winterization
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
You really need to run Stabil in your last gas tank you use before you put it up. Or at least put it in and run a little 20 minute trip.
This way treated fuel gets all the way through the system. Just dumping some in a sitting bike will treat the gas in the tank, but not in the lines and the rest of the fuel system.
This way treated fuel gets all the way through the system. Just dumping some in a sitting bike will treat the gas in the tank, but not in the lines and the rest of the fuel system.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 866
Likes: 18
From: Richmond Hill, Ontario
The pressure washer is not a friend of your bike. It is much too powerful and can do damage in many different ways.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 135
Likes: 1
From: Ottertail, MN
What does everyone think about putting the bike up on a frame jack to take weight off of suspension for winter storage? Manuals don't say anything about this but it would seem to be a good idea. I use one of the $80 hydraulic types that lifts under the frame on two rails about a foot apart.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
Why take the weight off your suspension? Do you ever jack your car up and leave it? I think people are worried about the tires laying on the concrete. Put your bike on a sheet of plywood. Go out and roll it a few inches 2x a month.
Suspension is designed to have constant weight on it.
Suspension is designed to have constant weight on it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 697
Likes: 2
I used to keep a full tank of gas for storage but I'm starting to rethink that position. From what I have been reading, the ethanol in the gas attracts moisture that will eventually separate out and settle to the bottom of the tank. This may not be an issue for a 5-6 gal. tank over a 3-4 month storage but then again who knows? The service dept at my boat dealer is switching to the 'empty tank' recommendation because of this.
Just passing along some food for thought.
Just passing along some food for thought.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 8
From: North Texas
What does everyone think about putting the bike up on a frame jack to take weight off of suspension for winter storage? Manuals don't say anything about this but it would seem to be a good idea. I use one of the $80 hydraulic types that lifts under the frame on two rails about a foot apart.
Even with my current storage location, I still put Stable in, change the fluids, put the tender on, and cover it. I'd rather over do it, than under. And oh yeah, I do not start it during the winter.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
STABIL OR SEAFOAM? i always used stabil but after reading the can of seafoam im going with that! sounds like it does more then stabilize the gas
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
thanks for the heads up, ive never thought about it pushing water through the gaskets. ill just try some s100 or simple green and use the garden hose
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,307
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
Here's whay I do (no particular order):
- Fill tank & add Sta-Bil, run for 5-min (SeaFoam works too)
- Change engine oil/filter
- Thorough wash/dry/wax
- Chrome polish & never dull all metal
- Squirt 2-3oz oil in each cyl & turn-over
- Dry-lube cables
- Leather conditioner on seat & bag covers
- Elevate on jack
- Plug in tender & cover
She's good till spring...
- Fill tank & add Sta-Bil, run for 5-min (SeaFoam works too)
- Change engine oil/filter
- Thorough wash/dry/wax
- Chrome polish & never dull all metal
- Squirt 2-3oz oil in each cyl & turn-over
- Dry-lube cables
- Leather conditioner on seat & bag covers
- Elevate on jack
- Plug in tender & cover
She's good till spring...
Last edited by Iceman24; Nov 16, 2010 at 01:14 PM. Reason: add