Proper winter storage General Motorcycle Discuss Proper winter storage in the Motorcycles forums; I've just moved from dry Idaho to humid Virginia. What concerns are there about storing bike for winter in this high humidity climate? Any suggestions welcome....

[brobeo]

I've just moved from dry Idaho to humid Virginia. What concerns are there about storing bike for winter in this high humidity climate? Any suggestions welcome.

[Buzz Kanter]

some are the same - keep the battery filled and charged, roll the tires once in a while, wash and wax the bike from end to end, etc.

High humidity could, in the extreme cases, cause some rust issues, but not if the bike is properly cleaned and waxed for the winter. I'm sure others have some good ideas too.

[jimkelley]

It wasn't a Harley, but back in 1977 the Army was sending me from Ft. Belvoir, Va. to Germany and I decided to store my KZ1000 for the duration (22 months). I drained the fuel from the carbs; changed engine oil and filter; drained the gas tank and sloshed about a cup of motor oil around to coat the tank and drained off the excess; I put the bike up on jack stands and lowered the air pressure in the tires to about 15psi; removed the spark plugs and fogged the cylinders with WD-40 and then turned the motor over a few times with the ignition off using the kick start lever;placed a small amount of steel wool in the ends of the mufflers to keep the mice and squirrels out; covered the bike with a soft cover. I also removed the battery and gave it to a buddy. Didn't want fumes or vapor from the battery causing corrosion. When I came back from Germany I purchased a new battery, rinsed the tank with a small amount of gas then topped off the tank, aired up the tires, and looked it over really well for anything like rodent bite marks or nests and removed the steel wool plugs from the mufflers. It started after less than ten seconds of cranking with the starter. Small amount of smoke for about five minutes and then all was fine.
I know that's maybe a little over-kill for winter storage but most still applies.
Most folks recommend you DO NOT start the bike after changing the oil as it can pick up and distribute acids and other bad stuff after only a small amount of run time.
I am assuming you are talking winter storage. Some people remove the battery and others only disconnect it. Either way a Battery Tender Plus is a very worthwhile investment. It is a "smart" trickle charger that reduces its charge rate once the battery is up to the proper state of charge and then puts out a lesser maintenance rate so it doesn't cook all the fluids out of the battery.
Hopefully you won't have to be off your ride for too long. Let's all cross our fingers for a short easy winter.

[Monkeyboy]

Actually, Virginia isn't too bad as far as humidity goes in the winter. I'm guessing you're concerned about rust forming on different parts of your bike when it's in storage? Over the las five years I haven't had any problems storing my bike in an unheated garage although I do throw a cover or sheet over it after the last ride and cleaning. The biggest thing I can recommend is:

1.) Don't fire it up for just a few minutes to "circulate the fluids and keep the battery charged". Itwon't charge your battery. If you're worried about your battery get a battery tender. Not getting it to operating temp. will cause condensation in the engine and that's something you want to avoid.

2.) Before putting it away I make sure it's clean, tires are inflated to proper pressure and it has fresh fluids.

3.) Plug the end(s) of your exhaust pipes. One year I discovered a mouse nest in one pipe. Shot it outta there like a potato gun!

4.) Take off as much leather items as you can; seat, saddle bags, etc. and store them somewhere in your house.

5.) Put fuel stabilizer of your choice and run it for a few minutes to make sure it gets through the whole fuel system and make sure your tank is full (see #1).

6.) If you have a bike jack, [B]slightly[B] raise the bike to relieve some of the pressure off of the tires. Don't lift the tires off the ground. You don't want to "hyper-extend" the suspension and leave it that way for an extended period.

7.) Lock the ignition, forks and ste the alarm if your bike has one. If you don't plan on doing anything to the bike during the winter, stick the bike in the corner of the garage and make it more difficult to steal by putting stuff around it.

8.) Get busy planning your next Spring trip and filling out your wish list to changes you want to make.

I'm sure I've forgotten something but, knowing how this forum is, somebody else will chime in and remind me.

P.S. Some people like to "fog" their cylinders before putting it away.

[brobeo]

I do have a battery tender and a Harley storage cover. I always use fuel stabilizer. Not worried about theft. The cleaning happens this weekend.
Good idea on bringing the leather into the house. Maybe the wife will allow the entire bike... Likely not.
Does anybody use a goldenrod; a two foot long electric heated rod, to help with keeping the R/H low. I understand the rod is placed under the bike so the warm dry heat will rise up under the cover.

[hardtimeharley]

Originally Posted by brobeo

I do have a battery tender and a Harley storage cover. I always use fuel stabilizer. Not worried about theft. The cleaning happens this weekend.
Good idea on bringing the leather into the house. Maybe the wife will allow the entire bike... Likely not.
Does anybody use a goldenrod; a two foot long electric heated rod, to help with keeping the R/H low. I understand the rod is placed under the bike so the warm dry heat will rise up under the cover.

I have read about goldenrod on other forums, good reviews. Also heard that pianos use a similar item and it's cheaper. Whatever, don't just cover and leave it. Check occasionally for condensation under the cover. If you have a wet (lead acid) battery on a tender, fumes MAY have an effect on finishes.
All items sold as floating battery maintainers are not equal. I bought a Yuasa that had all the claims of the Battery Tender. I alternated it weekly between two bikes, It boiled both batteries dry.

[coconl]

Always put stabilizer in the tank and keep it full of gas . In my last HD i left the battery in each yr. for 4 yrs. and recharged it in the spring on a trickle charger and never had any battery problems. But I'M a firm believer in not leaving your KEY in the bike [ I believe it completes a circuit and wears your battery down] even if it is off. Good kuck

[wideglidebill]

save yourself alot of hassle, just move someplace that you don't have to put your bike in cold(brrrrr) storage!


ok, funnin aside, as i'm sure others have done,...ever park your bike after a ride and not do anything to it? only to have life happen to you and you dont get back to it for 3 or more months? yuck...what a mess.



wideglidebill.

[Twinpeaks]

I don't really "store" my bikes, they are always ready to roll unless tore down of coarse, and I NEVER use stabilizer, but I do put fresh oil, keep the battery tendered and the bike covered, i keep them on a piece of plywood that has 1/2" foam insulation under it. I also keep my garage at a minimum of 40 degrees, does not cost much to keep it there and that small amount of heat is enough to keep from freezing and eliminate moisture issues.

[brobeo]

Yee Haa. A nice break in the weather has delayed my winter storage plans.