Storing a bike for winter

[jsd2]

Lake effect snow is just around the corner.  Hopefully I will be able to get another 6 weeks or so of riding before that happens.  My question is what should I do to store my Monster for the winter.  It will be in my garage but what can I do it make sure the months of sitting in the corner don't cause me future problems? 

Thanks,

Jim

[dusty]

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=14783.0

[jsd2]

Thank you.  I thought I did a search but must have typed something wrong.

Thanks,

Jim

[dusty]

You got it!   


Sorry you have to store your bike for the winter.

[He Man]

what?

http://www.amadirectlink.com/features/Cold/index.asp

i didnt just spend $500 bucks on pants nad jacket for no reason did i? I aint paying the MTA 2.25 to go anywhere!

[Rob Hilding]

Wash your mouth out with soap!!!

If you do not acknowledge it it will not exist

[jsd2]

It's not the cold I am worried about, it is the 9 or 10 ft of snow we get!!  I can't imagine a Monster is good in snow.

Jim

[somegirl]

It's not the cold I am worried about, it is the 9 or 10 ft of snow we get!!  I can't imagine a Monster is good in snow.

I think you can buy a tire-studding kit from Aerostich.

[KnightofNi]

It's not the cold I am worried about, it is the 9 or 10 ft of snow we get!!  I can't imagine a Monster is good in snow.

Jim

mine did fine in 3 inches....true it was a very tense ride home, but it did alright.

or you can ut some knobbly tires on it 

[JasonV]

i didnt just spend $500 bucks on pants nad jacket for no reason did i? I aint paying the MTA 2.25 to go anywhere!

You and me both buddy.  Except I paid half that.  Plan on riding unless there is snow or ice on the roads.  The MTA sucks!

[Monsterlover]

Here's what I've always done with my bikes with great results.

Fill the tank.

Push it into a corner.

Plug in battery tender.

When spring comes, change oil, press starter.

Ride

[junior varsity]

I do the same as Monsterlover, sometimes i omit the battery tender (this yuasa i have now was well built, i say), but i often add some fuel additive to keep things from gumming up.

i also try to start it once a month, let it come to idle, get warm, then go back inside and dream about warm weather.

[bluemoco]

Most of us here in MN store bikes for the winter - myself included.

I don't think that starting the bike once/week or once/month is necessary, or even advisable.  There's a considerable amount of water vapor in motorcycle exhaust, and running the bike for short periods during the winter will add moisture and encourage corrosion while the bike is stored.  It might be nice to hear the sound of the Duc during the snowy months, but other than this cathartic purpose for the owner I see no benefit for the bike. 

Here's what I do:

1.  Give bike a thorough wash.  I want it to look good while parked in the garage. 
2.  Fill fuel tank with non-oxygenated (non-ethanol) gas.  Add modest amount of Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer. 
3.  Take "one last ride" on the bike before shutting it down for winter.  This pushes the fresh fuel+stabilizer throughout the fuel system.  Also creates fond memories of the "last ride of the year".
4.  Put bike on stands and lube the chain.
5.  Attach Battery Tender (I have installed the 'permanent' connector so I don't remove the battery)
6.  Cover bike with garage cover.

This is my routine, and my '04 Monster has fared well.  It starts up every spring without a hitch, though I may replace my battery next spring as a pre-emptive measure.

Some people have mentioned 'fogging the cylinders', and it's not a bad idea.  I've never done this with my Duc, but it might be beneficial if you won't be riding the bike for a period of >6 months.  I fog the engines in our boats and PWC, since we have to store them all for 7+ months.  YMMV

[Monsterlover]

^^^

he's all fancy and stuff.

[kingbaby]

Most of us here in MN store bikes for the winter - myself included.

I don't think that starting the bike once/week or once/month is necessary, or even advisable.  There's a considerable amount of water vapor in motorcycle exhaust, and running the bike for short periods during the winter will add moisture and encourage corrosion while the bike is stored.  It might be nice to hear the sound of the Duc during the snowy months, but other than this cathartic purpose for the owner I see no benefit for the bike. 

Here's what I do:

1.  Give bike a thorough wash.  I want it to look good while parked in the garage. 
2.  Fill fuel tank with non-oxygenated (non-ethanol) gas.  Add modest amount of Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer. 
3.  Take "one last ride" on the bike before shutting it down for winter.  This pushes the fresh fuel+stabilizer throughout the fuel system.  Also creates fond memories of the "last ride of the year".
4.  Put bike on stands and lube the chain.
5.  Attach Battery Tender (I have installed the 'permanent' connector so I don't remove the battery)
6.  Cover bike with garage cover.

This is my routine, and my '04 Monster has fared well.  It starts up every spring without a hitch, though I may replace my battery next spring as a pre-emptive measure.

Some people have mentioned 'fogging the cylinders', and it's not a bad idea.  I've never done this with my Duc, but it might be beneficial if you won't be riding the bike for a period of >6 months.  I fog the engines in our boats and PWC, since we have to store them all for 7+ months.  YMMV

Perfect.

Especially the don't start your bike on occasion part.

And make sure it's a charger for the style battery you have ( sealed, dry or acid fill).  If you use a trickle charger on a battery that doesn't vent, it will over heat & suck the walls of the case in...Then, it's trash (and tends to destroy your charging system in the process).