"Winterizing"

xceebeex · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 02:22 PM

Hey guys, as the title says, how do you normally "winterize" your bikes? Do you put it up on stands? How bad is it if you don't? Drain any fluids? Gas? Anything with the carbs?

I am probably going to disconnect the battery and buy some sort of trickle charger. It will stay in my garage all winter, but it is not heated. So it probably gets as low as the 40's in there.

Thanks guys!

mikecentola · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 02:25 PM

Didn't do anything last year. I had just had my first oil change about 4 weeks before I put the bike away. Mine sat on the rear stand for winter, covered for some, uncovered for others. Left the battery in. Started right up this year.

I would just make sure you put fresh gas in it. Start it up every few weeks throughout the winter to prevent any gumming up in the carbs. Maybe add a can of seafoam to your last tank before you put it away.

lis9400 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:17 PM

Disconnect the battery! Don't leave it connected, you do al ot more damage than you think when you pop start a bike in the spring. Get a battery tender( for the battery) and fuel stabilizer!

I live w/ someone who has ridden for 9 years and well is very picky about how his bike is cared for and those were stick orders for my bike last winter!

xceebeex · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:20 PM

What about stands? Highly recommended or just a plus? Front and rear, or one or the other?

lis9400 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:22 PM

Just a plus. Mine sat on a rear stand all winter, but that had to do with safety for the bike...it's lowered thus the kick stand is cut and rewelded...didn't want to risk it snapping. You may want to put it like on a piece of plywood or something. How new are your tires?

mikecentola · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lis9400

Disconnect the battery! Don't leave it connected, you do al ot more damage than you think when you pop start a bike in the spring. Get a battery tender( for the battery) and fuel stabilizer!

I live w/ someone who has ridden for 9 years and well is very picky about how his bike is cared for and those were stick orders for my bike last winter!

bah, mine didn't even die over last winter!

lis9400 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikecentola

bah, mine didn't even die over last winter!

Your lucky! Did you start it alot?

xceebeex · #8 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lis9400

How new are your tires?

Probably around 500-600 miles on both of them.

Also, which model Battery Tender would you go with?

lis9400 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xceebeex

Probably around 500-600 miles on both of them.

So they are new. If you feel more comfortable putting it on stands it may be a good idea. Or just a piece of plywood. If you don't own stands already they are a great investment imo. They aren't cheap but are a great investment.

and b/c I missed the battery tender ? the first time around. It's up to you, My bf has the regular one,( battery tender plus) and I have the battery tender Jr. They both work the same!

usmc2801 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:47 PM

as far as a battery tender it honeslty isnt going to make you battery last longer so save your money and take your battery out as for me i never take it out i just turn my kill switch to off and the bike always starts next spring just fine...as for stands if you plan to change them at the begining of next season dont worry about stands only thing you really stands for is b/c theres a chance after sitting all winter you might get a flat spot on your tire. As far as fluids...you can drain the gas but it isnt necessary however since your garage isnt heated top it off or empty it b/c you dont want condensation building up in the tank and then start it turn your gas valve to off to burn all fuel out of the carbs...one of my bikes is carbuerated...dont add anything to it cuz it will sit there and clog your jets...trust me i learned my lesson there...and last but not least...a fresh oil change is always a plus

Cossey · #11 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:50 PM

I don't know how much the weight of the bike is, or if it's enough, but the stands would be a huge plus as far as any flat spots go, plus you're going to want to make sure the chain is well lubed. Get some Sta-bil from Advance and put it in a full tank of gas, and run it through a little bit, so it gets through all of the jets, lines, etc...

Kinda like a car sitting through winter, getting it on stands may be the best bet, that way your suspension isn't compressed (depending on where the mounts for the stands are. If it mounts to the subframe, go nuts, if it mounts to the swingarm, same as on the ground.

I'm relating everything to a car, which is roughly 7-8x heavier than most bikes. Unless you got a Gold Wing. In which case, you may want to treat it like a car.

xceebeex · #12 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lis9400

and b/c I missed the battery tender ? the first time around. It's up to you, My bf has the regular one,( battery tender plus) and I have the battery tender Jr. They both work the same!

Hehe, well yea, they work the same but provide different amounts of current. The plus provides 1.25 and the Jr dpes .75 which is a pretty big difference. But if both work then I guess I could get either.