Winter Storage

Gang,
My new issue of Cycle World just came (Nov. 08). I guy with a VFR asked about storage methods. He asked was it okay to turn the motor over with the kill switch off several times while the bike is stored over the winter months. The editor said it was a good idea because it relieves pressure off valve springs, moves the pistons into a different location and all this is done without forcing fuel into the cylinder. Since I will usually ride several times during the winter months just to keep things lubed and charged, I thought the folks in the northern climates may want to hear about this. Oh yeah, Honda is one of the few manf. that allow the engine to turn over with the kill switch in the off position. JD :biggrin:

[image: View Post]leanit, on Sep 29 2008, 04:24 PM, said:

Gang,
My new issue of Cycle World just came (Nov. 08). I guy with a VFR asked about storage methods. He asked was it okay to turn the motor over with the kill switch off several times while the bike is stored over the winter months. The editor said it was a good idea because it relieves pressure off valve springs, moves the pistons into a different location and all this is done without forcing fuel into the cylinder. Since I will usually ride several times during the winter months just to keep things lubed and charged, I thought the folks in the northern climates may want to hear about this. Oh yeah, Honda is one of the few manf. that allow the engine to turn over with the kill switch in the off position. JD :biggrin:

Hmmm. Not to sound dumb or anything, but how do you turn the motor over? Do you have to pull the fairing off or can you just put it in second gear and push the bike over a couple feet?

PPM

[image: View Post]PolarBear, on Sep 29 2008, 07:31 PM, said:

[image: View Post]leanit, on Sep 29 2008, 04:24 PM, said:

Gang,
My new issue of Cycle World just came (Nov. 08). I guy with a VFR asked about storage methods. He asked was it okay to turn the motor over with the kill switch off several times while the bike is stored over the winter months. The editor said it was a good idea because it relieves pressure off valve springs, moves the pistons into a different location and all this is done without forcing fuel into the cylinder. Since I will usually ride several times during the winter months just to keep things lubed and charged, I thought the folks in the northern climates may want to hear about this. Oh yeah, Honda is one of the few manf. that allow the engine to turn over with the kill switch in the off position. JD :biggrin:

Hmmm. Not to sound dumb or anything, but how do you turn the motor over? Do you have to pull the fairing off or can you just put it in second gear and push the bike over a couple feet?

PPM

To cycle the engine, have the kill switch in the off position and press the starter button. I believe it is red and on the right handle bar's controls. The electric starter does the work. JD

Remember to fill up your gas tank as full as you can so that no moisture builds up in it while the bike is in hibernation. Also remember to shut the gas petcock.
I also used to put in a teaspoon of oil in all the cylinders and cycle the engine with the plugs off to coat the cylinder walls good. to avoid any corrosion or pitting on the cylinder walls from moisture.
You do not have carbs so you should be fine. I'd run the engine for a little while with Stabil in the gasoline to get the stuff into your fuel rail, fuel pump and injectors so the gas in them does not get stale over winter.
I also did not use the old gas come spring time. I drained it into a gas can and donate it to my brother for his lawn mower. I always try to start out with fresh gas in the system when I wake the bike up in spring.
Also bring in your battery out of the cold and place it on a trickle charger (Battery Tender) for the whole winter. It'll be rarin to go and start your bike in spring.
Cover the bike good and plug any holes (like the muffler opening) to keep them varmints out. You do not want to discover a mouse den in places like your air filter box or launch a flaming mouse rocket across your garage when you first start it up next season.
Used to do all these for my Hawk GT plus draining the carbs when I lived in freezing Wisconsin for many years.
So glad I don't have to do that anymore in sunny CA! :)

Beck
95 VFR

[image: View Post]leanit, on Sep 29 2008, 08:02 PM, said:

To cycle the engine, have the kill switch in the off position and press the starter button. I believe it is red and on the right handle bar's controls. The electric starter does the work. JD

UHHH, no, that won't work, the kill switch is exactly that,,, kills the motor, no crankie ;)

Ok, Here's my favorite trick for winter storage to keep the mice away...

Go to the store and pick up some ground cinnamon. Yes, ground cinnamon the spice your mom uses to make apple pie! Sprinkle the spice around the floor about 3 feet around & under your bike. The cinnamon "burns" the lil rodent's feet so they stay far away! Best of all it smells good and is easily swept up in the spring. (or just leave it there for the same protection in the warm months as I do)

I've stored classic cars, lawnmowers, bikes & RV's with this stuff for more than 20 years and have yet to have a single mouse nest come spring time!

