Winter Storage Harley Evo Sportster Discuss Winter Storage in the Harley Sportster & Buell forums; Ok I live in Maine and it is time to think about storing the bike, have a 08 883C, just past the 1000 service, so is it necessary to change ...

[bikerbilly]

Ok I live in Maine and it is time to think about storing the bike, have a 08 883C, just past the 1000 service, so is it necessary to change all fluids before the winter, i am storing in my garage, insulated but not heated, will run a charger all winter and start it.

any info is appreciated.

[EZE RIDER]

Hey Billy,
Yea it's best to change the oil now so you dont let the used oil with it's acids and contamenants corrode the insides of your machine. Battery on a battery tender as you stated and covered with a breathable cover (read an old bed sheet) and if you want to really do it right jack it up so the tires are off the ground.

[evoKENevo]

Hey Guys
Good idea about raising the bike-tires off the ground..but if you don't have the means to do that..at least keep a piece of DRY corrigated cardboard or plywood or carpet between the tires and floor..and move the bike a little periodically to keep from sitting on the same part of your tires

[shovelmike]

In addition to the great advice given above, give the bike a good coat of wax, especially the chrome. In an unheated garage there are day to night temperature swings that could cause condensation to pit the chrome if not protected. Fill the gas tank as full as possible to minimize condensation, add the appropriate amount of Sta-Bil (gas stabilizer) run the engine a few minutes to get the treated gas through the fuel system, hook up that Battery Tender, and let that bike hibernate. Resist the urge to go out there and start the bike and run it. Unless you take it for a good 40-50 mile or more ride just let it be. Running the engine for short periods creates water as a by-product of combustion, yet doesn't get the engine warm enough long enough to get rid of the moisture...definitely a bad thing.

[Majicbringer]

Get a bike cover (under $30 at Walmart). Much better than a tarp as they breathe and help keep condensation to a minimum, if any at all.

Put a bucket of Damp-Rid under the bike.


Steel wool in the mufflers to keep the critters out. Though seeing a mouse come flying out at Mach 2 is kinda funny.

Find engine fogger, pull the plugs and spritz some fogger in there.

[bikerbilly]

the advise you gave me on winter storage was great and i think i will do all of it, i just dont want to put it away right yet

this site is really helpful, most dealers are idiots and ya never know if they are being straight so i assume they arent.

[tguil]

Originally Posted by bikerbilly

.....this site is really helpful, most dealers are idiots and ya never know if they are being straight so i assume they arent.

True -- this site is helpful. Not quite true -- most dealers are idiots.

[matinees]

where do u get damp rid majicbringer ive never heard of it and does it work well laying bike up shortly and every little bit helps

[Wrightturn]

When is winter ?

[street bob]

Everything stated about winter storage.... do it!
I rest mine all winter and do all that was stated.