Here we go again with ...Winterization

[Axel]

I noticed Ron's Tech Tip has tire pressures above spec for storage but a lot of other sites have you redicing the pressure 20%.
Please share on this and other winterization tips.
One of my favourite informative sites :

http://www.maxim-x.com/winterization.html

[TADracer]

Clymers Sez

Well I dont winterize since it really doesnt get that cold in Louisiana and I do ride during the winter. Alot of what the linked article had makes sense so I decided to see what my clymer manual said about winterizing the XS.

1. Wash bike and wax all painted and polished areas including chrome.

2. Run engine 20-30 minutes to stabilize oil temp then change oil and filter and fill with normal amount of oil.

3. Remove battery and coat terminals with petroleum jelly. Store battery in warm area and recharge every two weeks (must have been written before the advent of battery tenders).

4. Drain all fuel from tank, hoses and carbs and leave cocks in reserve position. Or as an alternate, add satbilizer to full tank.

5. Remove spark plugs and add a small amount of oil to each cylinder and turn motor a few revolutions by hand and then reinstall plugs.

6. Tie or tape plastic over outlets of exhaust system to prevent entry of moisture.

7. Check tire pressure, move machine to storage area and store up on blocks with wheels off the ground.

8. Choose a place where moisture will not be a problem during storage.

Doesnt say anything about actually covering the bike during storage. Then it says before starting in Spring, remove spark plugs, squirt a small amount of gasolie into cylinders to remove the oil coating. Install plugs but do not connect plug wires. Turn motor over a few times and then reconnect plug wires and start engine.

Sounds like alot of work but in reality is not really that much to do.

[blue giant]

Blue Giant Sez

1- Open front door.

2- Drive motorcycle(s) into living room.

3- Close front door.

4- Start bike(s) periodically.

5- Wait for Spring

[MrOzz]

1- Open front door.

2- Drive motorcycle(s) into living room.

3- Close front door.

4- Start bike(s) periodically.

5- Wait for Spring

Blue - Please speak to my SWMBO. What I told her was "Its better for the bike". Since Ive put some good money into it so far. SWMBO is not going for it.


LOL

Ozz

[webbcraft2150]

I have never been a real fan in draining all the fuel out. Gaskets and o-rings tend to dry out. Back "when" I had to lay my boat up for months, I used a mix of Sta-bil, MMM and Sea Foam. I would run the engine till it started smoking alot and then shut er down. I would over treat the fuel in the tank with Sta-Bil. Always seemed to fire right up in the spring. I still use this method even though we still boat thru the winter, just not as much. I always made sure the tires on the trailer were fully inflated and would think the same would hold true for bike tires. Pulling the battery and stashing in a warm place and keeping it charged is paramount to having a good battery in the spring. I even pull the seat and stash it in the house somewhere. Don't forget to plug up the air intake on the air box.

"Course the parking the thing in the house would be best. I actually did that with my Norton in the winter, but then again I was single. Best looking piece of furniture in the house.

[tarzan]

Blue Giant your my hero now.I wish I could do that.

[egleaves]

I was wondering if anyone actually stored their bike in the house. If I were not fortunate enough to have an attached garage, I would definitely bring mine inside. The handle bars would make a nice coat rack.

[CatatonicBug]

The part that would scare me is the "4- Start bike(s) periodically". I don't thing my CO detectors would be too happy about that in the house

[latexeses]

Open front door , drive bike inside....

Just think of all the time that would save in the spring.

All the little things you want to do to the bike could be done durring the football games. Save a bunch of riding time in the spring.

[blue giant]

Blue Giant your my hero now.I wish I could do that.

I wish I could too!

[Axel]

visiting privledges

I keep mine in a friends barn so I can visit if I want to . It is heated slightly all winter.

[blue giant]

is yours away now Alex or are you waitin for one more nice day? Tomorrow could be it!

I keep mine in a friends barn so I can visit if I want to . It is heated slightly all winter.

[Axel]

one more at least

I was out on Tuesday (short run) .Wednesday I installed my new SS lines . I still have to bleed but tomorrow could be the day !!! I'm hoping for a good run to test my brakes on one of these balmy days coming up .

[olebiker]

I got two away and waiting for a spot for Kathi's. Think I will keep the KLR out till I get a couple of snow rides on it.

[oldyam80sg]

I have a storage unit(10 x 10) that the 2 bikes fit into,however last year problems and work related issues kind of made me neglect going to my unit every other weekend.This year coming up since both bikes are in my Mothers garage,she said i could keep them there for the winter.Both bikes are hooked up to the trickle charger and tires are off the ground.I start the bikes every 2 weeks or sooner if i get the chance.If i get a nice day i might take it for a ride on the street,so i don't drain the gas,only keep stabil and Berrymans chem tool in the tank.