I typically pick it up on sale for $1.99 for a 4.5 oz. container at a store like a Walmart, CVS or discount store but in a pinch you can get it at a grocery store but pay a whole lot more. Only caution I have is make sure you don't get cinnamon & sugar! Just plain cinnamon!

I know it sounds funny but I swear by it!

[image: View Post]Twox48, on Sep 29 2008, 09:40 PM, said:

Ok, Here's my favorite trick for winter storage to keep the mice away...

Go to the store and pick up some ground cinnamon. Yes, ground cinnamon the spice your mom uses to make apple pie! Sprinkle the spice around the floor about 3 feet around & under your bike. The cinnamon "burns" the lil rodent's feet so they stay far away! Best of all it smells good and is easily swept up in the spring. (or just leave it there for the same protection in the warm months as I do)

This sounds oddly similar to my Grandfather telling me as a child that I could catch a rabbit by sprinkling salt on it's tail. I spent a full weekend running around with a damn salt shaker! I'm not putting cinnamon on my VFR!

Am I the only guy that has ever RTFM ???

Storing Your Honda

If you won�t be riding for an extended period, such as during the winter,thoroughly inspect your motorcycle and correct any problem before storing it. That way, needed repairs won�t be forgotten and it will be easier to get your motorcycle running again. We suggest you perform the following procedures to keep your motorcycle in top condition. These storage procedures will reduce the deterioration that can occur during storage. For more information about storage, refer to the available from your Honda dealer (USA only).

1. Change the engine oil and filter.

2. Make sure the cooling system is filled with a 50/50% antifreeze solution.

3 . Fill the fuel tank. Make sure the fuel fill cap is properly installed.

4. To prevent rusting in the cylinders, perform the following: Remove the ignition coil connectors and ignition coils from the spark plugs. Using tape or string, secure the connectors to any convenient plastic body part so that they are positioned away from the spark plugs. Remove the spark plugs from the engine and store them in a safe place. Do not connect the ignition coils to the ignition coil connectors. Pour a tablespoon (15 20 cc) of clean engine oil into each cylinder and cover the spark plug holes with a piece of cloth. With the engine stop switch in the RUN position, press the start button several times to crank the engine and distribute the oil. Reinstall the spark plugs, ignition coils and ignition coil connectors.

5. Remove the battery and charge it fully. Store it in an area protected from freezing temperatures and direct sunlight. Slow charge the battery once a month.

6. Wash and dry your motorcycle. Wax all painted surfaces. Apply rust-inhibiting oil to the chrome pieces.

7. Lubricate the drive chain.

8. Inflate the tires to their recommended pressures.

9. Store your motorcycle in an unheated area, free of dampness, away from sunlight, with a minimum of daily temperature variation.

10. Place your motorcycle on its center stand. Place a block under the exhaust pipes exposed under the lower fairing to raise the front tire off the floor.

11. Cover your motorcycle with a porous material. Avoid using plastic or similar non-breathing, coated materials that restrict air flow and allow heat and moisture to accumulate.

[image: View Post]Twox48, on Sep 29 2008, 06:40 PM, said:

Ok, Here's my favorite trick for winter storage to keep the mice away...

Go to the store and pick up some ground cinnamon. Yes, ground cinnamon the spice your mom uses to make apple pie! Sprinkle the spice around the floor about 3 feet around & under your bike. The cinnamon "burns" the lil rodent's feet so they stay far away! Best of all it smells good and is easily swept up in the spring. (or just leave it there for the same protection in the warm months as I do)

I've stored classic cars, lawnmowers, bikes & RV's with this stuff for more than 20 years and have yet to have a single mouse nest come spring time!

I typically pick it up on sale for $1.99 for a 4.5 oz. container at a store like a Walmart, CVS or discount store but in a pinch you can get it at a grocery store but pay a whole lot more. Only caution I have is make sure you don't get cinnamon & sugar! Just plain cinnamon!

I know it sounds funny but I swear by it!

