I must admit, it is tough not being able to ride it year round. 
Hibernation
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 130
Likes: 5
From: Western NC
Hibernation
I know a lot of people don't ride through the winter (some have to). I am one that don't and I put my bike into hibernation in the winter. I don't start it at all even if I just have to hear it run. I think by not starting it you are not distributing the condensation around in the motor. If you do start it you have to get it hot enough to burn the condensation out. I do other stuff to the bike tho like electrical mods, fixing broken fairing brackets, cleaning, etc. Just finished putting a fresh coat of wax on the bike.
So how many of you put your bike into real hibernation? Tell us how you do it.
So how many of you put your bike into real hibernation? Tell us how you do it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 0
From: Western Wisconsin
#1 Change oil & filter, tranny and primary fluids.
#2 Stabil in the gas
#3 Remove the air cleaner, run the motor and spray fogging oil into the intake until you have white exhaust.
#4 Remove the spark plugs...spray some fogging oil in and turn motor over.
#5 Wash and wax
#6 Plug in a battery tender.
#7 Cover with a breathable cover.
#2 Stabil in the gas
#3 Remove the air cleaner, run the motor and spray fogging oil into the intake until you have white exhaust.
#4 Remove the spark plugs...spray some fogging oil in and turn motor over.
#5 Wash and wax
#6 Plug in a battery tender.
#7 Cover with a breathable cover.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 9
From: Northwest Arkansas
How cold does it get in your garage? How cold in the bubble?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,523
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
I keep it in my shop, which is heated, but I don't like to keep the heat on just for the bike, only if I'm out there working on something. The bubble isn't heated, it's just got a fan on it so that it keeps the air moving inside of it, that way no condensation can build up on anything. It also keeps it spotless, no dust or anything like that.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Northern Michigan
I bring my 08 in the house with me.. Sits in the bar over the winter so I can have drinks with it..
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 2
From: East Tennessee
I start and run mine about 10 minutes once per week if the weather is below 30. If the weather is above 30, I get it out and ride it for, at least, 30 minutes every week. I have heard all the hoopla about condensation but I have been doing this with all my bikes and other engines for over 40 years and have yet to experience any problems.
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Banned
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,259
Likes: 5
From: NW NC
OP, I may not be in as high an elevation as you but never keep my bike down for very long. IOW, if the roads are clear, I'm riding!!!!! My coldest ride to date has been 24 degrees but with heated gloves and decent gear, not a problem at all and I can see riding at least 10 degrees colder. Now with the heated gloves I would like something to keep the toes warm and a full face helmet. I already have 7 or 8 helmets so may as well get one that keeps my face warm.