Tips for Winter Storage
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 19
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Tips for Winter Storage
I'm stored my 2007 FXDL for 3 years at the local HD dealer. They charge $350 for the bike to be in a heated garage, connected to a battery tender and washed. I live in Maine and am planning to store it at home in my garage. While not heated, the garage doesn't get below 45 degrees. I just ordered an HD smart tender. The synthetics were just changed 30 days ago. What else should I do? Fuel stabilizer (what kind?).
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 69
From: michigan
Well, I reduce tire pressure and lift my motorcycle off of the ground a couple of inches, besides a topped off fuel tank with Stabil in it and fogged cylinders. With your bike level you can totally fill your gas tank. I have never used a battery tender. About once a month with the battery on the wooden bench I put a trickle charge on it overnight. Have always had a strong battery in the Spring. Before I put it up though, I give it a thorough wash and wax and the chrome cleaned. Then I keep it covered unless I'm going to work on it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 69
From: michigan
Yep. I use Stabil engine fogging oil. Start it up, spray it into the intake until it stalls and then squirt it into each cylinder for about three seconds. Directions on the can.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
Seafoam or any fogging oil will do just fine. I've been using Pennzoil brand for my inboard boat motor for several years. It's 25 years old and still runs like a top.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Minnesota
Here is my list;
Winterizing
Change all fluids & oil filter
Hookup Battery Tender
Top off fuel (It's amazing how much more fuel you can add with the bike straight up and using a fuel can.), stabilize fuel and fog tank
Clean & oil air filter
Remove spark plugs, clean, inspect (replace if necessary) and check gap
fog cylinders, apply anti-sieze replace plugs
Fog mufflers
Inspect and service (clean) brake calipers and pads
Put bike on lift
Wash, wax & detail
Cover with breathable cover and hang a Goldenrod or lightbulb to the frame
Spring wake up
Check tires for cracking, air pressure
Check operation of lights, signals, brake lights & horn
change brake fluid (overkill I know but it's only a few bucks & I enjoy working on the bike)
Take bike off of lift (fuel may come out of the overflow so go for a ride right away!)
After the first short ride check fluid levels of crank, tranny & primary
Winterizing
Change all fluids & oil filter
Hookup Battery Tender
Top off fuel (It's amazing how much more fuel you can add with the bike straight up and using a fuel can.), stabilize fuel and fog tank
Clean & oil air filter
Remove spark plugs, clean, inspect (replace if necessary) and check gap
fog cylinders, apply anti-sieze replace plugs
Fog mufflers
Inspect and service (clean) brake calipers and pads
Put bike on lift
Wash, wax & detail
Cover with breathable cover and hang a Goldenrod or lightbulb to the frame
Spring wake up
Check tires for cracking, air pressure
Check operation of lights, signals, brake lights & horn
change brake fluid (overkill I know but it's only a few bucks & I enjoy working on the bike)
Take bike off of lift (fuel may come out of the overflow so go for a ride right away!)
After the first short ride check fluid levels of crank, tranny & primary