| Author | Message | ||
     Mikellyjo |
Alright guys and gals the time has come to winterize the 1125r. It's starting to get cold here in Minnesota and I would like to get it "winterized" before the snow hits. Yeah I know I could still be riding...but I am a card carrying member of Pussilanimous U when it comes to the cold and last weekends ride just about froze me to the bike. Who said a hot frame is a bad thing? With that being said, the bike will be stored in an unheated garage. What precautions do I need to take? A good fuel stabilizer for sure. I planned on just disconnecting the battery instead of tending it all winter. It's due for on oil change but should I wait until spring to change it? I would hate to waste the oil if i need to change it again due to any condensation in the engine. I plan on flushing the radiator fluid and putting in a good sub zero fluid. Short of parking it in the living room and wrapping it in an electric blanket with pillows under the tires...any thoughts would be appreciated.   | ||
| Xl1200r |
Change the oil now - get the bike good and hot to get all the water out, then change it and don't start it for the rest of the winter. Over the winter, you'll get some condensation, but as long as you don't run the engine it won't hurt anything. When spring comes and you're ready to ride, make sure you can really ride for a while and get it good and hot to burn that condensation out. No need to change the oil again in the spring. Fuel additive isn't a bad idea, but not really needed if the bike is only going to sit for a few months. I would also plug up your muffler somehow to keep critters from making a home in there. Gas-soaked rags work well, or even just some steel wool. Other than that, you don't need to do much else. I would tender the battery - keeping it charged is the best thing for it. | ||
| Ccryder |
Oil change, Sta-bil, Battery Tender, Plug up air box and exhaust openings to keep most critters out. | ||
| Slypiranna |
Mine is taking place of the TV in the living room this winter!  Just planning on a batt tender... | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Reading this post makes me appreciate california living, DESPITE the f-ed up government here. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Get and use a battery tender. Keeping that battery at 100% is the best thing for the battery. | ||
| Mikellyjo |
Thanks for the tips guys. There seems to be a consensus...I must be in the wrong forum. But I have one alibi. Is there anything wrong with just disconnecting the battery for the winter? That way I can guarantee absolutely zero draw on the battery and don't have to tend it for oh i don't know...6 months or so. | ||
| Xl1200r |
A battery will loose a charge just by sitting. Certain conditions are better at this than other, but it will always happen. Keeping it charged is the best thing you can do, no questions. You keep saying that you'll have to "tend" it for 6 months - you do know that you just plug it in and walk away, right? You don't need to turn it on or off, it does it all automatically for you. Just set it up and leave it be until spring. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Is there anything wrong with just disconnecting the battery for the winter? That way I can guarantee absolutely zero draw on the battery and don't have to tend it for oh i don't know...6 months or so.  | ||
| Feinstei |
Is a battery tender better than removing the battery and just keeping it inside for the winter? I had planned to 1) Fill it up with gas and put StaBil into the gas 2) Remove the battery and keep it inside all winter. 3) Perform the oil change, condensation-preventer as was suggested by the previous poster. Is the battery removal a good thing to do or is it best to put it onto a battery tender? Thanks! | ||
| Xl1200r |
I have to bring my battery inside now only because I no longer have an outlet in the garage of my new apartment. But inside or out really makes to difference. In fact, I would almost bet the leaving it outside in the cooler temps would be better. | ||
| Mikellyjo |
OK Badlionsfan I get it...I'll stop noodling the issue. I am falling away from my shut up ride mentality...you guys are starting to rub off. Maybe this will help you with raising that wall.  | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Why are people so scared of the battery tender? It uses like a dollar of electricity a month, if that. It's also convenient. Lets say you get one of those odd days in January when it get up to like 65 for a few days. Unplug, ride. Top off tank, add more sta-bil and plug it back in. Why do more work that needed? Just take your battery out and leave it on the concrete floor. I'm sure it'll be fine.  (Message edited by badlionsfan on October 23, 2008) | ||
| Slypiranna |
