Winter Storage
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, IL.
Winter Storage
Just wondering what most of you do with your ride during the winter months in preping it for storage.
I am still riding my ride, but the days are numbered. In the morning hours the temps are at 38 to 45 degrees. The afternoons hours and early evening the temps are around 49 to 55 degrees. We have had some days around 60 degrees.
But it is just a matter of time before the snow starts flying, and the icecycles are hanging from the gutters.
What do you do to set your bike up for storage?
Trickle chager?
Fuel stable?
What about the tires?
Cover over the bike?
If your garage is not heated, will that matter on any of the bike parts?
Thanks in advance.
ToadsUltra 07
I am still riding my ride, but the days are numbered. In the morning hours the temps are at 38 to 45 degrees. The afternoons hours and early evening the temps are around 49 to 55 degrees. We have had some days around 60 degrees.
But it is just a matter of time before the snow starts flying, and the icecycles are hanging from the gutters.
What do you do to set your bike up for storage?
Trickle chager?
Fuel stable?
What about the tires?
Cover over the bike?
If your garage is not heated, will that matter on any of the bike parts?
Thanks in advance.
ToadsUltra 07
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: Winter Storage
I use Yamaha fuel conditioner instead of Stable....the bike seems to start easier and run better on the old tank of gas in the spring. I make sure the fuel tank is full and that it has run long enough to get the mixture in all the fuel lines. I used to use a small trickle charger every few weeks over the winter to recharge the battery. This year I bought a battery tender, so I can just plug it in and forget it. I clean the bike up as best I can, its usually too cold to put a coat of wax on by the time the bike goes into storage. I've got a good heavy duty lift, run it all the way up and use the built in metal arms to lock the lift in place, so the weight isn't on the hydrolic jack all the time. Put a cover over it and don't touch it again until spring. I have a heater in my garage, but only use it if I have something I'm working on, so for the most part it is not heated and temps can get down well below zeoro at least for a few weeks in January and February (although it seldom gets much below freezing in the garage). I've never bothered to take the battery out of my bike, as long as its kept charged you shouldn't have a problem. Cold temps shouldn't effect any other part of the bike. If you have problems with critters, rats/mice or other rodents I believe there is more info if you do a search....I don't so haven't had to worry about them.
Depending on the humidity where you live it can be a better idea not to cover. Its real dry in Wyoming, so moisture under the cover is not an issue here.
Depending on the humidity where you live it can be a better idea not to cover. Its real dry in Wyoming, so moisture under the cover is not an issue here.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Winter Storage
I stored the bike at the dealer last year and will do the same this year. They keep it charged, in a controlled environment and wash it in the spring. They will also do my 10k maintenance and change the rear tire. I may have the IDS installed also with the Elbow Grease Program (good into February).
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 2
From: Deltona, FL
RE: Winter Storage
I just ride it. Much easier than worrying about storage. As long as you can get out on it every couple of weeks, no problems. As for the heated garage question, no worries on any parts.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 2
From: Deltona, FL
RE: Winter Storage
Yeah, I can understand the lack of riding in the North Eastern states. I rode year round in Virginia, so long as there was no snow/ice on the ground. Of course,VA doesn't get as cold as NH!
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Winter Storage
I did the same when I lived in SC years ago. Those were the days!
The cold here just makes me appreciate my summer even more (at least that is what I tell myself). 10k miles his summer - not too bad!
The cold here just makes me appreciate my summer even more (at least that is what I tell myself). 10k miles his summer - not too bad!
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Winter Storage
I put fuel stable in ride it for about 15 min bring it back home change oil and filter take plugs out and spray fog oil in each cylinder rotate the back tire a few times to get the cylinder walls lubricated.Detail it, jack it up off the ground, cover it and see ya in april!!!
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Winter Storage
I forgot to add that when I bring it back out of hibernation, I change the oil agin plus trans fluid and primary and the plugs.I know most of you will think this is overkill but it gives me peace of mind.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: Winter Storage
rzbigdog. Its a waste of money to change oil again in the spring....there is absolutely nothing wrong with the oil you put in during the fall change....its just been sitting there waiting for you to use it. Save the money and buy some more chrome.