Since I have 2997 posts, (I want to break 3000) I thought I'd post a few reminders.
First, if your bike doesn't get riden much or at all during the winter.....buy and use a Battery Tender! Over the last 10 years, because of my lameness, I've had to replace my battery at least 3 times because I let it die and stay dead for weeks at a time....the remedy is so simple.
Second, move your bike a little so it doesn't stay on the same part of the tires (best is to suspend it on stands). Also keep pressure up in tires.
Third, stablize your existing fuel with chemical....INCLUDING that fuel that is PAST the tank, in the lines and fuel injectors (just means that the bike must be run AFTER stabilizer is added). It should be noted, however, that I have forgotten to do this a few times, 4-5 months of engine not being run in sub freezing temps.....and had no problems in the Spring. Still, it's not smart to do that.
Forth, if you cover the bike, it's important to clean and wax the surfaces that the cover will rest on....dust can be abrasive to smooth surfaces.
Fifth, I believe you should start the bike and bring it up to operating temp at least once in the middle of Winter.
Finally, It's smart to do an oil change BEFORE you put the girl to bed for prolonged periods.
Hope that helps, I believe all the above is an investment in the longivity of our motorcycles.
Doyle
First, if your bike doesn't get riden much or at all during the winter.....buy and use a Battery Tender! Over the last 10 years, because of my lameness, I've had to replace my battery at least 3 times because I let it die and stay dead for weeks at a time....the remedy is so simple.
Second, move your bike a little so it doesn't stay on the same part of the tires (best is to suspend it on stands). Also keep pressure up in tires.
Third, stablize your existing fuel with chemical....INCLUDING that fuel that is PAST the tank, in the lines and fuel injectors (just means that the bike must be run AFTER stabilizer is added). It should be noted, however, that I have forgotten to do this a few times, 4-5 months of engine not being run in sub freezing temps.....and had no problems in the Spring. Still, it's not smart to do that.
Forth, if you cover the bike, it's important to clean and wax the surfaces that the cover will rest on....dust can be abrasive to smooth surfaces.
Fifth, I believe you should start the bike and bring it up to operating temp at least once in the middle of Winter.
Finally, It's smart to do an oil change BEFORE you put the girl to bed for prolonged periods.
Hope that helps, I believe all the above is an investment in the longivity of our motorcycles.
Doyle
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