| Author | Message | ||
     Bitbear |
Here in Minnesota it won't be long before we get set for winter storage. I've always changed the oil before shutting down my XB9 for the winter - but is it still considered a "must do"? I use synthetic. What is the latest thinking on changing your oil before winter storage? | ||
| Sloppy |
If it's old oil, add a bottle of fuel stabilizer like Stabil and get your oil hot (at least a 10 mile ride) then drain. Refill with fresh oil, fresh top of gas and go for another hot run. Then park it. If it's fresh oil (less than 500?), do the same but without the initial change. Lift the bike off the tires or at least monthly rotate the tires. Main thing is to not have residual water in the oil. | ||
| Fahren |
Your owner's manual has very good instructions for winter storage. Remove battery and trickle charge at least once per month; change oil and run new thru engine (per Sloppy above); fill fuel tank and add stabilizer (keep out condensation in the gas, and keep it from leaving gummy deposits); tires to proper psi, then up on stands if you can, otherwise roll-em per Sloppy. | ||
| Andymnelson |
Psh. We have at least another good month of riding left! I rode this morning, and didn't see another bike all the way to work...you'd think it was colder than 37 degrees or something!  I don't believe it's necessary, but how much do you like your bike? It's like a lot of things to do with maintenance- there are bare minimums, and then there's what I do. For example, I change my oil every 2000 miles- cheap insurance if you ask me. Condensation happens in your engine case...which means a slight moisture build up. Moisture causes corrosion. My opinion, give it an oil change before storage- it'll cost you, what, like $15? | ||
| Mnbueller |
STORAGE! We don't need no stinking storage! MN has the best DOT there is. It only takes a day or two after a snow fall for the roads to be clear and dry. Keep riding! Just bundle up a bit more  | ||
| Midknyte |
I change the oil, Stabil the gas, and put to sleep on a battery tender (I do not remove the bat...garaged). Get a sheet of plywood to park your bike on to protect the tires from lye that leaches up out of the cement. | ||
| Blake |
What is this "Winter" of which you speak? | ||
| Andymnelson |
It's the time of the year when we park our bikes and boats, and bust out the snowmobiles and snow boards.  I LOVE Minnesota! | ||
| Fast1075 |
Come on Blake...you know what winter is...mesh jacket toy runs...shirtsleeve BBQ for Christmas...playin' Q-tip dodge'em. Buell vs Cadillac....all the fun stuff...even water skiing on New Years eve...or Bassin' on Sam Rayborn...oh yeah...Winter in the South... | ||
| Drkside79 |
Pansies  | ||
| Drkside79 |
Seriously though i would just add the stable and change it in the spring. Go Bears my the way! | ||
| Fahren |
If you do put it up for the winter, put a sheet or other BREATHABLE fabric cover over it for dust. But no plastic - condensation can get trapped under a tarp and rot your bike. | ||
| Niceguyeddy |
It wasn't bad this morning...40 something I think. | ||
| Bitbear |
I'm not seeing any strong feelings/arguments. The old saw is that the oil will become acidic and can cause real problems. Would that happen with syn? Are there any studies? I've got less than 2000 miles on the syn oil in my bike. Does the conventional wisdom always hold true? | ||
| Niceguyeddy |
I change it regardless of how many miles since the last change before I roll it into the basement. Right? Wrong? I don't know but I'll continue to do it. | ||
| Boney95 |
You guys mention nothing about changing out your primary oil. That's also a good idea. | ||
| Badbueller |
I thought this forum was BADWEATHERBIKERS? Maybe we should change the name of the forum.  |
