Hi guys,

I am new to this forum and motorcycles in general. I just bought a 92 f2 and it is getting cold out and the bike is getting stored in my garage. Just a few questions about winterizing:

1. Should I drain the fuel out or put in a stabilizer and let it sit there over the winter?

2. If I decide to remove the gas tank and fairings to replace spark plugs, air filter, etc. should I put gas back in once everything is put back on or should it be left empty?

3. The oil needs to be changed, should it be done beginning of next year or right now and then before I start riding again?

Thank so much in advance for any insight into these questions.
Appreciate it.

 

Mine just went into storage as well... sad day

1. Fill tank to prevent rust... use stabilizer.

2. if there is a chance of condensation in the tank... fill it with (stabilized)gas.

3. right now before storage. I was told by local mechanic that old oil can be (slightly) corrosive, therefore eating your engine over the winter. If you are gonna do it anyway (now vs. next spring) might as well get it over with so you can ride as soon as the weather improves.

You should also take out the battery and put it on a tender.

might want to consider putting the bike up on stands (saves the tires from getting flat spots) but flat spots probably won't happen if you are only storing for one winter. But if you already have stands, you might as well use them.

 

Don't forget to run the stabilizer through your carb after you pour it into the tank.

Take it for a quick ride and top the tank back up when you are finished.

Bender nailed everything else, cheers!

(Oh, if you have mice or rats in your area be sure to plug the exhaust pipe and air intake with rags)

 

I'll share what I do and see what kind of feedback I get. My bike is stored in a heated garage all winter long, last winter I literally did nothing, just parked it. I needed to charge up the battery to get it going again but that was it. Same gas, no stabilizer. One thing I do though is run the bike, then shut the gas off and let the bike burn up as much gas in the carb bowls as possible. Whether or not I'm gaining anything by doing that is basically unknown. The fact that my bike gets kept in a heated garage kind of negates the need to do any serious winterizing.

 

Just ride it in the snow you WUSS!

 

Good call on the mice and rats .... I will be stuffing my intake and exhaust as soon as I get home.

 

I agree with thoroxin just ride it in the snow, I recently winterized my F2 only to pull it back out a few days later cause it cleared up a bit now its about 55degrees and im about to go for another ride Ill probly end up riding all year when its dry, cold temps arnt that bad how do people ride snow mobiles??

 

To winterize my bike, I just make sure the antifreeze is strong enough for the 3 or 4 nights it actually does freeze, and wear an extra jacket and thicker gloves, gotta love Florida, [8D]