help with winter storage
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 190
Likes: 4
I have gone over rims and cylinder fins with WD40 and along with non ethanol gas, Stabil , Battery Tender hooked up at all times, fogged each cylinder and a storage cover. Unheated garage and keep the floor clean. Has worked for me for years through several Jap bikes and Harleys.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,174
Likes: 1,960
From: Great State of Canada
thanks for the replys, yeah, my main concern is with the salt and water evaporating and rusting the chrome as well as the hot and cold thing with the car coming in and out. Probably worried about nothing, there has been plenty of bikes stored in garages for many years. Were I am storing it is about an hour away from me so I will be able to clean out the garage often. I cant wait till next year when I can build some storage at my house. Nothing like having your bike close to home. I had it at a dealer once for storage and it was a nightmare. thanks
1) Full of ethanol free gas + 6 oz Seafoam.
2) Fresh or very recent oil change.
3) Cleaned, covered and sitting on plywood "or cardboard" floor barrier.
4) Battery (can remain in bike) on 5 phase tender.
5) Don't start up till spring when you can run her up to operating temp before shutting down.
In the spring, verify fluid levels and tire pressure, hit the start button, and go for a trouble free ride.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 2
From: Rhode Island
I Just put mine up for the winter. Placed bike up on J&S Jack 12 inches off of the floor. Placed blankets underneath the bike to protect from moisture off of the concrete floor.
Stabil in the fuel tank. Plugged in to the HD smart battery tender, placed HD cover over bike. Dream about her until April.
Stabil in the fuel tank. Plugged in to the HD smart battery tender, placed HD cover over bike. Dream about her until April.
Novice
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Winter storage
Here in Michigan I put my RGS in a MotoJacket bag with re-useable desiccant in it to keep it dry. It's in my unheated pole barn 20 feet away from the salt water around my truck. My bike comes out in the spring just like it was the day I put it in the bag. I put the battery back in, check the tires and fluids and go for a ride.
I bought a bag in 1999 for my new Electra Glide and with 93K and no rust I am going to continue to use the same bag for my 2015 Road Glide Special. You can find the bag at carbag.com (I do not work for them but I like there product.)
I bought a bag in 1999 for my new Electra Glide and with 93K and no rust I am going to continue to use the same bag for my 2015 Road Glide Special. You can find the bag at carbag.com (I do not work for them but I like there product.)
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
I've been storing for the winter like this pic, for 10 years. (Been riding only 10 years!) Never had an issue, but I don't have any cars & exhaust near it either, so it probably doesn't answer your question. Sorry. This is the foyer of a barn. Concrete floor, unheated, some snow blows in on a breezy day, but it's under cover. My point is, I've never had any issues storing it someplace that's unheated.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,998
Likes: 11,439
For years they lived in unheated garage. Mice maybe your biggest issue if you live in an are that has a problems with them.
I waited a long time for the bike room.
I waited a long time for the bike room.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 135
Likes: 7
From: Whitby Ontario
Hey
I do all the above plus one more thing to avoid condensation in the pipes I place a baggy with and elastic around it to keep in place on both pipes. Have been doing this for 40 years on all bikes.
I do all the above plus one more thing to avoid condensation in the pipes I place a baggy with and elastic around it to keep in place on both pipes. Have been doing this for 40 years on all bikes.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 681
Likes: 38
From: Montana
I've was told years ago to do an oil change also, it was explained to me that old oil can be acidic and potentially cause issues over the long run, so I always do this to mine before hanging it up for the winter.