Winter Storage
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Jefferson City, Mo
Winter Storage
Hi!
I just purchased a 2011 Ultra Classic and have put only 1,500 miles on the bike since my purchase. At the time I bought the bike the dealer serviced the bike (changed engine, transmission, and primary oil). I usually put my bike in storage over the winter months (Nov-March). Since the bike's oil only has 1,500 miles of use, should I still change the oil and filter before I store the bike for the winter? Thanks! RLJ
I just purchased a 2011 Ultra Classic and have put only 1,500 miles on the bike since my purchase. At the time I bought the bike the dealer serviced the bike (changed engine, transmission, and primary oil). I usually put my bike in storage over the winter months (Nov-March). Since the bike's oil only has 1,500 miles of use, should I still change the oil and filter before I store the bike for the winter? Thanks! RLJ
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the problem with this approach is that the motor internals and bearings will now be sitting stationary in corrupt oil while stored
oil takes on acids, water and unburned petroleum byproducts incl. some of the gasoline additives.
peace of mind says change the oil, run the motor long enough to get the new oil thru the motor.
then store it
avoid the temptation to start the motor while stored unless you are going to warm the motor all the way up through operation.
when cold, the piston/cylinder seal is not great and by products of combustion more easily get into the oil- and when cold the mixture is extra rich so even worse.
fully warming the motor and oil will help to burn some of that stuff out.
and every heat/cold cycle will contribute to condensation, which can cause rust on the steel...like bearings and inside the exhaust system
welcome to the forums
mike
oil takes on acids, water and unburned petroleum byproducts incl. some of the gasoline additives.
peace of mind says change the oil, run the motor long enough to get the new oil thru the motor.
then store it
avoid the temptation to start the motor while stored unless you are going to warm the motor all the way up through operation.
when cold, the piston/cylinder seal is not great and by products of combustion more easily get into the oil- and when cold the mixture is extra rich so even worse.
fully warming the motor and oil will help to burn some of that stuff out.
and every heat/cold cycle will contribute to condensation, which can cause rust on the steel...like bearings and inside the exhaust system
welcome to the forums
mike
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I've been riding since the 60s and while the advice about changing oil is good, frankly I have never done it. I haven't had any problems in over half a million miles! Your owners handbook should have storage tips in it. Three months storage is not a long time IMHO.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: ND
My guess is that at 1500 miles there aren't enough corrosives in the oil to really worry about. I would just park it. Hell, you may get a nice day to take it out and get a good ride in during those months you are talking about.
On the other hand, if you are going to go sleepless for several months because you didn't change the oil on your beloved bike, well then, get your butt out to the garage and get it done. That is worth something too.
On the other hand, if you are going to go sleepless for several months because you didn't change the oil on your beloved bike, well then, get your butt out to the garage and get it done. That is worth something too.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
I will store my ride at the dealer again like last year, all heated and on trickle charger.
Oil was done 500 miles ago.....hope some weather breaks for an occasional ride.
Winter......not my fav
Oil was done 500 miles ago.....hope some weather breaks for an occasional ride.
Winter......not my fav
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
The mileage interval or one year is the recommendation of vehicle manufacturers and oil producers.
I used to change before going into storage then as the number of bikes in my collection added up, I decided to go with the year interval.
I used to change before going into storage then as the number of bikes in my collection added up, I decided to go with the year interval.