Re: Winter Storage Tips

[IanDMacDonald]

So, after reading the article, I got to thinking: where is the harm in parking the bike, but running it a couple times a week, instead of adding Sta-bil, etc.? We all know we get that one day in the middle of Winter where temps hit a high, and the snow melts, and we want to go for a ride.

[Eveready1100]

Mate, the biggest harm I can see is that unless you run the bike until everything reaches a proper operating temperature is that the exhaust system will fill up with condensate when you shut it down and rust out VERY quickly.

[donebysunday]

Fuel

Hi !

What fuel are you using, ethanol ? Add the right amount of Stabil marine formula for ethanol fuel. I used to use Seafoam but the cost is higher in the long run. Still turn the petcocks on to keep the bowls full once a month.

Good fuel without ethanol, just turn the petcocks to prime once a month should be fine just to keep the bowls full.

[DGXSER]

Mate, the biggest harm I can see is that unless you run the bike until everything reaches a proper operating temperature is that the exhaust system will fill up with condensate when you shut it down and rust out VERY quickly.

+1. When I was working on my carbs in the winter, and ran the bike to try to figure out what it was doing, I started getting water out the back of the exhaust after a few short runs on the engine.

If your going to run it, make it a good 10 miles or better run. Honestly, I add Seafoam AND I run the bike whenever I can all winter long. For me, 45 deg is the mark. And then it is a short run of my min 10 miles. I'm getting to old to ride in colder weather I guess.

[D0wn5h1ft]

Well we all know Mac is probably still riding because the snow hasn't fallen yet here in Michigan .

I'm curious about the same thing. I'm going to be working on the '79 all winter and I've read some stuff about people getting rusty cylinders from having one of their valves open to the elements to an extended period of time. Is there a crank shaft position like TDC that will have all of my valves closed?

[IanDMacDonald]

Yup, sure am Gabe! I have been riding all week, even this morning in this nasty rain. I don't really know why I asked that question, as I'll be pulling the engine, and a few other bits over the Winter for maintenance. Everything will come inside for the Winter.

[mikubuilder]

I've ran mine Tue and Wed...sunny 42 deg

[MarkD]

Guys-- up here in N. MI we got an inch or so last night. It's mighty cold-- 32* or so. My beast is in the middle of a carb clean on the enrichening circuit passage in the fuel bowl, and fork seal install. Will add stabil to fuel, and let carb bowls remain empty 'til spring, so as not to maybe gum them up over the winter.

[donebysunday]

Guys-- up here in N. MI we got an inch or so last night. It's mighty cold-- 32* or so. My beast is in the middle of a carb clean on the enrichening circuit passage in the fuel bowl, and fork seal install. Will add stabil to fuel, and let carb bowls remain empty 'til spring, so as not to maybe gum them up over the winter.

In N. Mi. you most likely are not running ethanol, right ?
If you do have to deal with ethanol the marine stabil is cheaper in the long run because you use less per gal.
Stabil now has an ethanol treatment in the line up.
So stabil now has a regular, an ethanol and marine ethanol.
I would not use regular stabil with ethanol fuel.

[IanDMacDonald]

Done-

Just curious, why would Mark living in N. Michigan matter as far as ethanol? I've been all over the State, and know there are only a few stations that provide ethanol-free gas.

N. Michigan gets their fair of snow, but nowhere near as-much as the U.P., and they all have ethanol gas in their stations, from as far West as Iron River, and as far East as Mackinac Island.

[motoman]

As long as you use the new blue Stabil, fuel ougha' stay fine. A better option you can find at most dealerships now is StarTron enzyme fuel treatment. Apparently this is the most compatible treatment for the increased alcohol levels of the fuel.

[donebysunday]

ethanol

Done-

Just curious, why would Mark living in N. Michigan matter as far as ethanol? I've been all over the State, and know there are only a few stations that provide ethanol-free gas.

N. Michigan gets their fair of snow, but nowhere near as-much as the U.P., and they all have ethanol gas in their stations, from as far West as Iron River, and as far East as Mackinac Island.

Mac,

The farther you are from the big city the less likely to have ethanol in your fuel.
Just heard the the EPA may release it's hold on the states to use ethanol gas.
It's hurts more than it helps the environment (air we breath), it adds to the cost of fuel production and in pre 93 engines it can be damaging.

[MPittma100]

Ethanol

I am fortunate in that I can obtain non-ethanol gas fairly easily. I have just recently begin using it and have had positive results. I will no longer leave gas with ethanol in any carbureted vehicle that I own. And I do mean everything carbureted - lawn mowers, chain saws, four wheelers, two wheelers, generators, etc. I've had too many negative and costly experiences by doing so.

I strongly believe that this will cure all of my fuel system related problems.

Mike

[madmax-im]

indeed ethanol fuel sucks and is the cause of alot of evils...I too have non ethanol locally...the only thing is i dont winterize my bikes because i love to ride in the winter months...I did this in NJ and even moreso since moving to NC...hardly the advice the O.P is looking for but I just had to throw that out there...I mean i rode thru some pretty cold winters in NJ and as long as the roads were clear and dry i would ride.

[MarkD]

Unfortunately, all the gas available in and around the nearby counties contains 10% ethanol, except 2 stations. One is about 30 miles away, and one about 45 miles away. I saw one of them on my way to Traverse City yesterday--cost was $4.11/gallon. I'll put in the ethanol type Stabil soon. I've heard another product called 'start-up' is also a good treatment for winterizing against ethanolled fuel.