Winter Storage
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Beverly,Ma
Winter Storage
First off GREAT Forum..I have been a member since June when I purchased my 05 RKC and the tips and info here is unsurpassed.
This will be my first winter with this bike and I am debating winter storage in a heated shop, 300.00 flat fee till the end of April, trickle charge on battery and oil change before being tucked in for the winter. The other option is to keep it in my unheated garage - I live in the Massachusetts and the winters can get pretty cold here. My gut feeling is to spend the $300. and keep it warm and toasty indoors but thought I would get some additional input.
Thanks
Gary
This will be my first winter with this bike and I am debating winter storage in a heated shop, 300.00 flat fee till the end of April, trickle charge on battery and oil change before being tucked in for the winter. The other option is to keep it in my unheated garage - I live in the Massachusetts and the winters can get pretty cold here. My gut feeling is to spend the $300. and keep it warm and toasty indoors but thought I would get some additional input.
Thanks
Gary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
+1 Change the oil (optional for some), plug in the tender, throw the $30 Wal Mart cover over her, wake her up when it gets warm. Your winters get pretty cold? Ours get just plain f$%kin' cold! I do the same for both my bikes, never an issue.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
$300 isn't a bad price if it includes the oil change.
I like having easy access to my bike, especially when we get a nice day.
Cold won't hurt the bike. Park it in your garage, oil change and tender are good ideas. An old bed sheet is about the best cover as it allows air to circulate around the bike.
I like having easy access to my bike, especially when we get a nice day.
Cold won't hurt the bike. Park it in your garage, oil change and tender are good ideas. An old bed sheet is about the best cover as it allows air to circulate around the bike.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Michigan
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
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From: Twin Cities, MN
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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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
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From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
My only advice if you connect to a tender: Check the charge every week because tenders seem to disconnect at the first power glitch.
When you leave the bike for a long period you can over-inflate both tires or lift it off the ground to relax the suspensions.
When you leave the bike for a long period you can over-inflate both tires or lift it off the ground to relax the suspensions.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 242
From: Highlands, NJ
Mine stays in its trailer all year long. During the winter, I just attach the battery tender and change the oil. Fuel stabilizer is good too, but you have to run it awhile after adding it.