Hibernation has been initiated
Winterization...to drain or not to drain?
- Thread starter tbm5690
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Hibernation has been initiated
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- Apr 6, 2024
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Not there yet here in central PA, few more rides, but by end of Nov. for sure.
When I had bikes, my winterization was pretty simple. Add a GOOD stabilizer and take a final ride. Turn off fuel, and change oil and filter. Drain carbs (F/I bikes I would drain fuel lines to depressurize them), lube chain, and raise both ends of the bike on stands. Top off tank to the very top to eliminate air pocket. Battery removed and put on a tender. Cover on and gave it a good nite hug. Always stored in an unheated shed to eliminate moisture condensation from heating and cooling cycles. Later on, I would cover the bike and roll it into a huge bag and throw in a couple dessicant packs after doing all of the other winterization stuff. Seal the bag until springtime to keep it nice and dry. Oh, had to hug it before sealing the bag of course.
If that's been working, which it should, then keep with that process.
Yup .. Same here in WI. Although leaves are starting to hit the roads, it's not officially over until salt hits the roads
I fill the tank to the brim, then shut off the gas and run the bike until it dies.
I blip the throttle once it starts coughing in order to get the accelerator pump involved, thereby getting most of the gas out of the float bowl. Never had a problem in the spring starting it up on any carbed bike I've had since the late 70's
I blip the throttle once it starts coughing in order to get the accelerator pump involved, thereby getting most of the gas out of the float bowl. Never had a problem in the spring starting it up on any carbed bike I've had since the late 70's
Keep in mind not to wrap the bike too tight. Condensation/moisture can build up and work its way into systems and electronics.
My friend and I both have 2005 Ninja 250 motorcycles for the wives
I put stabil in my gas late fall…run the bike hot and close petcock. Let it run till it stops.
I drain carbs and it sits till spring. No issues.
My friend? Does nothing. He has had to clean/rebuild carbs 5 or more times over 8 years.
Only eight years as the bike has been immobile in his garage since 2013 or thereabouts
I put stabil in my gas late fall…run the bike hot and close petcock. Let it run till it stops.
I drain carbs and it sits till spring. No issues.
My friend? Does nothing. He has had to clean/rebuild carbs 5 or more times over 8 years.
Only eight years as the bike has been immobile in his garage since 2013 or thereabouts
I use a low wattage air circulator made for boat storage under my covered bikes during the winter just for that reason.
Now I am impressed (not kidding!) Such a device never occurred to me and I have been boating/owned my own boats for many decades. I just did a search and I see what you are talking about.
Yeah you can't tell from the pic but it's wide open on the bottom and very loose-fitting. Highway bars and windshield keep it away from the body on the front and saddle bags do the same on the rear. Never any issues with moisture.
I use something very similar to this. It doesn't have a fan and operates around the clock all winter. It warms the air, keeps moisture away and creates a minute airflow. Bought two of them years ago, one for each bike.
https://www.amazon.com/Davis-Instru...9046094&sprefix=boat+air+warmer,aps,98&sr=8-3
I wish I had an outlet where I store our boat.
Get a small solar panel. That should be enough to run a small fan to circulate some air inside.I wish I had an outlet where I store our boat.
Good point, however these devices that @blueglide88 posted also produce a small amount of heat. I think roughly around 110watts.
I think that would be important, unless you somehow vented the fan to draw air outside the boat. Keep in mind boats are fully covered over winter. A small amount of heat would be a nice drying effect. Boats are notorious for holding moisture.
With that said, that isnt a bad idea and after a quick search I see they even sell solar fans for boat covers. Or you could just rig up your own
Don't over think... it's nothing like a boat.
It's pretty breathable and thin, and the whole bottom is open/loose with none of the body of the bike being touched due to accessories supporting the cover. All this to say, plenty of air flow.
