Bad for bike to sit
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 163
From: Mt. Airy, MD
hey guys along these same lines, I just learned the other day that Stabil makes a different product for gas with ETHANOL, which is all I can get here in my area. This Sabil is blue vs the red one I had. My local Tractor Supply store carries it, so I picked some up.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 4
I'm sure that Stabil will soon figure out a way to make a product specifically for the HD, then will market it for twice the price of what they offer now. Just like Valvoline's "v-twin" oil.
As for winterizing, I change the oil at the end of the riding season, so you don't have the dirty old stuff (with acidity) sitting there all winter.
As for winterizing, I change the oil at the end of the riding season, so you don't have the dirty old stuff (with acidity) sitting there all winter.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Almost +1
I agree with the exception of the cover. Wanna see my baby every chance I get!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 1
From: SC
I always put a block of wood or cardboard under the kickstand if it's not on the lift. So it's not making contact with the concrete and grounding thru the kickstand.
Stabil if storing for longer than a month. battery tender maybe. My battery stayed charged over 9 months without one. But it was on my lift while I was deployed. It fired right off with no problems. Keep the oil fresh. If your just sitting it for 2 months just the stabil and maybe battery tender should be fine. If it's going to be close to 6 months clean fluids and a cover. I take mine for a spin at least once a month during the cold months so I don't really do anything but stabil myself.
Stabil if storing for longer than a month. battery tender maybe. My battery stayed charged over 9 months without one. But it was on my lift while I was deployed. It fired right off with no problems. Keep the oil fresh. If your just sitting it for 2 months just the stabil and maybe battery tender should be fine. If it's going to be close to 6 months clean fluids and a cover. I take mine for a spin at least once a month during the cold months so I don't really do anything but stabil myself.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 507
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
1. Full tank with stabilizer.
2. Clean lubes.
3. Check and adjust belt. (?)
4. Check and fill tires.
5. Cosmetic care (clean, wax, protection)
6. Battery prepared for storage.
7. Battery disconnected or on tender.
8. Breathable cover, if used.
Personally, I try to get tires off ground if possible, and worry about belt and tires when bringing back into service.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,833
From: Western South Dakota
If you haven't put stabil in it, make sure it at least has a full tank of gas.
The way stabil works is you have to put it in first and then run it a little bit to get it in the system, but if you haven't put it in, don't worry about it. I'm sure it'll be fine, and I'm sure your gas won't turn to varnish.
Be sure to put your battery on a tender though. Very important, and when you bring it home from riding, put it on it again, year round.
Other than that, you'll be cool and same as me hopefully ridin' in a couple more months.
Mine has been setting now since Halloween, 3 months going on 4.
The way stabil works is you have to put it in first and then run it a little bit to get it in the system, but if you haven't put it in, don't worry about it. I'm sure it'll be fine, and I'm sure your gas won't turn to varnish.
Be sure to put your battery on a tender though. Very important, and when you bring it home from riding, put it on it again, year round.
Other than that, you'll be cool and same as me hopefully ridin' in a couple more months.
Mine has been setting now since Halloween, 3 months going on 4.