Winterizing question

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Dec 16, 2009 | 09:46 AM

sparky_mo

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From: Missouri

Winterizing question

Winter storage time. How long should I idle my bike after adding fuel stabilizer. Is 5 minutes long enough?

Dec 16, 2009 | 09:49 AM

petemac

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From: MA

5 mins is plenty, you just want to get the stabilizer through the fuel system.

Dec 16, 2009 | 12:51 PM

maineultraclassic

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From: Biddeford, Maine

If your gas has Ethanol in it, you should use the blue marine Stabil or Star Tron in the gas, they both neutralize the ethanol.

Steve

Dec 16, 2009 | 01:37 PM

strtarrow

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From: NW NC

Don't do it, just ride when the roads are dry. About 45 and sunny here today and I am kicking myself for not taking a ride but too much to do. I did see a couple bikes out though.

Dec 16, 2009 | 01:40 PM

RACKnRAIL

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From: gone 4 good

I don't recommend putting too much stabil in. I alway put a bit less than the recommended dose. I run it for 5 mins and make sure you're full to the brim with gas. I assume you already have a battery tender??

I hate winter!!

Dec 16, 2009 | 02:02 PM

sparky_mo

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From: Missouri

Yes it's filled up. I have used Sea Foam for a number of years with success. I keep it on a battery tender any time I'm not riding. If the weather warms I will still ride. I just fill it back up and add an ounce for every gallon I use on the ride. I just never remember how long to let it idle for it to get a good mix. Thank all of you for your input.

Dec 16, 2009 | 02:08 PM

Ridewva

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From: Northern WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by maineultraclassic

If your gas has Ethanol in it, you should use the blue marine Stabil or Star Tron in the gas, they both neutralize the ethanol.

Steve

Steve, StaBil may be allowing for ethanol in all their versions now. The StaBil I just picked up at the auto parts store is red but now labeled "Improved Formula More Corrosion Protection", "Prevents corrosion from moisture & ethanol-induced water attraction."

I'd think the bike may need to idle for at *least* a few minutes to allow the treated fuel to get through the lines and system. On another bike I was riding I turned the petcock off a few blocks before home. After I got home the thing sat there and idled for a few minutes until it finally coughed to a stop.

Last edited by Ridewva; Dec 16, 2009 at 02:10 PM.

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Dec 16, 2009 | 05:55 PM

Herkybird

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Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Peoples Republic of Massachusetts

You will know when winter begins...you will start seeing all those yankee car tags all over your state!

Dec 16, 2009 | 07:39 PM

#10

piasspj

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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74

5 minutes should be long enough. I add stabil to the tank when I fill up. Ride it home and change the oil. I try and get a few rides in over the winter.