Winter Storage
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
I tried putting my bike up last winter. I died inside every time the temp got above 40 and sunny. That lasted about one month. 'bout January, I moved it into my garage so I could ride with the weather was reasonable. Road most every week all through the winter.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
Ride Safe
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
I'm pretty surprised to hear that. I've got some friends in the Northern half and they say that it's not really the cold that keeps the bike up all winter but the harsh chemicals the Northern states use for ice and snow. Chemicals really get into the little nooks and crannies and is just about impossible to get cleaned out properly.
Ride Safe
Ride Safe
Not a lot of road treatment going on in Dayton, I used to live a little north of there. Now, up here in Wisconsin, there are some chemicals, but even so, if you have a way to rinse the bike after a ride, not a big deal, just need to flush it off .....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
Did not read all 4 pages so pardon me if this has been said. I agree there is no real need to pay for storage. All 3 of my bikes live in an unheated garage in northern IL. I simply toss a cheap cover (or an old army blanket) over each one and put a couple 25 watt light bulbs under each one. The bulbs add enough heat to the bike to keep the bike slightly warmer than the air temperature. As long as the bike is slightly warmer than the air, condensation will not form on the bike as air temps rise and fall. Been doing this since 2002 and plan to keep doing it. Oh ya - do keep the tender on and do change oil before winter storage.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
I keep my bike in an unheated garage over the winter, It's often a hassle getting your bike in spring if it's stored at the dealership (depending on where you are on the garage owner's "buddies list").
WHen I store it I know where it is and I can give her a hug when I start the damn snowblower!!!
WHen I store it I know where it is and I can give her a hug when I start the damn snowblower!!!
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
Minnesota winter guy here. Save the bucks. Here is what I have done for years and it works fine.
I have put a rubber mat below the bike to keep any moisture or condensation from the concrete off the bike. I bought mine at a farm store and is a horse mat.
Change the oil.
Put in stabilizer and run a while to make sure it is in the entire FI or carb system.
Attach the battery tender
Cover with cotton cover. Sheets work fine. I have the HD cover. Do not use a water tight cover. It needs to breath.
You should be good to go!
One mistake many make is you never want to start the bike and let it run for a few minutes during the winter. This just causes condensation in your exhuast and motor which can cause rust. Wait until you can ride it, and get it up to full operating temp before you start it.
Pray for a short winter!
I have put a rubber mat below the bike to keep any moisture or condensation from the concrete off the bike. I bought mine at a farm store and is a horse mat.
Change the oil.
Put in stabilizer and run a while to make sure it is in the entire FI or carb system.
Attach the battery tender
Cover with cotton cover. Sheets work fine. I have the HD cover. Do not use a water tight cover. It needs to breath.
You should be good to go!
One mistake many make is you never want to start the bike and let it run for a few minutes during the winter. This just causes condensation in your exhuast and motor which can cause rust. Wait until you can ride it, and get it up to full operating temp before you start it.
Pray for a short winter!
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