Posted by Hogryder on November 08, 1999 at 15:39:30:
In Reply to: Hibernation posted by Alfred on November 08, 1999 at 11:17:05:
I recommend:
Removing the battery and using a trickle charger once a month all winter to keep it charged.
Fill the gas tank to prevent the accumulation of condensation which causes rust and add a stabilizer to the gas to prevent the formation of "varnish".
Change the oil and filter before you take out the battery. Run the engine for a few minutes to coat everything with new oil. Change the oil again in the spring to remove the water that will condense in the engine. This sounds like a waste but it's really only a few dollars.
If you can, lift the bike off the wheels. I use a box made of 2x4's to hold mine up. If you can't lift it up, try to move it back & forth a couple of times a month to prevent flat spots and make sure the wheels are in a different position after you move it. A chalk mark on the tire makes this easy.
Cover the bike with a cloth or canvas tarp NOT PLASTIC! Plastic traps moisture & heat and promotes rust. A garage is best, but if you park it outside, try to keep it out of sunlight. The cycle of warming and cooling causes more damage than just being cold all winter. Park it on the north side of the building or in the shade. Personally I think it is perfectly acceptable to keep your bike behind your couch all winter. If you own a Harley, keep a pan under it to prevent oil stains on the rug. If your wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/whatever objects to having a bike in the living room, change wives/girlfriends/boyfriends/whatevers.
Happy storage. I'm enjoying 75-80 degree weather in South Dakota of all places so my bikes are still awake. Three cheers for global warming!!!