Winter Storage

Rhamah

Rhamah

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Louisville, KY
Hello all,

So It's about that time again. Winter is coming! :sad3:, and I am going to put 'er up for the long term. I just wanted to run some things past you guys since it's my first winter and (presumably) not yours. Also bear in mind that I live in an apartment in the middle of the city so things like garages, and anything connected to a cord may not be possible.

Here's what I plan on doing:

  1. Grab 2 or 3 gallons of non-ethanol premium to fill the tank with.
  2. Add Seafoam to stabilize it.
  3. Run it for a few miles to make sure it's all premium/stabilized fuel.
  4. Throw the tarp over it.
  5. Fit it on my small patio area if possible.
  6. Buy and install this battery tender if it actually fits on my patio. http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende...qid=1382643312&sr=8-2&keywords=battery+tender
  7. ??? Anything I'm missing?
 
I like to drain the fuel from the float bowls since most of it will probably evaporate anyway. Always good to fill the tank and stabilize the fuel in it.
Also, if the battery tender won't work outside, can you just pull the battery out and put it out of the way inside the apartment? Like a utility room or somewhere out of the way?
 
A full fuel tank keeps it from rusting inside
 
I didn't think about pulling the battery, that's a good idea. As for the tank, I think I'll keep it pretty full. Even though I just recoated the inside, I don't think I'll risk it.

Anything else?
 
Here is my routine that I've used for years. I used to remove the tank and put it in the basement, until I decided that wasn't a smart idea with the water tank and furnance there. So I fill the tank up to the neck and add Stabil. Then I start the bike to let it circulate the fuel then I have marine fogging oil I shoot into the carbs until the bike dies. I then remove the seat and battery and put those in the basement so I can put a charger on the battery when needed. I also park the bike on wood (old trim boards) so it doesn't sit directly on concrete. Other things you can do is armor all the tires and seat, put a good coat of wax on it. Don't leave anything cloth like because it picks up moisture and will cause rust.

I'm going to get one more ride out of her before I put her down for the winter, hopefully its nice this weekend.
 
I really cant say to much since i tear my bikes apart in the winter for something ta do and not go nuts with cabin fever......with that said I will say to pull the batt and place inside,some were that there is no open flame ( water heater,furnace..fumes go BOOM) As far as the tank goes keep it full and use STABIL in it,that has always worked good in my toys: snow blower ,leaf vac,mower,weed eater,chain saw.....drain the carb bowls if you can, if not run with the stabil in and with bike running shut off the petcock till bike dies!..since its setting out side under a tarp I would coat the tires and rims with vasoline to keep form tire rot and corrosion of the rims...might sound a little over kill but put it (vasoline) all over the aluminum,its easier to whip it off then try and clean the corroded aluminum next spring!!:goodluck:
 
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If the bike will be sitting outside, check the antifreeze also with one of those testers to make sure it's up to snuff - the ceramic parts in those water pumps don't hold up well to cold weather. You might also consider putting tape or something like that over any open hole/port on the bike to keep out any critters that may wander about - like the exhaust, air box openings, etc, you don't want any bird/rat nests in there come spring. Pulling the battery as stated above is a good idea also. Later.
 
Thats a good idea Jarney about the tape,but if they want in they will chew it off! I have found that if you put moth balls around it and on top of the engine,it keeps the critter away! Just saying...
 
Great tips. Some other things that can be done to winterize...

Have the bike sit on wood boards, this will stop flat spots from forming on the tires. A board will be needed for the kickstand too as bike will sit higher.

Wrap a plastic bag around at the end of the muffler(s) and keep it in place by also wrapping a rubber band around the pipe(s). The rubber band will give a tight seal. It will be hard for critters to get in there and stop condensation and rust from forming inside the pipe(s).

Spray a rag with a bit of WD40 and rub that into the outer fork seals. That will help with cracks from forming.
 
Yeah lots of ways to winterize. Tape, rubber bands, trash bags, heavy plastic, moth balls, etc. Good idea on the wd40. Might want to do that with most rubber parts like carb boots too. Later.
 
I just pull the bikes into the garage, top off the tanks, put covers on them and let them sleep till I get a nice day. No fuss with anything as they only sit for a short time. A quick 2 amp charge when the warm weather comes around for anything that didn't get ridden during those odd warm days and away I go in the spring.

Now if I plan on letting something sit for a long time (years) then I would take the time to prep it. Please don't fool yourself into thinking using plastic to seal things will prevent rust in something like the exhaust as it will only trap moisture in and could lead to more rust than if left open depending on the conditions

. A breathable cover is the best !
 
I heard from an rv guy that dryer sheets deter rodents. May want to toss some of them around the wiring.
 
use a fan in garages/sheds/basement/barn to keep moisture down. use vaseline on rubber parts. double dose stabil and run it enough that you know its in the carbs and top off tank. no need to drain carbs.
 
:hello: To prevent rust you can spray down all medel parts with a dry lubricant such as Remington Dry lube or Slide. Also WD 40 makes a Silicone spray in a can.
 

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:hello: Instead of using wood to store the bike on use a rubber mat or thick carpet. This will prevent flat spots on the tires as while as preventing dry rot.
 
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