bikers, winterizing my bike for the first time --

[Rallispec]

I'm getting ready to put my bike up for the winter (ninja250) becuase I dont imagine i'll be riding it that much over the next 4 months. However, once in a while we do get some warm spells so I want it to be easy enough to take out if it does get nice out. (norhtern virginia)

Right now i've got my bike stored in my garage, I've disconnected and taken out the battery and will put that on a trickle charge occasionally. I've got it up on the stand with both wheels off the ground. It also just got an oil and fluid change. The manual suggests to drain all the gas becuase it can go bad. however becuase i plan on riding it at least 2 or 3 times, i've put fuel stabilizer in the gas tank instead. I also drained the carb. (ran out with the gas off until it died first). i've also covered up the exhuast, And am looking for a tarp to cover up the bike to keep dust off.

I'm thinking of ways to rearrange things in the garage so that i can put my bike near the back of the freezer with all the heat coming off of it.

Anything else i should remember to do from other bike owners? I think the manual also mentions using fogging oil on the spark plugs -- however i'm sure how easy it will be to get to them.

thanks for any tips or advice

 

[The Stigenator]

I have been meaning to the write on GStwin winterizing FAQ.

Basically here are the basics.
1. Put batteryon a trickle charger (either on the bike or off the bike)
2. Put bike on center stand - make sure both wheels are off the ground, put something small (wood peice or whatever) so its off the concrete.
3. Change the oil (with some cheapo oil and filter isnt really ncessary at this stage). Start teh engine and let teh oil run around.
4. Buy some Stabil branded fuel additive, run the engine for a duration of time (5 minutes or so) and turn it off.

WHen your taking it off for next season, make sure you check your air pressure. Put a few drops of oil in the spark plugs and manually turn over the engine with thing in gear and manually moving the rear wheel (use 6th gear). Drain oil and filter and put a new set in..

you are good for another season.

anyway you did the right stuff... i should have read your post first.. By the way how do you like your 250.. SOmeday when I am a rich man, i will buy another bike or two.

 

[Rallispec]

Originally posted by: TheGoodGuy
I have been meaning to the write on GStwin winterizing FAQ.

Basically here are the basics.
1. Put batteryon a trickle charger (either on the bike or off the bike)
2. Put bike on center stand - make sure both wheels are off the ground, put something small (wood peice or whatever) so its off the concrete.
3. Change the oil (with some cheapo oil and filter isnt really ncessary at this stage). Start teh engine and let teh oil run around.
4. Buy some Stabil branded fuel additive, run the engine for a duration of time (5 minutes or so) and turn it off.

WHen your taking it off for next season, make sure you check your air pressure. Put a few drops of oil in the spark plugs and manually turn over the engine with thing in gear and manually moving the rear wheel (use 6th gear). Drain oil and filter and put a new set in..

you are good for another season.

anyway you did the right stuff... i should have read your post first.. By the way how do you like your 250.. SOmeday when I am a rich man, i will buy another bike or two.

thanks for the post

I really like the 250, it has more than enough power for me to be learning on, and is a really comfortable bike to ride. However, I'll probably be trading up for a bit larger bike next summer (i'm thinking a 600) once i start to get comfortable and really feel confident riding. I'll probably give my 250 to my brother so i can keep it around if i ever want to ride it (and so he can learn) -- unless i need the money, then i might sell it.

Have you ever heard of MIce getting up in bike's and chewing through wires? We dont' really have a mouse problem, but i do see them around and they have eaten through the wires on my dad's boat. GUess it's just one of those things where i've got to take my chances.

 

[RedRooster]

That's all about what I do. These damn carbed bikes are a pain in the arse.
Remember to fill your tank right up to the top too, any condensation in there will rust er up good over time.

 

[Murpheeee]

Basically all been mentioned, but a useful bookmark:

http://motorcyclistonline.com/howto/howtowinter/

 

[Amused]

I just ride it at least every two weeks for at least 15 minutes with a good warm up before I head out.

Buy some heated liners for your pants, and jacket and just do it. Winter widing can be fun so long as it's dry.

http://www.gerbing.com/pages/motorcycle.html

I treat winter riding as I do skiing. If I can go out and ski in below freezing weather, I can ride a motorcycle.

 

[maziwanka]

i dont have a bike, but many ppl who own sports cars tend to keep it in the garage for the winter. however, i will probably drive my car once every week, so there isn't a need for me to winterize the car. i figure the same applies to motorcycles. on days where there's no snow or too much salt on the ground, i'm sure you can drive your bike around town for a decent amount of time.

 

[Brutuskend]

Bhaa.

Wrong kinda bike.


JUst passing through!

 

[ronin2kr6]

:thumbsup: sounds like you did everything right. when you look into getting a 600 i highly recommend the yamah r6, one of the best bikes ive ridden/owned. the bike is crazy stable in curves and gives a pretty good power/weight ratio with a new pipe and some jetting. :evil: theres nothing like doing 160 on the way to downtown chicago (wheres the devil hands emoticon!?!)

p.s. in no way do i condone the speed or driving techniques written about in any of my posts

 

[maziwanka]

Originally posted by: ronin2kr6
:thumbsup: sounds like you did everything right. when you look into getting a 600 i highly recommend the yamah r6, one of the best bikes ive ridden/owned. the bike is crazy stable in curves and gives a pretty good power/weight ratio with a new pipe and some jetting. :evil: theres nothing like doing 160 on the way to downtown chicago (wheres the devil hands emoticon!?!)

p.s. in no way do i condone the speed or driving techniques written about in any of my posts

i hope not! 160 on a bike is insane. i've gone 140 in my car and i thought that was nasty enough.

 

[Argo]

Wow, I need to do this...

 

[ronin2kr6]

yeah it was a dumber phase in my life, a friend of mine had a 2k2 m3 and i had my r6. we raced from downtown chicago to the burbs (about 30 miles) took us all of like 12 minutes or something like that, it was stupid but im glad we did it at 3 in the morning with no traffic