Hello again riders. I'm trying to fully commit to getting a nice Harley by expanding my garage. I really love the FLSTF and would like to own it very soon. What I need guidance with is how do I keep it well, especially when its in storage over the winter etc. I am completely clueless in these regards, despite the fact that I'm a veteran motorcycle rider from a subtropical country where you never store motorcycles for long periods. Any noob guides for first time Harley owners would really help out!

 

Keep the gas tank full and add a fuel stabilizer to it. Keep the battery hooked to a battery tender. That's all you need to do. Now go get that Fatboy and enjoy it.

 

What he said.....and one more thing. Get a decent motorcycle cover for the off season.

 

Thank you Misbehaven and Smileman, any particular product recommendations for the fuel stabilizer and the battery tender? I live in the midwest and it gets pretty bad in the winter months here. As for the motorcycle cover, would you recommend it even when parked in the garage? This also brings me to my next question (and more immediate at this point) what would be better, do a full blown expansion of the garage to add space, or will one of them vinyl sheds from menards be a possible option? Pardon my ignorance here...

 

I would go with a garage expansion. Ideally the driest place would be the best for storing a bike through winter. I don't use a fancy cover on mine. A couple of old cotton sheets keep the dust off and it breaths well enough so I don't have to worry about condensation.
1oz per gallon of Sea Foam will keep your fuel good through the entire winter. You can find it at most Automotive parts stores. As for battery tenders take your pick from the hundreds that are made for bikes. I use a cheap one from Amazon that cost me less then $25.00 and it has done its job for the past 3 years. I have stored bikes here in Wisconsin every winter for the past 20 years and never a problem come spring time.

 

What he said...
I bought a full cover last year and took it off shortly after due to condensation.
My garage is unheated, so I wind up with constantly changing temps.
Better to leave it uncovered or throw a sheet over it.
The cover is better suited for a heated garage...

 

Here's what I have done for storing in an unheated garage.
Get a nice breathable cover, then take a 60 watt light bulb in a shop light fixture and place it under the cover with the bike. This produces just enough heat under the cover to help prevent condensation as long as you have a breathable cover.
Along with a full tank with stabilizer and a battery tender this setup works well for me.

 

Got the fatty my self. Personally I think that it is not a long distance runner. The 200 rear tyre is heavy and cumbersome. Looks great but if you eat up the miles, go for the heritage.

 

Fuel stabilizer and a Harley Super Smart Battery Tender and you are set.

 

Depends on which cover you used. If it is a breathable cover, then no problem. If it is a outdoor waterproof cover, no good.