I hear this works pretty well too.
http://images.orgill.com/200x200/6148324.jpg

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Sep 29 2008, 08:31 PM, said:

[image: View Post]leanit, on Sep 29 2008, 08:02 PM, said:

To cycle the engine, have the kill switch in the off position and press the starter button. I believe it is red and on the right handle bar's controls. The electric starter does the work. JD

UHHH, no, that won't work, the kill switch is exactly that,,, kills the motor, no crankie ;)

Buy the magazine, read the article. Let us know what you think. I am just forwarding to you the information I read. JD

I don't winterize, even though I live in the north. I keep the bike in the garage with a full tank of gas and the battery hooked to the battery tender. If the temps are too cold to ride for more than two weeks, I go out to the garage, fire her up, and run it till til the temp reaches at least 185 degrees. This keeps the oil up in the motor, and gives me an excuse to get my V4 sound fix. It also keeps the bike ready for riding. I do take it out in the winter if the temps get above 35 - 40 degrees, which happens often enough around here. I've been doing this since I bought the bike. It still starts the first time, every time, and I'm still on the original battery.

~Chris

You guys winterize your bikes?

To hell with that...get out there and ride 'em!

[image: View Post]RRW, on Sep 29 2008, 11:25 PM, said:

I hear this works pretty well too.
http://images.orgill.com/200x200/6148324.jpg

Sure, that might work well too but it's not so cool when the little kids get into it!

EXC585, you don't have to put it on your bike .. just around it. But my dad has even sprinkled it in his RV on the carpet then vacuumed it up in the spring. No stains, no harm!

Laugh as you will but I know I don't have to worry about mice nesting in my toys! My garages always smell nice & never have rodents! :fing02:

[image: View Post]leanit, on Sep 30 2008, 04:15 AM, said:

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Sep 29 2008, 08:31 PM, said:

[image: View Post]leanit, on Sep 29 2008, 08:02 PM, said:

To cycle the engine, have the kill switch in the off position and press the starter button. I believe it is red and on the right handle bar's controls. The electric starter does the work. JD

UHHH, no, that won't work, the kill switch is exactly that,,, kills the motor, no crankie ;)

Buy the magazine, read the article. Let us know what you think. I am just forawrding to you the information I read. JD
Hmm, my kill switch is in engine off position, key on, lights on, but no crankie, guess I'll have ta get the magazine,,,,

Whoever started this thread deserves a wedgie. Talking about winter already? Say it isn�t so.

[image: View Post]afennell, on Sep 30 2008, 02:35 PM, said:

Whoever started this thread deserves a wedgie. Talking about winter already? Say it isn�t so.
Hell we can't wait for it to get here,,, 70 degree days, finally "leather weather" :laugh: ;p

[image: View Post]afennell, on Sep 30 2008, 12:35 PM, said:

Whoever started this thread deserves a wedgie. Talking about winter already? Say it isn't so.

A wedgie?!? :blink: :mad: Is this how you treat your friends?? Geez! :491: Funny though. I guess there are worst punishments in life. :beer:

This being said, it is quite chilly at night out here, and yes I did learn something (how to crank the motor). But like it was very tactfully suggested by RRW, I will take a look at the owner's manual to see what the proper procedures are. Good to go back to basics once in a while. :blush: :fing02:

PPM

[image: View Post]VFRbeliever, on Sep 30 2008, 09:10 AM, said:

I don't winterize, even though I live in the north. I keep the bike in the garage with a full tank of gas and the battery hooked to the battery tender. If the temps are too cold to ride for more than two weeks, I go out to the garage, fire her up, and run it till til the temp reaches at least 185 degrees. This keeps the oil up in the motor, and gives me an excuse to get my V4 sound fix. It also keeps the bike ready for riding. I do take it out in the winter if the temps get above 35 - 40 degrees, which happens often enough around here. I've been doing this since I bought the bike. It still starts the first time, every time, and I'm still on the original battery.

~Chris

Living in a little warmer climate, this is pretty much the same thing I do. Even though I hate riding in 35 degree weather, a 30 min ride once a week has always helped keep everything in order. After owning eleven bikes over the past 28 years, I have only purchased 6 batteries. One RF900 ate them spring, summer and fall. Damn, I miss that bike!!

The preferred method is to move south far enough that there are no longer any "bridge surface freezes before roadway" signs. Then come back up north for the five months of proper riding weather we have here. :laugh: LOL I have always run seafoam or another stabilizer through the fuel lines, topped off tank and put battery on a battery tender. Keep bike on the center stand and then tune up my ski equipment to be ready to teach skiing all winter to rich kids while waiting for it to be warm enough to ride again.

