| Author | Message | ||
     Jakecheez |
This is the first year I've had a bike. I live in Minnesota and it gets pretty cold here for the next 6 months or so.........4 if I'm lucky! What do I need to do to prepare my bike for the long winter shut down? I heard I should bring my battery inside what else do I need to do to winterize it? Thanks- | ||
| Nik |
Heated jacket, heated grips, and gasoline, are all you should need. | ||
| Bromanowski |
Change the oil. Used oil collects moisture and condensation will build up in the case. If you're pro fuel stabilizer add some sta-bil to the gas. Some people love it, others hate it but I've never had any adverse reactions from it. If you can, put the bike on stands to avoid flat spots on the tires. | ||
| Vasiliy_ru |
If you keep your bike inside a garage where the temperature is more than 0 C (32F) I do not think that you have to change oil. I would recommend to detach and uncharge the battery (it is not necessary). Also It would be good if you cover your motorcycle with something. | ||
| Midknyte |
Change oil before storing. And if you do this, no need to change it at startup in the spring. I've never had issues when I've Stabil'ed my gas. I have when I did not... Get a sheet of plywood to protect your tires from the lye that leaches out of cement garage floor. Battery tender. Battery tender. Battery tender. | ||
| Midknyte |
Also - Do not start it periodically during the winter. You will not run it long enough to dry it out. You'll just attract more moisture into the system. | ||
| Bikertrash05 |
What I do is battery tender, change oil before storage*, and wood under the tires. I also fill the tank with straight gas (0% ethanol) so I don't need a stabilizer. *storage is after the first significant snow fall, and stored in my garage. If it gets nice, I get riding! | ||
| Greg_e |
I've read that putting both ends up on stands is good to keep the flat spots away. Never had problems in the past but seems like a good idea. Bring battery inside, trickle charge once in a while. Seafoam in a full tank of gas has also been recommended. I plan to try and ride mine at least once a month. Bought a riding suit that will hopefully fit, otherwise it will be 2 months to get a custom suit in exchange and the plan may go out the window. | ||
| Ulynut |
A full tank is very important. Less air in the tank will mean less condensation. A good fuel stabilizer is a must. | ||
| Is11b1p |
I keep my bike in my basement. It never gets below 66 F. Should I do anything for the winter besides the battery? Is their any truth to the flat spots on the tires if you let it sit for a while? Just wonderin. Thanks | ||
| Ourdee |
I change my oil to the lighter weight for winter, put stabil in the fuel during the coldest months just in case I don't ride. Keep tank full. Do at least an hour long ride once each month. I park on plywood during the winter. | ||
| Fahren |
fill tires to proper pressure; cover with a BREATHABLE cover to keep dust off it, but to let moisture escape (NO PLASTIC!!!). Your owners manual has full instructions. | ||
| Jakecheez |
Yeah, my garage will probobly get -20 f a couple times this year. That's where my bike will be. I doubt I'll be able to ride once the roads freeze over, but if it stays dry I'll be riding for a while still. As for the oil change- if I am only storing it and not riding it, should I change to a lighter oil? As for the battery-if I bring it inside, should I keep it on the tendor all winter? As for the tires- I'll put 'em up on blocks (poor mans stands) and rotate 'em every couple weeks. Is that sufficient? As for the gas- I use shell 94 octane. I'll fill it up before storing, but I'm getting mixed reviews on using stabil???? As for the body- breathable cover, check! Thanks guys- | ||
| Andymnelson |
As for the oil change- if I am only storing it and not riding it, should I change to a lighter oil? Nah, standard is fine. As for the battery-if I bring it inside, should I keep it on the tendor all winter? I would. As for the tires- I'll put 'em up on blocks (poor mans stands) and rotate 'em every couple weeks. Is that sufficient? Yup. As for the gas- I use shell 94 octane. I'll fill it up before storing, but I'm getting mixed reviews on using stabil???? Our colder temps tend to favor the use of Stabil. I'd use it. | ||
| No_rice |
1 As for the oil change- if I am only storing it and not riding it, should I change to a lighter oil? 2 As for the battery-if I bring it inside, should I keep it on the tendor all winter? 3 As for the tires- I'll put 'em up on blocks (poor mans stands) and rotate 'em every couple weeks. Is that sufficient? 4 As for the gas- I use shell 94 octane. I'll fill it up before storing, but I'm getting mixed reviews on using stabil???? 5 As for the body- breathable cover, check! 1 if you dont plan on riding it or firing it up then no dont worry about a different grade oil. 2 i wouldnt even bother bringing it inside. id just put it on the tender. 3 ya hell, most the time i dotn even manage that. id think you'd be fine. 4 ive always used stabil in my sleds during the summer and never had a problem firing them up after sitting all year waiting for winter. put plenty in the bikes also but i seem to run them more often. | ||
| Aptbldr |
If changing oil: after re-fill start & circulate fresh oil from swing-arm onto those special parts its protecting. Starting an XB in cold weather: hold rpm's low until it's warmed-up some. Engine has no oil-pressure relief valve until the latest models with relocated oil-pump. RPM's and thick oil place added loads on fragile oil-pump drive gears. |
