Getting close to time to winterize--advice?

[tkd]

Ok,

So, the riding season here in Minnesota is quickly going to be coming to a close for me. We are hitting 50's during the day and 30's at night. It won't be long now.

Question is, does anyone have any special tips for winterizing the bike? (07 Nomad 1600). I have checked out Gadget's page and their is some very good info but was wondering if anyone had any extra steps or ideas.

I was hoping to store the bikes in the basement, but the bars are too wide to fit through the door so it is going to be an unheated garage for the poor girl. Usualy hovers around 0F at the coldest point.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

[bear]

Move to Louisiana and ride year round with us. If that doesn't work put Stabil in the gas tank (make sure tank is topped off) and run for two minutes to ensure its in all the fuel lines. Get some vinyl cleaner/wax from Armour All and coat the seat, hand grips, exposed wires etc. Make sure the tires are inflated to their proper psi.

[rksaw]

Hey T,
Just a stupid question, but in your case is it worth taking some equipment off in order to get it in the basement? When you are talking bars, are you meaning handle bars or engine guards and saddlebag guards? If it would make it through without the engine and saddlebag guards, it might be worth the effort. Just a thought.
Rich

[rksaw]

T,
I came across this and thought that it might help you as well.
Rich

http://www.gadgetjq.com/winterprep.htm

[chainsaw]

Sounds like it's time to remodel the house. Do you have an outside entrance to the basement cause your sure going to need help riding it down the stairs if you don't.

[waterman]

tdk,

Mine stays in an unheated shop for the winter. Generally just add a fuel stabilizer, top the tank and connect it to the battery tender once a month. I also start it up every month to circulate the oil. Another thing I am going to do is put some steel wool in the intake. After what I found in the air cleaner this spring (damn mice) that will not happen again. Also I am nuking the shop with mice bait all summer and winter.

[Top Cat]

I just stored mine in the unheated shed out back last winter. Filled the gas tank and added Stabil gas stabilizer. Changed the oil and put the right amount of air in the tires. I took the battery out and brought it inside but did not charge it at all.
Went out a couple times a week and talked to the bike to let it know I was just as anxious as it was to get back on the road
Put the battery back in last spring and it started up and ran with no problems.
I must add, the battery is such a pain in the ass to remove I am just going to leave it in and run a battery tender this winter.

[coldfingers]

I have a heated garage and even store bikes for other guys but like the other guys said, fill the tank and add some stabil, run it for a few minutes and then just charge the battery once a month and you are good to go. I usually change the oil in the fall also so she sits with pretty fresh oil in it.

[dogdoc]

I would also start the bike once a week so she doesnt think you have found a new love. :-)

[cactusjack]

I was going to make a smart-a$$ remark about it being in the 80s-90s here in sunny Phoenix, but I changed my mind.

I feel for you guys with the short riding seasons. If it makes you feel any better, I've switched from mesh to leather jackets and from fingerless to full gloves for morning rides.

[redjay]

Hey Cactus, look at it this way - our bikes last longer when you can only ride 6 months of the year! (Ontario)

[dogdoc]

Good point redjay,,, :-)

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by redjay

Hey Cactus, look at it this way - our bikes last longer when you can only ride 6 months of the year! (Ontario)

That's a real "glass half-full" attitude. I like that!

[dogdoc]

Buy plenty of Stabil guys, I see where Seafoam went from $5.66 a can at wall world to $6.?? nearly a dollar up, buy some cans now.

[darthvulcan]

tdk...

Along with all the others' advice, I plan on removing and storing indoors the seats, padded backrest, battery, and windshield before throwing my breathable cover over her and putting her to bed in my unheated baby barn for the winter. Fuel stabilizer will ensure reasonably fresh fuel for the next riding season.

It's a sad sight to behold when it's 30 below in January and you go out to see your poor, frozen-solid baby, but I've had many bikes in my years in the Great White North, and all survived it somehow.

Dave