You all will probably flame me, but I don't do chit for winterizing here in the Missouri Ozarks. Sure, she'll sit for a couple or three weeks at a time. But there's sure to be some bright sunny days when it's in or around 40. That's when I get her out and ride if even for only 30 miles. Never had a problem with gas going bad. We get enough good days that I usually run through 5 or 6 tanks a winter.

 

I don't understand the concept.

 

To turn over engine by hand, while bike is on stand,engage transmission, move rear tire by hand, if needed use small woodendowel to determine when cylinder is at top of stroke.

 

or stay north, don't be a weenie and ride all year. I lived in Denver and rode in snow, on ice and in 22 degree weather. Lower than that and I couldn't kick start the SOB.

 

I change oil, clean the bike. I use Yamaha fuel conditioner rather than Stabil. In my opinion works much better, engine starts easier, runs smoother, and doesn't stink like Stabil. Also, in the spring I ride on the oil I put in during the fall change....have 2 mechanic friends who say there is absolutely no reason to drain the oil that has just sat in the motor over the winter. I will look for some of the spray for the cylinders this year, but baring that just a couple drops of oil in each will do the trick. Lift the bike, cover it, hook up the tender and try to avoid looking at her during the long, dark months. I do swear, however, that sometimes in January or February I hear her crying out to me for some attention. :&gt

 

I used to live in Boston - you CAN ride just about all winter there.

Now in Wisconsin - THAT would be a pipe dream.

I ride here till late November / early December - until the salt hits the road. Then you gotta wait till a good rain changes the road from white back to normal.

Just curious - anybody ride in heavy salt??? That can't be good.

 

just add Fitch Fuel Catalyst to your tank one time for the life of your motorcycle. no more stabilizers and no more fuel related problems period.

 

you dont have to pull your plugs. just spray it in the intake or you can squirt in Marvel Mystery Oil into the intake. either is fine. you want to spray in a bit while it is running do this without stalling the bike for about 30 seconds. then spray or squirt in enough to stall the engine. it will lube your cylinders, valves, injectors(yes they too need to be protected from rust), pistons, and rings. anything else between the air cleaner and the top of the push rod needs to be protected if you are going to leave it sitting for over 60 days. dont forget to pour fuel stabilizer in before you fog the cylinders. one last thing is check your tranny fluid and make sure it does not have any water in it.(common issue)
wash wax and shine, make sure everything gets a coat of protection. cover it with a motorcycle cover if you want but dont cover it with anything that can not breath. make sure if your dryer and motorcycle are in the same room the dryer vents correctly so your bike bike does not rust. some talk about other chemicals stored in the area, the vapors could cause an issue with the wheels in particular.
see you next spring

 

not true, well yes true if you want a short lifespan for your harley

 

i wouldn't use a wooden dowl in the spark plug hole.......a small straw works just the same and won't lock up the motor if it gets ACCIDENTALY broke off........don't ask me how i know this..