Starting Bike when its been stored in the cold
#1
02-24-2008 | 03:15 PM
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Road Master
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From: Minnesota
Starting Bike when its been stored in the cold
I was wondering about starting my bike....Its been sitting in the garage all winter in the cold....no heat no insulation.... I am heading to daytona and was wondering if it would be hard on it.. to start the bike in the cold...or should I see about getting the bike in somewhere heated to let it warm up then start the bike? might be a dumb question but was just wondering what your input would be
#2
02-24-2008 | 03:20 PM
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From: Triangle, VA
RE: Starting Bike when its been stored in the cold
Nah, not a dumb question. Depends on how long it's been in storage; if it's been more than a couple months I'd probably dump the gas in the tank and go through a general tune up (change the fluids, make sure the battery is holding a charge, check the belts, tires, cables, electrical system...for some reason mice seem to love electrical wires).
#3
02-24-2008 | 03:22 PM
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From: Sacramento California!!!
RE: Starting Bike when its been stored in the cold
Depending on how cold it gets in your area it might be REALLY hard on the bike.
Under 32 degrees oil doesn't move all that well at start up.
I HIGHLY recommend you somehow warm up the bike first before you start it. Either put a heater out in the garage or bring the bike in the house.
Under 32 degrees oil doesn't move all that well at start up.
I HIGHLY recommend you somehow warm up the bike first before you start it. Either put a heater out in the garage or bring the bike in the house.
#4
02-24-2008 | 03:24 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Indianapolis, IN
RE: Starting Bike when its been stored in the cold
I have always just started it up. Not really any different then any other engine. I assume you have had it on a battery tender. If not you may need to charge (or replace) the battery.
Give it a try. I bet it starts right up.
Give it a try. I bet it starts right up.
#5
02-24-2008 | 03:24 PM
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RE: Starting Bike when its been stored in the cold
normally if i'm not going to ride the bike i won't start it. but if i was going to fla. and lived where it is cold i would start it before i left on the trip just to make sure it will run and everything worked.
#7
02-24-2008 | 03:36 PM
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From: SE Ohio
RE: Starting Bike when its been stored in the cold
I'd be more concerned about changing fluids than I would be about whether or not the temp is hard on the bike during startup. After a few hours, your car will be at ambient. Starting your bike in 32 degree weather is no different.
Mike
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#9
02-24-2008 | 04:01 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: rhode island
RE: Starting Bike when its been stored in the cold
mines been sitting in the unheated garage since end of november,,,i rode it here and there but its been sitting for about a month now,,,it was in the 20s last week and i went out there and it fired right up...no strange noises no ticking or knocking..let it run for a bit then shut it off. everything seems ok...supposed to be 40 this week so ill take it for a spin. i was going to drain the gas and park it in the basement but then it would be a pain to get it out for a quickie now and then when its warm. brian
#10
02-24-2008 | 04:07 PM
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RE: Starting Bike when its been stored in the cold
ORIGINAL: brian falcone
mines been sitting in the unheated garage since end of november,,,i rode it here and there but its been sitting for about a month now,,,it was in the 20s last week and i went out there and it fired right up...no strange noises no ticking or knocking..let it run for a bit then shut it off. everything seems ok...supposed to be 40 this week so ill take it for a spin. i was going to drain the gas and park it in the basement but then it would be a pain to get it out for a quickie now and then when its warm. brian
mines been sitting in the unheated garage since end of november,,,i rode it here and there but its been sitting for about a month now,,,it was in the 20s last week and i went out there and it fired right up...no strange noises no ticking or knocking..let it run for a bit then shut it off. everything seems ok...supposed to be 40 this week so ill take it for a spin. i was going to drain the gas and park it in the basement but then it would be a pain to get it out for a quickie now and then when its warm. brian