Garaged - now what?

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Feb 18, 2017 | 01:21 PM

Recon4

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 189

Likes: 7

From: Phoenix

Garaged - now what?

Scoots can sit in a garage for extended periods of time in the winter months. How often do you crank up the twin-V if for no other reason to get some oil circulating throughout the engine? For how long? Any other must-do winter garage suggestions are appreciated.

Feb 18, 2017 | 01:24 PM

hdbob2006

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 3,466

Likes: 425

From: Illinois

Totally bad idea to 'start it once in a while'. That'll just caus econdensation inside the engine,and that is the last thing you want in there. start it only when you are ready to ride it for at least a half hour.

Feb 18, 2017 | 01:24 PM

UppercaseJC

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,693

Likes: 17

From: Ontario Canada

I never start it until the end of storage. An engine that is not running doesn't need circulating oil. the internal parts will not lose the oil that is stuck to them.

Feb 18, 2017 | 01:44 PM

mkguitar

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 14,744

Likes: 402

From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdbob2006

Totally bad idea to 'start it once in a while'. That'll just cause condensation...

exactly this.

you are either in "using mode" or "storage mode", with washed and waxed surfaces, fuel tank empty or full and conditioned, cylinders oiled, fresh motor oil etc. you may even have the battery removed and inside on the bench, maybe lifted to take some weight off the tires

to revive, you can remove plugs, jack rear wheel and manually spin over motor to move oil around.

wait..... you are in Phx? this IS riding season- I don;t ride much in June~August unless headed out of State

mike

Last edited by mkguitar; Feb 18, 2017 at 02:17 PM.

Feb 18, 2017 | 02:02 PM

Cygnusx51

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 5,691

Likes: 1,651

From: Olean, NY

Instead of starting it up for no reason, you could take the down time to install a CB and learn to use GPS more effectively. Might as well use winter to your advantage!

Feb 18, 2017 | 02:03 PM

EricD10563

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 2,480

Likes: 73

From: Florida

I'm only starting the bike if I'm going to ride it and bring it up to operating temperature, otherwise like said above it stays in the garage on the battery tender.