Bike is officially put up for the winter. Stored in unheated garage. I've got an old blanket for coverage(cant shell out money for bike cover with baby on the way). Other than keeping it covered up, any suggestions on what else i need to ensure it fires up in the spring. Put in a request with santa for a tweener/tender. Someone did tell me i need to put something in the fuel tank to prevent fuel from setteling? cant remember what he said to get though?
tips, suggestions?

 

Fill the tank all of the way up with 93 octane, fill the tires up with air, and get it on a battery tender. I would also park it on wood or carpet... Just keep it off the cold concrete!

 

Dont know what your budget is, but you can get a pretty good quality bike cover at your local walmart for around $50. I have the indoor/outdoor cover and it has worked great for me.

 

+1 on the cover im getting one now because they are 39 bucks at autozone

 

Add "stabil" (brand name) to the gas & run the bike for a couple of minutes to insure it gets in the entire fuel system. If you are in an area that freezes take the battery out & store it in a heated area with a tender hooked up. Put a piece of wood between the battery and whatever you set it on, especially if its concrete.

 

Add "stabil" (brand name) to the gas & run the bike for a couple of minutes to insure it gets in the entire fuel system. If you are in an area that freezes take the battery out & store it in a heated area with a tender hooked up. Put a piece of wood between the battery and whatever you set it on, especially if its concrete.

 

Move West!

Really glad I don't have to worry about that, although it is starting out to be a really cold Fall out here and I'm hoping this isn't a preview of things to come this Winter.

Absolutely use the Stabil and run the engine, take care of the battery, and cover it up if you feel compelled. I think the more important issue is what you do when the Spring thaw comes... be sure to turn it over a couple of cranks without firing it up, check your air pressures, and give it a good checkout before your first ride. I'm sure some of the other snowbirds will have some better post-thaw suggestions.

Roger

 

Depending on how long it's been since you changed your oil, it is suggested to do an oil change. Harley also suggests that you pull the plugs, squirt in some fogging oil and then run the starter a few seconds to spread the oil.

 

look in the auto section at walmart. I bought a couple for my 2 bikes and they were only 20 bucks each. They work fine. I live in new england, BUT I still ride on the warm days to keep the battery charged, etc. Last year I ran into one of my buddies at the market in Feb. and he told me he saw somw crazy bastard doing 80 on rt. 2 in 30 degrees the week before, and he said he thought it was me at first and I told him it was me!!! cold but fun! followed by a hot toddy and hot shower!

 

I live in Central Arkansas. It gets cold here, and will freeze at times, but I plan to just keep up maintenance. Ride on the warm days, and use a battery tender when not riding the bike. I do put stabil in the gas during winter because it might be a couple weeks before I can get a good 20/30 mile ride in, so the gas might be in the tank for a month or more. Other than that I don't think I have to do much for storage. Just keep it clean, battery juiced, and the gas treated. Then continue with regular bike maintenance. Might let it warm up a little longer on the days I decide to take it out.

Others might think I need to do more, but I don't see what more could be done.