Damned Winter!

I recently lost the storage facility that I have used for years and I plan on storing my bikes in my covered trailer for the Winter. I do not plan on moving the bikes until Spring (6 months from now).

The question: I have the bikes (2000 Deuce & Vstar 650) strapped in the trailer. I am wondering about suspension damage that could result from having the front springs partially compressed for this period of time. Any thoughts? Should I let off on the pressure with just enough to hold the bikes in place while stationary? Anyone have any experience with this?

In my old space, I used to put the jack under the bike to keep the pressure off the suspension entirely. I will do that with my new RKC, but that is staying in the garage to work on it.

Thanks for imput.

Steve.

 

Steve,
Just a thought, but you could buy two scissor jacks for each bike and place one at the front and one at the rear of the frame...lift the bike up enough so that the suspension won't compress as much, then use straps to secure the bike.

Remember to put some STA-BIL in each tank (after topping 'em off) and disconnect the battery (unless you got a tender on each one).

 

I thought that's what the living room was for . . .

 

My opinion would be to let off as much pressure as you can while still securing bikes. Be sure and use some fuel stabilizer.

 

Never heard of Winter Storage. What's that for?

 

Don't know where you are but I would put some stabilizer, pull the batteries unless can connect to a battery tender, & block up both bikes. If you are not moving the trailer tie downs do not need to be tight just enough so they cannot fall over. Putting a bike away for 6 months is bad for all.

 

I think I am missing something here. Why lift the bike up? My bike sits with the suspension compressed every time it's parked.

 

Damn what a good idea

 

I stored my Road King when I went on assignment overseas for a couple years. I stored it in my 5x10. I noticed a significant amount of pitting taking place while stored. Dont know what caused but the bike was washed and polished prior to storage. I think the tempereture changes somehow affected my chrome and forks. Paint was fine.
Usewd StaBil and did not compress shocks much. The bike was started about once a month just to run for a while.
I would never sstore another bike in an enclosed trailer for a prolonged period of time. Getting the shine back was a BEECH!

 

Your pitting is due to the salt air where you live not from sitting idle. Don't ask me how I know. I am a Florida native of 45 years.