winterizing my bike?
 

I live here in PA so the riding is winding down. Is there any maintenance or anything I should do when I am done riding for the year and my bike sets for a couple months. Any help would be great. Thanks in advance.

RE: winterizing my bike?
 

best thing to do is get a trickal charger - the one that has 2 pronges that connects striaght to the battery- it should help u keep it charged and maintain while it sits(or it will cost u to buy a new one) i haven't store my bike yet but i'm getting more info about it so i'll let you know

RE: winterizing my bike?
 

change oil, coolant, clean lube chain, wax, lube cables, put up on bike stands and coverh

RE: winterizing my bike?
 

Don't throw in the towel yet!!! :-) We still have some decent riding weather here in PA. I plan to stay out until they start dumping crap on the roads. Once this happens, I'll change my oil and trickle charge the battery once a month with the bike on stands. Though, I will be temped to ride if we get some mild days.

RE: winterizing my bike?
 

Why change oil before you store it? Wont the oil have more time to go bad (3 months)? I would say change it next spring. Correct me if im wrong though.

RE: winterizing my bike?
 

Hey. From everything I have read and talking to guys that design engines, you want to change your oil BEFORE letting the bike sit for a while. The old oil may have started to turn acidic so you want that stuff out of there. My manual actually states that the oil should be changed before long term storage and after if it is more than 4 months. I plan to at least change the oil before winter. I'll probably ride some if we can any nice days and the roads are relatively clean. I hope this helps.

RE: winterizing my bike?
 

well u can store it with the same oil in it but u'll have to start it up 2-3 times a week

RE: winterizing my bike?
 

I would highly recommend against starting it 2-3 times a week unless you plan to ride it and get things up to temperature. If you just start it and let it run a few minutes in the cold weather all you will do is build up moisture in places you do not want it.

RE: winterizing my bike?
 

Is it really necessary to put it up on stands? Is flat spotting a big issue with bikes? I know when I store my corvette I just inflate the tires to maximum allowable pressure and have never had a problem. As far as the battery goes can't you just disconnect it?

RE: winterizing my bike?
 

the battery has a shelf life....store it too long and it will go bad...for $30-$40..a trickal charger is worth it...but if u prefer to buy a new battery every year??..feel free