Winterize

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Sep 23, 2020 | 09:47 PM

Pyros9

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Joined: Aug 2020

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From: Washington

Winterize

Hi guys,

Was wondering what, if anything I need to do to garage my 2012 XL1200c Sportster for the winter. I have a good battery tender, and a nice spot picked out in the garage. Anything else I need to do?

Sep 24, 2020 | 02:52 AM

Andy from Sandy

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Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 12,233

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From: England

How long will the bike sit?

If the atmosphere is damp then coat it in ACF50 or similar to protect the metal.

Sep 24, 2020 | 04:31 AM

Ron750

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Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 28,842

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From: Wisconsin, USA

Wash and wax your bike. Add Stabil, and run the bike for 10 minutes. I usually do that going to the gas station, and filling up with nonethanol premium.

Change your oil. I only change mine if I have a thousand miles in. I put steel wool in the exhaust to keep mice out. I cover mine with a Harley cover to prevent condensation. One winner I didn’t do that because of advice I received on here, and I ended up with a quarter inch of ice all over the bike.

Sep 24, 2020 | 06:11 AM

Andy from Sandy

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Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 12,233

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From: England

Make sure tyres are inflated properly and keep checking them.

Sep 24, 2020 | 06:34 AM

Dan89FLSTC

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Joined: May 2008

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From: South Carolina

Fill the tank, throw a sheet over the bike.

Sep 24, 2020 | 09:58 AM

Pyros9

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Joined: Aug 2020

Posts: 40

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From: Washington

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy from Sandy

How long will the bike sit?

If the atmosphere is damp then coat it in ACF50 or similar to protect the metal.

I'm in Washington State so I won't be able to ride again till late spring.

Sep 24, 2020 | 12:23 PM

templeofdank

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Joined: Mar 2020

Posts: 264

Likes: 72

From: Michigan

If parking your bike on cement, slide some cardboard under the tires. cement accelerates the deterioration/rot of rubber, and a bike sitting for a long *** time in one spot can make flat spots develop.