,
Non-Ethanol fuel + Stabil,
Park on rug (so not on bare concrete),
Tender,
cover (breathable HD cover)...
Read HOG, HD Forums, Cruiser, etc to get me through the winter...
pc
Clean,
Non-Ethanol fuel + Stabil,
Park on rug (so not on bare concrete),
Tender,
cover (breathable HD cover)...
Read HOG, HD Forums, Cruiser, etc to get me through the winter...
pc
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 230
From: United States
Even enough to see a gas line along the outside of fuel tank and that quite supprised me.
Thx for the tip
Wiz