Is it that important to winterize???
#21
11-13-2007, 06:25 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
RE: Is it that important to winterize???
ORIGINAL: Scout
Yes, fuel stabalizer in tank, change the oil when you put it away, and again before you ride it in the spring, tires up off the concrete, oil, or wd 40 sprayed into the exhaust pipes, wash and wax, grease all nipples, and DO NOT start the bike up over the storage period, unless you are riding it up to full operating temperatures. It's hard on the bike. Cold, shed storage, no prep work, with a weekly start up is the worst thing you can do for your bike over the winter.
Joe
Yes, fuel stabalizer in tank, change the oil when you put it away, and again before you ride it in the spring, tires up off the concrete, oil, or wd 40 sprayed into the exhaust pipes, wash and wax, grease all nipples, and DO NOT start the bike up over the storage period, unless you are riding it up to full operating temperatures. It's hard on the bike. Cold, shed storage, no prep work, with a weekly start up is the worst thing you can do for your bike over the winter.
Joe
..never heard that one in 40 years....
#22
11-13-2007, 08:51 PM
RE: Is it that important to winterize???
Battery tender, thick coat of wax. That's it.
I used to keep it in the shed, but now keep it in the garage where I can look at it every day. I didn't have room for it in the garage last year, so I kept on throwing crap out until there was enough room for the bike.
I don't cover it. I don't change the oil. I don't use StaBil in a fuel injected motor (no jets to gum up, so why bother). I live in Maine and ride it at least once a month.
Don't start it up and let it idle for a few minutes and think you are doing your bike any favors. At idle the engine runs rich and the extra fuel washes off the oil from the cylinder walls and the exhust gases tend to condense in the pipes and leave a crossive liquid in them.
My best advise would be to move from Long Island. I did 40 years ago.
I used to keep it in the shed, but now keep it in the garage where I can look at it every day. I didn't have room for it in the garage last year, so I kept on throwing crap out until there was enough room for the bike.
I don't cover it. I don't change the oil. I don't use StaBil in a fuel injected motor (no jets to gum up, so why bother). I live in Maine and ride it at least once a month.
Don't start it up and let it idle for a few minutes and think you are doing your bike any favors. At idle the engine runs rich and the extra fuel washes off the oil from the cylinder walls and the exhust gases tend to condense in the pipes and leave a crossive liquid in them.
My best advise would be to move from Long Island. I did 40 years ago.
#23
11-13-2007, 09:22 PM
RE: Is it that important to winterize???
ORIGINAL: stvmike
The only thing I haven't seen mentioned was fogging the motor.
I done this as marine machanic and still do it today to all my toys that go for a long winter nap.
I also do it while running to coat the upper end of the valve train.
We always did this to I/O and outboards.
The only thing I haven't seen mentioned was fogging the motor.
I done this as marine machanic and still do it today to all my toys that go for a long winter nap.
I also do it while running to coat the upper end of the valve train.
We always did this to I/O and outboards.
#24
11-13-2007, 11:05 PM
#25
11-14-2007, 12:27 AM
Elite HDF Member
RE: Is it that important to winterize???
I also like to put a couple Dry-z-air containers around my bike to keep the condensation off it. My shop is heated but just enough to keep completely dry.
I decided to winerize mine for a couple weeks in Arizona. Wife and I are leaving next week from Washington. 3000 mile trip.
Steve L.
I decided to winerize mine for a couple weeks in Arizona. Wife and I are leaving next week from Washington. 3000 mile trip.
Steve L.
#26
11-14-2007, 06:51 AM
#27
11-14-2007, 07:28 AM
RE: Is it that important to winterize???
Slash,
"Running it every now and then doesn't help unless you run it long enough to burn away all the condensation created.I never turn it on when it's in storage.All I do is put it away with fresh oil in all 3 holes,some fuel stabilizer,a battery tender and cover it with a cotton sheet."
Exactly right for the time period you are talking about (3 months storage in a wooden shed). When you add Stabil to the gas tank don't forget to ride it a couple miles first before you park it for good, this gets the fuel into all the lines, etc. Make sure the tank is FULL to the spout.
All I can add to this was already mentioned too... Stuff a rag in the tailpipes to keep mice out and you'll be good to go come springtime.
DO NOT START IT once a week as mentioned. Just leave her alone and she'll fire right up in springtime when you're ready to ride again.
"Running it every now and then doesn't help unless you run it long enough to burn away all the condensation created.I never turn it on when it's in storage.All I do is put it away with fresh oil in all 3 holes,some fuel stabilizer,a battery tender and cover it with a cotton sheet."
Exactly right for the time period you are talking about (3 months storage in a wooden shed). When you add Stabil to the gas tank don't forget to ride it a couple miles first before you park it for good, this gets the fuel into all the lines, etc. Make sure the tank is FULL to the spout.
All I can add to this was already mentioned too... Stuff a rag in the tailpipes to keep mice out and you'll be good to go come springtime.
DO NOT START IT once a week as mentioned. Just leave her alone and she'll fire right up in springtime when you're ready to ride again.
#29
11-14-2007, 01:45 PM
RE: Is it that important to winterize???
ORIGINAL: gunrunner
Yes they are right, I forgot about fuel stabilizer, but dont use Stabil! Go get some Seafoam fuel stabilizer, most parts store sells it, it is much better to use. Only takes a small amount.
Yes they are right, I forgot about fuel stabilizer, but dont use Stabil! Go get some Seafoam fuel stabilizer, most parts store sells it, it is much better to use. Only takes a small amount.
