"Forgot" to "winterize" 1200C
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
"Forgot" to "winterize" 1200C
My '08 1200C has been sitting in an outdoor garage all winter with no fuel stabilizer, no winterization, nuthin (except possibly a battery tender, but I'm not sure). It's been at a friend's house in Pa. and I had been planning to ride but never had the chance because of work.
Anyway, this is my first winter-to-spring transition ... can I just break her out and ride? Do I need to change the oil immediately? Any other suggestions (assuming the battery is not dead)? It got down to the single digits around here a few times this winter.
Thanks ...
Anyway, this is my first winter-to-spring transition ... can I just break her out and ride? Do I need to change the oil immediately? Any other suggestions (assuming the battery is not dead)? It got down to the single digits around here a few times this winter.
Thanks ...
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Sounds like a plan. Is that brawler or the reach solo seat?
I have never winterized my bike.I don't see the point in it.I ride it at least once a month during the winter.I have however let it sit for over a month before,and it starts right up.Never put a tender on it either.19,000 miles, 6 winters, no gas stabilizer,and still the same original battery.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 6
From: Simpson County Kentucky
I have never winterized my bike.I don't see the point in it.I ride it at least once a month during the winter.I have however let it sit for over a month before,and it starts right up.Never put a tender on it either.19,000 miles, 6 winters, no gas stabilizer,and still the same original battery.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: State College, PA
The do nothing approach will allow condensation to build in your bike that will oxidize some internal engine components if your bike sits in an area with times of high humidity, such as a damp garage or outside. I've seen this begin to develop after two weeks of non-use in small airplanes, where the engines are similar. There's a few things you should do that really don't require any significant effort...
- Use a synthetic oil - it will protect inactive engine parts better for a longer period of time
- Put Sea Foam in the oil and gas per instructions when you stop riding for winter. This will help suspend any moisture that enters
- Use a battery tender
Change the oil at the beginning of the season. Make sure you run it first to operating temp to suspend any accumulated junk into the oil so you can get the crap out...
- Use a synthetic oil - it will protect inactive engine parts better for a longer period of time
- Put Sea Foam in the oil and gas per instructions when you stop riding for winter. This will help suspend any moisture that enters
- Use a battery tender
Change the oil at the beginning of the season. Make sure you run it first to operating temp to suspend any accumulated junk into the oil so you can get the crap out...
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
How long has it been setting? The problem with gasoline, other then condensation, is that it can form a gel like compound during storage. You might not be able to see these particles but your fuel injectors might. Don't know how long it takes to form but I know from car forums that if the gas is older then 3-4 months and hasn't been treated then they strongly suggest draining the gas. Cleaning or changing fuel injectors is expensive compared to the effort it takes to drain the gas.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
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From: Nashville, TN
Seaform was mentioned before you put away for the winter. If the bike will start, I'd immediately put some Seafoam in the tank now. That will help keep the injectors clean. Personally, I'd probably drain the gas. Put in fresh gas, AND Seaform.
