winterizing the XJ1100

[tab1324]

This is my first bike and I want to winterize properly... What arethe recommended procedures for winterizing in a cold climate?

Tom B.

[John]

I really haven't had to winterize my bike, but if I did, I would go to the auto parts store and buy some Sta-bil fuel stabilizer. Add the correct amount to the fuel tank. Change the oil and filter, and run the engine until it is at operating temperture (i.e. go for a ride). Top off the fuel tank, and add some more Sta-bil. Make sure the gear oils are changed, and then remove the battery, or keep a trickle charger connected. Make sure the tires are properly inflated and maybe Armor All the side walls so they don't dry out. Place the bike on the center stand to remove some wieght from the tires, so they don't develope flat spots. Make sure the petcocks are in the off position. A good cover won't hurt, either. It probably wouldn't hurt to start it once in a while, and if the temps get over 40, take it out for a ride. You do have a snowmobile suit, don't you?

[CMA1]

Hi Tom,
This is what I do to my 79SF

- Run up to operating temp. then change oil and filter... change the middle drive and final drive oils
- Drain the carb float bowls (this is important)
- Remove spark plugs and 'squirt' a teaspoonful of oil in the cylinders, reinstall (old) spark plugs (make a note to install new ones in spring)
- fill the tank with fresh fuel and add Sta-Bil (or you can remove the tank if you have a garage, drain fuel and use a light spray of oil in the tank for storage)
- I leave the plug leads unplugged and unplug the TCI box (no particular reason LOL)
- Pump tires up a little tight (34 front 44 rear) it will lose over the winter anyway.....
- I get a can of spray from the undercoat place in town (Krown or RustCheck and lightly spray the bike and wire harnesses)
- finally, the leather goods and seat come in the house for the long sleep
....*edit* .....battery comes in where it is warm and use a
quality cover! whether bike is inside a garage or out in the weather

Make a note to myself of everything I want to do in the spring (for the bike)

I think that covers it
Have a 'good' winter
Larry

[beechfront]

i think i am going to do a long-term winterization of one of my bikes. just going to keep it for a spare.

[xssiveone]

Re: winterizing the XJ1100

Originally posted by tab1324
This is my first bike and I want to winterize properly... What arethe recommended procedures for winterizing in a cold climate?

Tom, here's a site that goes into winterizing in detail.
Motorcycle winterizing

Larry and John pretty much covered it but this is interesting reading if nothing else.

[Pain]

There is also a link right here at the xs11 home site -

http://www.xs11.com/tips/misc/misc1.shtml

-Pain