Affects of not winterizing motorcycle

Started by TACstrat, November 27, 2013, 03:15:20 AM

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TACstrat

What negative mechanical problems occur if I don't winterize my motorcycle and will they still occur if I ride the motorcycle ~15 miles every two weeks. I live in TX and although it gets cold down here, there is rarely a time when there is snow on the ground longer than 5-7 days in a row. Will my bike be ok through the winter if I take it on short rides every few weeks? What should I be concerned about if I do this? Thanks.

Howie

You will be fine.  Do keep the fuel tank topped up.

Mr.Purple

I would say no problem. But depending on your local conditions, some problems could arise.

Low temperature isn't a big problem, but use anti-freeze in your coolant (if watercooled).
There also is a lot more dirt on the roads during winter, so you might want to clean your bike more often.

Iv'e also noticed that you Americans often use oil for higher temperatures. Those oils often don't work as well in lower temperatures. Check your manual for which oil is recommended for lower temperatures, and always let your engine warm up properly. I use 10W40.

TACstrat

Thanks. My bike is air cooled and I currently have 15w-50 oil in it. I keep it on a battery tender when not in use. I'm thinking riding it a few miles every week at operating temperature will keep the parts lubed, tires fresh, and brakes/clutch from freezing up. What is the advantage of topping the tank up? I was planning to just keep enough gas in the tank for a quick ride that way the gas stays fresh. If I top it off, the gas will likely be in the tank for a few months. Appreciate all the feedback!

ChrisK

The reasoning for keeping your tank full is actually to decrease the amount of air in the tank. Gasoline has a little bit of water in it, it's never 100% pure. If you let the gas sit for a long period of time and it is exposed to a bunch of air in your tank, the water will separate and become condensation on the inside of your tank. On models with steel tanks this is a problem because it causes rust. On any model it is a problem because now you have separated water inside your tank. By keeping the tank full you have less risk of condensation.

If you're worried about gas going bad, pour a couple ounces of Stabil or similar product into it when you fill it up right before storing it for your down time.
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RBX QB

I garage my bikes thru the bad months, and run them every few weeks (plus the full tank mentioned before). Had no issues so far.

The big bike needs a Tender, but the Duc never has.

Howie

#6
Quote from: ChrisK on November 27, 2013, 08:27:58 AM
The reasoning for keeping your tank full is actually to decrease the amount of air in the tank. Gasoline has a little bit of water in it, it's never 100% pure. If you let the gas sit for a long period of time and it is exposed to a bunch of air in your tank, the water will separate and become condensation on the inside of your tank. On models with steel tanks this is a problem because it causes rust. On any model it is a problem because now you have separated water inside your tank. By keeping the tank full you have less risk of condensation.

If you're worried about gas going bad, pour a couple ounces of Stabil or similar product into it when you fill it up right before storing it for your down time.

A bit more accurate.  A tank that is not full has space for air, which contains humidity (moisture), normally not a problem.  Parking the bike in a garage and the bike is warmer than ambient temperature.  Pull the bike out into the cold and the moisture in the warm air condenses on the cold tank.  Probably less of a problem with your plastic tank covered by a skin Monster, but, then again, water is more of a problem with your plastic tank Monster.


Quote from: RBX QB on November 27, 2013, 10:49:35 AM
I garage my bikes thru the bad months, and run them every few weeks (plus the full tank mentioned before). Had no issues so far.

The big bike needs a Tender, but the Duc never has.

Either ride it or leave it alone.  Starting the bike and not running it does not get the oil temperature enough to get moisture and combustion contaminates out of the fuel oil.

TACstrat

Thanks for the explanation. I'll keep the tank topped off. It was in the 40's today and I drove it about 20 miles - invigorating!