Topic: "Winterizing" for a bike that will be used through winter

[Nortstudio]

Hey folks,

I have read all the winterizing threads, and understand the process for protecting the bike if it will be stored (unused) throughout the winter. 

I am wondering if there are some tips for keeping the bike safe throughout the winter, if it will be used a bit?  I am in NYC, and don't have a place to keep it stored unmoved over the winter - and will probably be using it a little bit when the roads are safe.  At the very least, even in the worst weather, I will be moving it from one side of the street to the other every couple days (to avoid tickets!!!). 

I am about to do another oil/filter change (10W-40 dino) soon. I will make sure there is always a full tank of gas.  Should I put the sta-bil additive in even if I run the bike a little?

Any tips are much appreciated.

[KingCustomCycles.com]

I am in the same situation here in Indiana.  I ride a few minutes every month.  I put Lucas fuel additive, (stabilizer and cleaner), to protect the carbs, keep the tank full, and change the oil in the Fall and Spring.  I also routinely spray Corrosion X penetrating oil on exposed cables and pivot points and hardware as well as electrical connectors.  A good coat of wax on the tins will help, and a light wipe with oil on the chrome and spokes.  That is about all I have found to be necessary.  Man, if all the past owners had done anything to store the bikes I fix up it would save a ton on paint and repair.

[Stev-o]

Can't you find a place to store it out of the weather?
Maybe rent a small space in a garage or storage unit? I hate to see these these bikes outside, especially in the snow.

[Nortstudio]

Thanks for the tips King.  I will be following your lead, and taking the time to make sure everything is lubed and protected.

Can't you find a place to store it out of the weather?
Maybe rent a small space in a garage or storage unit? I hate to see these these bikes outside, especially in the snow.

Unfortunately, cost is a factor for me here in this city.  It's about $200/month (maybe a little less if you want no access to it until you remove it for good) to store a bike here in my area.  While I recognize that it's important to keep these bikes safe and sound, the condition of my bike is pretty raw and wrecked, certainly compared to many/most on this forum.  So spending as much or more on indoor parking, as I did for the entire bike, goes against my nature.

That being said, I don't want it to get worse than it is now.  I am taking the time and money to make it nicer than it was when i got it, and I don't want that to be in vain.  I currently have an extra cover for her, and I may try to keep both on during the harsh months of January/February, in between quick rides when weather allows.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Only thing I'd do is make sure it's started and take it for a ride every few days to keep the fuel in the carbs fresh and the battery charged. Don't just fire it up and let it idle as that will run down your battery. You need to put a few miles on it each time rather than just riding around the block. If you won't be riding it during cold weather take the battery inside and put it on a Battery Tender. Make sure the tank is always topped off to prevent condensation of the humidity in the air. Last thing you want is a rusted out tank.

King has some good suggestions if you don't already do those as part of your normal maintenance.

[tmac]

I wish u lived closer u could keep it here! No friends with a garage??

[Nortstudio]

I wish I did too!  No garages in Brooklyn that haven't been turned into high dollar rental spaces. In fact, NO PLACE AT ALL in Brooklyn that hasn't been turned into high dollar rental spaces

The only slightly reasonable offer ($160/month - not REALLY reasonable) I found through a friend would be a place to tuck the bike away in a corner, with no access, and certainly no way to do any work on it.

Seems to me, the few times I may be able to grab something off the bike to work on inside the apartment might make it worth keeping closer and accessable.

[Stev-o]

I wish I did too!  No garages in Brooklyn that haven't been turned into high dollar rental spaces. In fact, NO PLACE AT ALL in Brooklyn that hasn't been turned into high dollar rental spaces

Didn't realize Brooklyn was the high rent district!
Guess I'm lucky to have a 3 car garage, but if I didn't, storage units are available starting at $20 month.

[Nortstudio]

Love the place!  But the rent situation has become ridiculous. The garage/motorcycle storage is one thing, but the apartments are the real indication.  A normal, one bedroom apartment here in my neighborhood would run you $1800.  Fortunately, I have a good hook up through a friend/landlord, but that's only because I have been here for 10 years.

Looks like it going to have to be street parking for me

[Alan F.]

Is there any possibility you could disassemble your bike and bring it indoors in easier to manage sub-assemblies?  Without any fuel or oil it may not be much of an issue if you're discrete.

[Nortstudio]

Definitely possible. My friend owns the building, and we have been talking about settig up the basement as a small shop. It's that or nothing - because I'm on the 4th floor, and I'm not hauling it up here!!!

