Winterizing

I've read many of the posts concerning winterizing a bike ranging from
those that put a bike in storage for a couple of months to those that
say to keep riding. What about something in-between. Here in Central
Ohio, we get a "thaw" every 3 weeks or so when it is at least
tolerable to ride. A complete winterization doesn't sound needed to
me. However, occasionally, it might be longer so maybe some sort of
precaution should be taken. I've decided to just keep a full tank of
gas with a stabilizer added to it. When it gets warm, I'll ride. Any
thoughts?

 

Good plan, that's basically what I do. Just make sure that every
time you start it, you get it good and warm (>30 minutes) to boil off
all the condensation from the crankcase, or don't bother starting it
at all. This advice is mainly addressed at those folks who think that
starting it up every 2 weeks and letting it idle for 10 minutes is
good for a bike, it's not. If you're putting the bike away for the
entire winter season, change the oil first, keep the tank filled
w/Sta-Bil-ized gas, drain carbs (optional but recommended) & charge
the battery once a month or so.

 

Not sure *what* was going on, (rile) leapt in with:

Yep. You've got the most important part covered; stabilized gas will
prevent carbie clogging (or 'jector jamming).

Two other things I'd add: Put the battery on a Battery Tender when
you're not riding it; that will keep the battery happy. Ride at least
10 miles (or maybe longer) every time you start it to assure it's
fully warm before you put it back into storage.

The full tank is a good idea; top it off just before you put it away
and add the right amount of stabilizer when it's back . . . .

-Don

Pooder Pre-aPproved this Post . . . .

 

Thanks for the help. When I do ride, I ride at least 20 miles or
more. So, that takes care of getting rid of any condensation. Now,
another question. It's been mentioned that after I ride, that I
should top off the fuel tank. If I do that, isn't there still some
stabilizer in the tank since I've only used a small amount of fuel?
How much stabilizer do I need to add and is there a chance of
"overdosing"?

 

Not sure *what* was going on, (rile) leapt in with:

Dose the can of fuel you use for topping off; then it'll be at the
correct level . . . .

-Don

Pooder Pre-aPproved this Post . . . .

 

Sounds like what I did. Started right up, idled for about 10 min, but when
I went to turn it off, by accident I left it on accessory, which kept the
back light on. Went to start it later that night (completely cooled) and it
wouldn't start. Now 1/2 bottle of fuel gas later, and the bike still won't
start. Any quick fixes? or am I draining the tank and all the lines....


Jesse