Yeah, I agree. I cannot wait until the next riding season begins here in the Northeast USA. It's my first bike and I've only been on it maybe 6 times.

The excitement has me hoping that that damn groundhog better not see his reflection come February 2nd. (although I am not superstitious or believe that nonsense, I think it is extremely hilarious, to say the least)

Thanks for the info.

 

Got this one at Walmart for $20 - Schumacher Battery Maintainer

 

Thanks for that info.

I'm going to look into that. There is one really nice Walmart near where I work and a couple others around. I'll see which one has it or one similar.

So, if I buy a slow charger, leave it plugged in and on all winter?

Thanks for the help.

 

Apparently some people do, and it states in the instructions that you can. I'm a little paranoidabout leaving stuff like that plugged in all the time (fire),so I'm only going toconnect itonce in a while, probably every couple of weeks.

I'm in Colorado, so I'm planning on "sneaking-in" a ride every now and again this winter.

 

Thanks for all of your help and the replies. I am going to take this advise and use it.

You guys and gals are awesome.

Didn't mean to hijack this forum with my questions, I hope Jtrisler got everything he/she needed with the replies.

Thanks again, and again, great forum and I'm glad I've found it!

 

Just another quick question. (thanks for the all the help by the way)

What should I do in terms of my chain. I've read to clean it and oil it before the winter. Is that correct?

If so, what is a good cleaner? I've read that some have used WD-40, then they sprayed their chain lube on?

Is this recommended?

Any help and suggestions would be great.

Thanks.

PS.

By the way, thanks Incognito. I found that same battery maintainer for the same price at Walmart. Is the charge 12V (standard, I assume)?

Thanks again.

 

Here's a link for your chain ~ Sport Rider magazine has tons of info.
Chain Cleaning
WD-40 is awesome stuff for cleaning/degreasing (but not as a lubricant)~ some people feel it will degradeo-rings, but I disagree. I'veyet tosee it degrade any sort of rubber.
Yes sir, you are correct.

This part was added on (re-post):
Here's an in-dept article regarding WD-40 an some debatableconcerns regarding its use.
LINK

 

Thanks for the additional info.

I'm still in a small kind of a bind, because I don't have a rear lift or a motorcycle jack, so I will have to wait to clean and lube my chain. It was done when I purchased the bike a couple of months ago anyway, and I have only put about 125 miles on the bike. So, I think that it is good for the winter. I will purchase some lifts from ebay that Stephens shared a link to for a great deal for a set.

I purchased actual chain lube from Walmart as well. It was only like 7 dollars or something.

Thanks for the two links for the chain info and clarifying the 12V charge state for me.

 

Although a rear stand would make maintaining your chain easier, you really don't need one. I cleaned mine by lifting the rear tire onits side stand with my left arm, and spinningit with my right arm. Kinda like this guy: Video Just do a small section atthe time.

 

Thanks, that was helpful.