Can't believe noone mentioned putting the bike on stands (or maybe someone did, i just scanned the posts) but do it! Tires will develop flat spots is you let it sit for more then 2-4 weeks depending on rubber compound. Better still, since your garage is unheated take the wheels off and keep them inside the house

 

This was mentioned.

I too have the Schumacher tender. Works like a charm.

 

Is the Schumacher tender a "set it and forget it" type thing, can you just plug it in and leave it alone all winter, or do you have to check on it periodically? Cause that sounds like a better deal... plus I wouldn't have to wait for eBay to ship. Nothing like instant gratification.

 

It's self-maintaining. Just plug it in & forget about it for as long as you want.

 

Self maintaining is the way to go. My bike sits for nine months. It's a sad time of the year for me. I just covered all openings (exhaust and intake) with paper and saran wrap, so animals don't feel the need to climb in there. But I have my bike moved a foot or so every couple weeks, just so the wheels don't get the flat spots.

 

Do you just cover the two intake openings on the front of the bike? or do you go more in depth with it? I have never thought of that, but it sounds like a good idea.

 

I take phone book pages, and put them in the intake, half in half out, so nothing will climb in, but will literally take three seconds to take out, then saran wrapped and rubber banded the tail pipe. Nothing else to cover after that. Just a little inhibiter. It's always a sad day when I see this thread though.

 

Our bikes stay in the garage during winter. The cats are too big to climb in . . . and nothing smaller than the cats will survive a foray into the garage

 

Jeez. 9 months? Where are you located?

 

When do you guys put your bike away for the winter... I usually put my car away at the end of OCT. But it is freaking COLD out right now on the bike, at speed. I was thinking about putting my bike away a few weeks before my car (mid Oct). Im just curious when the rest of you guys put yours away... BTW I am in Wisconsin.