All of you east coast guys talking about storage for the winter,,,, heres a better idea. Ship your bikes out west and we will not only keep moisture out of your gas tanks but we will keep them nice and lubed for your next riding season (extra milage free of charge). Tires might be returned with a little wear on them but I promise not to do any burnouts. :wheel: :goofy:

You live in NC. You shouldn't be storing your bike in the winter. It doesn't get that cold. And when it snows it doesn't stay around long enough to justify storing your bike.

Invest in some heated gear and keep riding brother!

[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Sep 30 2008, 04:30 PM, said:

All of you east coast guys talking about storage for the winter,,,, heres a better idea. Ship your bikes out west and we will not only keep moisture out of your gas tanks but we will keep them nice and lubed for your next riding season (extra milage free of charge). Tires might be returned with a little wear on them but I promise not to do any burnouts. :wheel: :goofy:
Good luck, I offered the same thing last year,, no takers :rolleyes:

Guess they want to be able to look at them in the garages, or living room,, huh, travis :laugh:

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Sep 30 2008, 03:33 PM, said:

[image: View Post]leanit, on Sep 30 2008, 04:15 AM, said:

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Sep 29 2008, 08:31 PM, said:

[image: View Post]leanit, on Sep 29 2008, 08:02 PM, said:

To cycle the engine, have the kill switch in the off position and press the starter button. I believe it is red and on the right handle bar's controls. The electric starter does the work. JD

UHHH, no, that won't work, the kill switch is exactly that,,, kills the motor, no crankie ;)

Buy the magazine, read the article. Let us know what you think. I am just forawrding to you the information I read. JD
Hmm, my kill switch is in engine off position, key on, lights on, but no crankie, guess I'll have ta get the magazine,,,,

Does the engine "cycle" through? It should not sound like its cranking. It makes sense if I understand the principle of it. Kinda like trying to start a car with a dead battery. I would go out and try it myself but I'm afraid of the dark. I will try to do this tomorrow afternoon. JD

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Sep 30 2008, 05:52 PM, said:

[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Sep 30 2008, 04:30 PM, said:

All of you east coast guys talking about storage for the winter,,,, heres a better idea. Ship your bikes out west and we will not only keep moisture out of your gas tanks but we will keep them nice and lubed for your next riding season (extra milage free of charge). Tires might be returned with a little wear on them but I promise not to do any burnouts. :wheel: :goofy:
Good luck, I offered the same thing last year,, no takers :rolleyes:

Guess they want to be able to look at them in the garages, or living room,, huh, travis :laugh:

I was in Vegas two weeks ago and drove out to San Clemente for a couple of days. Beautiful country, no doubt. But there's an old Swedish saying, "you can always dress warmer but you can't take enough clothes off to get cooler." Riding a bike out there in 107 degree heat requires proper planning and ice bags packed on the nads. Early morning rides, awesome! Sunset rides, great! Midday rides, whoa!!! :unsure:

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Sep 30 2008, 05:52 PM, said:

Guess they want to be able to look at them in the garages, or living room,, huh, travis :laugh:

Screw that...I'm thrilled to finally have a bike with a hydraulic clutch. I learned over the past few years that my clutch cable will freeze up on my Triumph if it's colder than 15...learned that the "interesting" way on an off ramp on a 11 degree morning.

[image: View Post]RRW, on Sep 29 2008, 08:17 PM, said:

1. Change the engine oil and filter.
9. Store your motorcycle in an unheated area, free of dampness, away from sunlight, with a minimum of daily temperature variation.
10. Place your motorcycle on its center stand. Place a block under the exhaust pipes exposed under the lower fairing to raise the front tire off the floor.

Ok, I have been thinking about this for a few days now and I would like to get some explanations from people who know about this (that excludes me from!). Here are my questions:

#1. why should we change the oil BEFORE we store the bike? Wouldn't it make more sense to let that oil catch moisture and deteriorate and change it all in the Spring, just before we go riding hard and make the engine rev at 11k?!?

#10. Why lift one wheel off the ground and not the other? Aren't these tires robust enough to hold the bike anyway?

