Winterizing the Iron Horse

[Zeke on Wheels]

Well, the weather is sadly and quickly turning towards winter already here in Northern Michigan.

I am hoping to maybe squeeze a ride or two into the next 4-6 weeks, but then it will be time to put her to sleep for a few months.

That being said, what exactly should I do for the winter/idle months?

Should I store it with a tank full of "STABIL"ized fuel?
I am hoping to do some of the recommended mods to her during the winter, starting with the fuse block.

Would appreciate any info on proper winter storage for this sweet ol bike.
It will be our first winter together, as I just bought her this spring.

Thanks!

[haywardguy929]

That was a topic I just read about the other day, they said add IOS/heet or seafoam to a full tank let it run into the carbs and then cut off the fuel to them and let them run out. Also take and remove the plugs and add a good table spoon of motor oil/replace the plugs and turn it over a few times.
Other then that I take my battery out for inside warm storage. Maybe add a charge sometime towards spring. I'm sure some others can add to this.
(Side note, I never used seafoam and not sure what temps its rated for.)
I'm up north as well and want to make sure it can with stand the brutal cold snaps we get.

[natemoen]

I would use seafoam over stabil any day!

[Zeke on Wheels]

I would use seafoam over stabil any day!

I think I have a can of that around. How much would you think for a full tank of gas?

[natemoen]

I think I have a can of that around. How much would you think for a full tank of gas?

Read the can, but personally I would probably just dump the whole can in.

[red bandit]

I live in central Michigan. I park mine in late Oct- early Dec. just depends on when the last time the weather permited a ride. I fill the gas tank with gas only, I have never used any additives and never will. I have never had any problem with any of my vehicles, even the two cycles. I don't try to fix a problem that doesn't exist. For those of you the believe in additives, that's fine just not for me. I try to put a charger on the battery once a month. In March/April when I crank it over it fires right up and runs great. I'm sure if I took it to a dyno or drag strip there would be a difference in performance but I can't fell it in the seat of my pants. I take the wheels off inspect and grease the bearings, (the grease seals pop right off with a small screwdriver and pop right back on with your fingers) bleed the brakes, give it a general look over/cleaning. Check valve clearance. Change the oil/filter in late winter. I'm sure some of you will disagree and that's fine. I'm not telling anyone what to do, just saying what I do.

[WMarshy]

These are all just opinions so take them for what their worth...

Personally, I dont leave gas in my tank because it is sealed with kream. IDK if you guys have liners in your tanks, but if you do then dont leaving gas in the tank, it just means you'll have to burn stale gas come spring... Only reason to leave gas in it is to keep it from rusting if you dont have it coated.

Regardless if you leave gas in your tank or not, I advise people to drain their carb bowls. Just because you have stabilizer in the gas doesn't keep it from evaporating and leaving varnish on all the internals. Come spring its as simple as add fresh gas, turn to prime for a minute and hit start. I have done this the past 3 years and have never had to tear them down to clean them, they always perform as good as they did when it put it into storage. Nows a good time to consider changing your fuel filters too.

I like to change all the oils before storage. No reason to keep that nasty oil sitting in there, all the particles settle out of the oil and form sludge, might as well change it so it has fresh oil when you hit the start button in the spring (or middle of winter to remind you what it sounds like).

I typically pull my battery and take it inside where it is warm and but it on the charger once a month for a few days or so. I never add any oil to the cylinders like some recommend but when I get the bike back out in spring I pull the plugs out and let the starter turn it over for a good half a dozen cranks to get oil up in the top end.

[Cuda 69]

I fill the tank.half can seafoam,shut off fuel and run until carbs are empty. fresh oil and filter, wash bike,put trickle charger on from time to time,slip on bike cover and read a great biker story to her before her long winters nap.

[Aches n Pains]

Second on running/draining the carbs dry. I pretty much do this anytime she's going to be sitting for more than a couple of weeks.

[MPittma100]

Storage

As far as the removing plugs and adding a shot of oil in the cylinders is concerned, I would recommend using ATF instead. The ATF will burn when restarting the engine. Oil will foul the plugs when restarting. The ATF will give good lubrication and rust prevention. When added, spin the engine over briefly to coat the cylinders - with plugs installed and ignition off.

Fuel additives could include Seafoam, Marvel Mystery Oil, etc. Shutting off the fuel, running it out of gas is a good measure.

Battery Tender or equivalent on the battery full time is better for the battery than sitting over the winter, then recharging.

Covering the bike with (your choice) is good to keep the elements off of her, even if stored inside.

Keeping the tires off of the ground will keep them from flat spotting.

MP

[fredintoon]

- - - Would appreciate any info on proper winter storage for this sweet ol bike. - - -

Hi Zeke,
outside or in an unheated building?
Oilchange, remove battery for indoor storage and keep it charged up, drain carbs, drain tank then pour in a cupful of oil and slosh around, wash, wax, cover.
Inside a heated garage?
Besides removing the battery and hooking it up to a timer and 1 Amp charger (I'm too cheap to buy a proper battery tender)
All I do is shove it in a corner and throw a tarp over it.