[camelman]

I stored my college motorcycle outside in the wintertime in Illinois, and didn't have any trouble with it.  I just made sure to drive it at least every couple of weeks.  The charging system is going to be your biggest worry, but it should handle a few weeks of sitting.  I like "King's" suggestions too.  A light coat of WD-40 would do well on the metal bits (WD actually stands for water displacing, so it could help out), and you should definitely look into a bike cover.

Camelman

[Nortstudio]

Thanks camelman. I actually have 2 covers. The eBay vendor sent me the wrong (too large) one first, and then made good getting me the correct one - and didnt want the other one back. So I'm thinking of doubling up when I know the bad rain/snow is headed our way.

Any thoughts on whether to use sta-bil for anything other than sitting. Is it bad for it if I'm riding it every once in a while?

[Stev-o]

Any thoughts on whether to use sta-bil for anything other than sitting. Is it bad for it if I'm riding it every once in a while?

If you ride it at least once a month, it really is not necessary.
That would be great to have a shop in the basement!

[Nortstudio]

Any thoughts on whether to use sta-bil for anything other than sitting. Is it bad for it if I'm riding it every once in a while?

If you ride it at least once a month, it really is not necessary.
That would be great to have a shop in the basement!

The basement shop would probably be better than the curb, but then again, I would probably never get the bike back out once I took it (dropped it) down the completely vertical "stairwell."

[andy750]

I rode my K4 through the winter in Boston and it was fine. As KingCustoms said best thing you can do is wax everything...tank, frame, fork gaiters if you have them etc and for the chrome (that dosent get hot - like taillight area) spray some WD-40 over it. Sure it looks messy and will attract dirt but it will wipe off pretty easy in the Spring and hey presto clean chrome! If riding in the wet a lot just clean it once a week to prevent the salt getting to the alu. And dont forget to check tire pressure once a week!! I use seafoam in the gas tank every so often over the winter.

good luck
Andy

[florence]

I always ride my bike through the winter.  Smear all the rust-prone parts with grease.  Paint the underside of the mudguards with the thickest paint you can find.  Put silicone all over the HT leads and coil.  Keep the bike well maintained; you do not want to break down miles from anywhere in freezing weather.  Always carry a hot drink in a thermos flask.

[kyre]

not sure where you are in brooklyn but i've seen garages for $50-75/month on craigslist. You can also look around for your own garage space and get a couple other people in on the deal and have a shop space too. That's what I did, got a garage for $350 split between one friend. Split between 2 or 3 and you have cheap space (for nyc). Wish I had room for ya man... good luck there are a lot of riders in nyc and I'm sure there's people who have room. join this mailing list http://www.nycvinmoto.com/ if you arent already and ask around. ya never know.

[Nortstudio]

Where are you located in Brooklyn? 

[kyre]

i'm in williamsburg but my garage is in greenpoint. not exactly convenient but it works for now. where are you?

[Nortstudio]

I am in williamsburg too.  Right off the Bedford stop.  Love to check out your space sometime

[kyre]

right on man, i've probably seen your bike a million times if they're on the street around there. if you have to have your bike outside, don't just use a motorcycle cover, get one of those cheap blue tarps then put the motorcycle cover over the tarp. mc covers suck for keeping water and the elements off your bike.

[Nortstudio]

That's a good tip.  I will see about some indoor spaces.  i really didn't see any in that price range when i looked (about a month ago).  I plan on riding it when I can handle the weather - and that may be little, but some...

The cheapest i found were places that basically lock your bike away for the winter - but I will go back on and check it out.  Sadly, cash flow is an issue right now, and I will probably be looking to go the cheapest route possible - which may end up as the blue tarp and MC cover.

You don't happen to have a 4 cylinder carb sync gauge set do you?  I am at the end of my first tune-up process, and desperately trying to find out why I have hesitation at certain throttle/RPM.  That's the one tool I don't have for the procedure...Ugh!

[kyre]

yeah that's why I asked where in brooklyn. I saw cheap places around red hook and park slope. things show up from time to time. also no i don't have a carb sync sorry. Pull your main jets, could be clogged a bit?

[Nortstudio]

I'd like to keep it closer if possible. I'll keep looking local.

I already pulled the carbs and all the jets and emulsifier looked good (even with a magnifying glass!).

I'm getting a carb sync tool, because i need it. So when I do, keep an eye out and you're welcome to it once it arrives.