Ok...I tried to add the link here but it wouldn't let me...so, do this; Google motoman winterize and open the first link. You should be good to go! I'm not looking forward to this winter but it should REALLY be good for MODS!!!!  | ||
| Mikellyjo |
Thanks Sly...isn't motoman that guy with the extreme break in procedure? I think the only thing that will get me through this winter is the opportunity to mod the heck out of the bike while it's down and not even be tempted to ride while it's 20 below. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Why are people so scared of the battery tender? My only concern with the Tender is that it might be masking a real electrical drain/issue. That might have been my situation all summer. | ||
| Slypiranna |
You got it Mikellyjo! Extreme?...I don't think so...but my mind revolves out side the box as well!  I'm with you brother...I'm planning on laying the Helicon cases open for a further looksee/touchy/feely! By spring...LOOK OUT!...even if I gotta buy another BATTERY! LOL! Keep warm and busy in the meantime! Best of luck...mm | ||
| Zac4mac |
I plan on riding. Loretta's ready to go... later Z | ||
| Dalton_gang |
I`m with Zac. There is no way that I`m going to hang it up for the winter. Instead I`m going to get some more cold weather gear. | ||
| Jpfive |
I ride year-round...but summer's a little shaky! Jack Pensacola, FL | ||
| Carbonbigfoot |
Man, I really envy you guys that get to have a break from riding, and get to fondle and play with your bike for a few months a year... I never get a break like that. Down here, I've just got to keep riding. No chance to lay the ol' girl up for an extensive project or anything like that. Just ride, ride, ride... <sigh> http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/home/ weekend/78413?from=36hr_topnav_home Rob | ||
| Buellhist_monk |
There is really two separate issues with the battery. 1. It seems the bike draws enough current to drain the battery very rapidly. 2. Lead acid batteries self discharge a few % a month. And when kept charged they can last several years. But when they are fully discharged their life span is drastically reduced. Just disconnect it and charge it once a month or so. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Carbon, one reason why I don't mind CO to much. Get those random days in the winter where we get 60+F. | ||
| Chameleon |
Storage procedures are provided on pages 141-143 of your owner's manual. | ||
| Kttemplar |
My winterization method is riding daily to get rid of condensation and then repeating. The only thing that keeps me from riding is frozen rain, ice on the road, or too much snow on the road. Other than that, the temperature is bearable most of the winter (Usually between -10F to 25F). Of course, I have only been here (NY) for one winter so far. I rode all last winter and plan to do the same this winter. I have an arctic lined riding suit. The problem I had last year was the tips of my fingers hurting below 15F and riding over 60mph for more than 30 minutes, but the fairing on the 1125R takes care of that. Besides, the tips of my fingers only started to hurt when the temps were below 15F and I went faster than 60mph for more than 30 minutes. This winter should be great. The only concern I have this winter is that the price of salt went up to much that I do not know if they will be as prudent and quick with getting the streets clear after it snows. Mike | ||
| Misterrich |
My wife thinks im putting mine in the shed for the winter. Haha NO! Its going in the basement where it will be nice and warm. About 70 degrees all year long. | ||
| Sruzhyo |
Man, I'm with Jack =) Year round riding here in PCola =) It does get cold at times (right around/below freezing) but it's still doable. Just more layers! Steve | ||
| Olyelr |
Um Mike, Two words..HEATED GEAR. 24 Degrees this morning. It started so down the road we go!Some of the best riding yet to come.You just know the time is short so it becomes even better each time you get out. | ||
| Moda |
TO all those concerned: To store your bike: 1. Run drive the bike until the engine is completely normalized - at least 20 miles. 2. Drain the oil just after shutting it off. 3. Install a new oil filter, filling it with oil so the engine bearings receive oil sooner upon starting. Do not restart. 4. Completely fill the gas tank to avoid mosture, but do NOT use any "presevatives". Such additives are already in ALL gasolines. Store the bike in a DRY building, does not need to be heated(better if it is), but it must be dry. 5. Remove the battery and tend it in your basement or area that does not freeze. Batteries prefer a 40-50 degree constant for longevity. Just install the battery and start the bike to use in the spring. | ||
| Chameleon |
Moda, am I understanding step 3 correctly to say fill the oil filter with oil? When/where do you fill the bike with oil? I don't see that indicated. |
