winterizing

[scarr]

I have a 1981 GS650EX and winter is coming to Missouri. Should I run the tank dry or is it safe to just add Sta-bil to the tank?

Anything else I should do before storing the bike away?

Thanks.

[Scud]

couple of things..fill the tank completely full and add stabil, run the engine for a few minutes to get the stabil thoroughout the carbs then top off again. The reason you do not want to drain the tank is that it will rust if left empty, much better if left full to the top with fresh fuel.

You should either take the battey out or leave it in and put it on a battery charger (preferably a battery tender brand battery tender).

Put the bike ont he center stand and place a board under the front wheel to get it off the concrete (if that is what it willbe parked on).

Then pray for a short winter so you can start riding again.

Scud

[Billy Ricks]

If you can prop the bike up to get both wheels off the ground it's even better. Tires have a tendency to distort if they sit in one position too long. At least roll it a little so they aren't always in the same position.

[Scud]

excellent point, I have to use a board that is no larger then a 1" X 2" (or wider if you like), the point is, if the board is to high under the front wheel then then back tire will hit the floor.

Scud

[ddaum]

Guys,
How about oil? Is it ok to drain the oil for the winter? I want to work on polishing the case covers and take my time doing it.

[rgierer]

I have no problem riding bikes at least every two weeks through out the winter in Missouri. I think winterizing is over rated

[jpaul]

This is the first year I have used Stabil. I started adding it 2 fillups ago, since every ride I take from now on could be my last of the season. I never used to winterize my bikes, because I always got out every month or so. The only things you really need to do are change the oil, and either add stabilizer or drain the carbs, and keep the battery charged. If you do these things, it will be fairly easy to get going in the spring. If you don't, it may still be fairly easy to get going, or it could be a real b!tch, or any point between.

[bjrehill]

Do not drain the oil either. When you put the sta bil in change your oil when the engine is hot. This will get all the gunk out. I also spray soem fogging oil into each cylindar. Just a squirt. Then crank the engine a little to get the oil distributed. This coats the cylindar walls and keeps corrosion away.

[scarr]

Thanks for all the info everybody!

[bwringer]

You're in Missouri and you're not going to keep riding at least once or twice a week?

[-X [-X

In Indiana, we usually have a stretch of three or four weeks in the winter where below zero temps, snow, and ice make it a litttle more difficult than usual to ride. So I dump some Sta-Bil in the gas and change the oil if it's almost time anyway. That's about it, really. For engines that don't get started nearly as much, like the snowblower, some marine fogging oil helps keep pistons moving when the time comes.

If you want to drain the oil and remove the case covers for polishing, it won't hurt anything. Just put some heavy cloth or canvas over the open parts to keep dust out. Don't cover them with plastic -- the midwest's usual wild temperature variations will quickly lead to condensation inside the plastic.

[Scud]

I have to winterize, I live 90 miles south of Yellowstone Park and the road department...at times...will plow the roads..but at 10 to 30 below zero I will not ride....snowplows throw up WAY to much snow....so I winterize.

I have been told on this forum that if you live in a humid environment and you drain your oil (leaving the plug out), you risk rusting the innards of your motor....

Scud

[Jethro]

There is no harm in draining the oil for 4-6 months. Especially if you are pulling the covers off. I'd just plan on changing the oil after the first few hundred miles in the spring. Try and keep the bike from temperature cycles. Heating and cooling is what creates moisture, keep it at a constant temp.

When I winterize, I usually have the bike apart a few times anyway. When I plan on a winter of work, I'll drain the tank, pull the carbs, drain the oil, spray fogging oil in the tank every few weeks, pull the carbs apart, battery out, etc.

If I'm not planning on any winter work, I'll just fill the tank 100%, and run some Stabil in. Pull the battery and that's about it. Try and fire it up a few times over the winter.

My first GS (that I abused, completely), sat each winter burried in the snow up to it's handlebars. No stabilizer, nothing. It still fired up fine the following spring! These old girls are tough...