Winterizing your bike?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: KS
Winterizing your bike?
Im originally from Florida, so im used to riding all year. Winter is a little new for me. This winter my Fatboy Lo will be sitting in the garage while it snows.
I have been told that you need to winterize your bike though. This apparently includes fuel additives and disconnecting the battery. Possibly other stuff?
Im lost here. Can anyone help me?
What does the forum recommend?
I have been told that you need to winterize your bike though. This apparently includes fuel additives and disconnecting the battery. Possibly other stuff?
Im lost here. Can anyone help me?
What does the forum recommend?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
- Fill tank & add stabilizer...run for 5-min
- Change oil/filter
- Squirt ~4oz oil in each cyl. & turn bike over
- Give bike thorough wash, wax & polish
- Hook up battery tender
- Put on breathable cover (sheet works too)
- Wait for spring...
- Change oil/filter
- Squirt ~4oz oil in each cyl. & turn bike over
- Give bike thorough wash, wax & polish
- Hook up battery tender
- Put on breathable cover (sheet works too)
- Wait for spring...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,511
Likes: 12
From: Western, MA.
I'm in New England where we have a lot of long cold winters. 
I've had many bikes over the years and all I've ever done was put the battery on a cheep $30.00 tender.
For XMass a few years back my wife bought me a cover.
At first I used it because it was a gift but I have to say, it does keep the bike from gettin dusty over the winter.
I've had many bikes over the years and all I've ever done was put the battery on a cheep $30.00 tender.
For XMass a few years back my wife bought me a cover.
At first I used it because it was a gift but I have to say, it does keep the bike from gettin dusty over the winter.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 14
From: Northern Colorado
Hey, Spider. You dont change the oil and filter before winter? People always say change the oil and filter. I just had mine changed 2k miles ago. Dont see the need, what you guys think?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 3
From: Bel Air Md
I am in Baltimore and you are South of me, last year was the worst in 20 years and my bike still only sat for 10 weeks. I just cover it and put on the battery tender and have never had a problem. Most years you can get it out once a month on a day it gets close to 50. I know a lot disagree but I have never had any problems.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 7
I have a full tank of 93 octane, a Battery Tender Plus and a HD indoor cover. There is no point in starting it unless you're going to get all of the parts moving and up to operating temp for atleast 10-15 minutes. A bike sitting for 4 or 5 months is not a big deal!
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,511
Likes: 12
From: Western, MA.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 765
Likes: 4
From: LI, and New York, NY -- N 40 44.985 W 73 00.910
I also try to convince anyone, and everyone to look into ACF50 anti corrosion spray. I get it from an airplane supply company in NY. I now spray everything that goes out in the winter.
The wash, wax and ACF50 is the extent of my winterization, as I continue to ride. The addition of this stuff applied to any winterization is a great benefit.
I get the 32oz container from Here and it comes with a small pump sprayer. The 32oz gets me through at least on winter with two Harleys, lawn mower, snow blower, and all other outdoor tools. I sprey my fence hardware, door hinges etc.