#9. Ok, this is just for fun, but if I follow this advice, I'll have to put the bike right next to my wine, in the crawl space... :blink: :beer:

Explanations would be appreciated,
Thanks.
Prof. Potty Mouth

[image: View Post]leanit, on Sep 30 2008, 07:33 PM, said:

I would go out and try it myself but I'm afraid of the dark. JD

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I'm gonna leave it alone ;) But if skuuter was here,,,,,,,,,

[image: View Post]leanit, on Sep 30 2008, 08:47 PM, said:

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Sep 30 2008, 05:52 PM, said:

[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Sep 30 2008, 04:30 PM, said:

All of you east coast guys talking about storage for the winter,,,, heres a better idea. Ship your bikes out west and we will not only keep moisture out of your gas tanks but we will keep them nice and lubed for your next riding season (extra milage free of charge). Tires might be returned with a little wear on them but I promise not to do any burnouts. :wheel: :goofy:
Good luck, I offered the same thing last year,, no takers :rolleyes:

Guess they want to be able to look at them in the garages, or living room,, huh, travis :laugh:

I was in Vegas two weeks ago and drove out to San Clemente for a couple of days. Beautiful country, no doubt. But there's an old Swedish saying, "you can always dress warmer but you can't take enough clothes off to get cooler." Riding a bike out there in 107 degree heat requires proper planning and ice bags packed on the nads. Early morning rides, awesome! Sunset rides, great! Midday rides, whoa!!! :unsure:

Man up. Besides the hotter it gets out here the less garments the ladies are wearing.

Quote

Ok, I have been thinking about this for a few days now and I would like to get some explanations from people who know about this (that excludes me from!). Here are my questions:

#1. why should we change the oil BEFORE we store the bike? Wouldn't it make more sense to let that oil catch moisture and deteriorate and change it all in the Spring, just before we go riding hard and make the engine rev at 11k?!?

I always understood that you wanted to get rid of the acids from the combustion process

#10. Why lift one wheel off the ground and not the other? Aren't these tires robust enough to hold the bike anyway?

Both wheels will be off the ground because the rear is supported by the center stand. I've never blocked the front end up and don't feel it's necessary.

Explanations would be appreciated,
Thanks.
Prof. Potty Mouth

[image: View Post]Conedodger, on Oct 2 2008, 07:53 AM, said:

Quote

Ok, I have been thinking about this for a few days now and I would like to get some explanations from people who know about this (that excludes me from!). Here are my questions:

#1. why should we change the oil BEFORE we store the bike? Wouldn't it make more sense to let that oil catch moisture and deteriorate and change it all in the Spring, just before we go riding hard and make the engine rev at 11k?!?

I always understood that you wanted to get rid of the acids from the combustion process

Correct, and you also want to change it in the spring, to remove any moisture that may have accumulated (please note that I do neither)

#10. Why lift one wheel off the ground and not the other? Aren't these tires robust enough to hold the bike anyway?

Both wheels will be off the ground because the rear is supported by the center stand. I've never blocked the front end up and don't feel it's necessary.

I agree, the weight on the front tire is very minimal...just turn it a couple times during the winter if you are worried about it.

Explanations would be appreciated,
Thanks.
Prof. Potty Mouth

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Sep 30 2008, 02:33 PM, said:

Hmm, my kill switch is in engine off position, key on, lights on, but no crankie, guess I'll have ta get the magazine,,,,


You are correct sir, at least as far as the 2002 Model goes....Kill switch in off position means no spark AND no cranking.


BTW, a dead battery won't crank a car over either, as that is all it is used for anyway.

[image: View Post]Tightwad, on Oct 2 2008, 10:08 AM, said:

[image: View Post]cruzinaz, on Sep 30 2008, 02:33 PM, said:

Hmm, my kill switch is in engine off position, key on, lights on, but no crankie, guess I'll have ta get the magazine,,,,


You are correct sir, at least as far as the 2002 Model goes....Kill switch in off position means no spark AND no cranking.


BTW, a dead battery won't crank a car over either, as that is all it is used for anyway.

All,
I tried this on my VFR and 919 this weekend and what the author recommended and what I relayed to you is not true. I guess I should go out and try all the helpful hints or ideas before posting them. Some times, being hasty just gets everyones panties in a wad. Later, JD

My winter storage method is very concise and thorough.....I ride the damn things all winter..... :laugh: :wheel:

Oh, and KKKen, if you would like to store your bike at my place, I promise to take real good care of it...... :goofy: