WINTER BIKE PREPARATION
 

Juliet posted this checklist in the "off topic" section - I think it's that good I'm going to send it to friend in our Highland areas, and thought you guys may find it interesting:It may also be some help to new Hurricane riders in colder climates.....I know it's spring for the Northern guys, but winter's coming, south of the Equator.......
(Thanks, Jules, for a GREAT article)

THING TO DO TO "WINTERISE" YOUR BIKE

Checklist of things to do -- IN ORDER:

* 1) Find a place to store it, get the tools you'll need
o Sheltered from the elements, away from chemical fumes and ozone.
o Get the chemicals you need -- gas stabilizer, any cleaning supplies.

* 2) Run the bike, fill the tank, stabilize the gas
o Take the bike out for a ride, and swing by a gas station on your way home.

* 3) Change the oil
o Do this while the engine is still hot -- it gets more junk out.

* 4) Put bike on stands
o If you can, take the weight off the tires.

* 5) Spray fogging oil in cylinder(s)
o Used to keep the rings and cylinder walls from rusting.

* 6) Cover intake/exhaust with bags
o While the bike is warm, cover the air box snorkels and exhaust pipe.

* 7) Final fuel system checks
o If your bike has one, switch the petcock off.

* 8) Remove and charge the battery
o Take the battery out of the bike for charging.

* 9) Wash, dry, and wax dry the bike
o Wash and wax the bike. Get all the corrosive road salt and chemicals off it.

* 10) Protect the bike's exposed metal
o Spray the bike's exposed metal parts (but not the brakes!!) to prevent rust/corrosion.

* 11) Lock it up
o Lock it up so it doesn't get stolen!

* 12) Cover It
o Cover the bike with a breathable material that will keep dust off.

* Stuff to do over the winter
o Miscellaneous things to do while you're not riding.

* Taking the bike out of storage
o A mini-checklist of things to do when it's time to get back on the road.

* For the curious...
o Why these steps are in the order they're in.


Important Note
These instructions are intended to be followed in order. The purpose of this order is to minimize the bike's exposure to corrosive agents and prolong its life & good looks as much as possible. This guide assumes that the vehicle is being stored for more than a month and less than a year. There may be other storage procedures you should follow if you plan to store the vehicle for longer. For storage of less than a month in temperatures that don't go below freezing, you don't really need to do anything to the bike. (Unless you have an alarm system that may drain the battery, in which case you need to charge the battery, disconnect the alarm, or prepare to deal with a dead battery.) If it's going to get bel

RE: WINTER BIKE PREPARATION
 

Man, that's a lot of stuff. [&:]I'm sure glad I don't have to do any of it. :DWe just keep riding year round. It certainly is well thought out though.:eek:

RE: WINTER BIKE PREPARATION
 

The winter willover by the timeI've only finnishedREADING the instruction :).

RE: WINTER BIKE PREPARATION
 

Quote from checklist:
"lube suspension, pivot points, grease fittings, etc."

Whatother lubing, if any,would apply here to the 1000F? I onlylubed the drive chain and control cables.:eek: Is there much more?