Winter Storage

[richierambler]

Morning folks,

OK, so its that time of year again in the Northern Hemisphere and the temperature here in the UK has dropped significantly. Last time I rode the bike, even with cold killers base layer gloves, nearly froze my hands off - not pleasant.

I guess she will start to spend more and more time in the garage and so hoped to get some tips on the best way to ensure she stays healthy.

Firstly, as she is garaged, do I need to cover? I use the centre stand and will move the wheels from time to time to stop point flat spotting the tyres. I will fire it up from time to time to keep moisture from the engine and will ride her on clear sunny days. I have also already covered all the metal bits with ACF50.

Can you knowledgeable chaps and chapettes suggest any other winter storage essentials.

Thanks:uk:

 

[steveindenmark]

Have you done a search for this because there has been some really good threads on winter storage.

If we are starting this thread all over again we will get bored very quickly I would think.

Steve

 

[richierambler]

Yes I did and couldnt find anything specific to my question.

 

[FZ6er_FSR]

Here you go, standard procedure for winter storage (bike not touched for 4 to 6 months):

http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-technical/9131-another-winterizing-question.html


Summary:
If you have heated indoor parking. At minimum, add fuel stabilizer, fill up tank, ride around. Bike on centerstand, clean bike by washing or wiping with warm wet rag and drying with clean one. Get rid of those bugs stuck on your bike.

Adjust tire pressure to recommended, lube chain, charge battery at least once a month. Rotate tires once a month so they're not deforming at the same place. If you're not taking your bike out for a spin for entire winter, cover mufflers with plastic bags and elastics as best you can. Even when my bike was left alone for 3 days, a layer of dust had covered it, not very pleasant so use a bike cover.

If you need to remove the battery to charge over the winter, before lifting tank to work on battery, place an empty jar to collect the fuel that will enter the overflow tube to prevent a puddle of gas.

Otherwise, you end up at this thread:

http://www.600riders.com/forum/garage-mechanical-help/9899-fuel-loss-when-tank-lifted-hinge.html

and this one:
http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-technical/10221-help-leak-battery.html

When removing battery, always unscrew the negative terminal first to prevent shock. If you have a battery tender/12V automatic charger, the instructions will tell you the safe way to remove and install the battery.

The battery on the 2006 FZ6 North American model is a GS YUASA GT12B-4, 12V.
I happened to pick up this charger from the shop (Product Number: YUA1200901):

Yuasa Batteries :: Chargers & Testers

This charger does come with a set of cables you can install on your bike so you can charge the battery without taking it out given you have an outlet available in the garage.

I've read in the forums that it's usually a bad idea to idle the bike; also, the alternator only starts charging the battery at 3000 rpm and over. Also, if your town uses salt on the roads during winter, I would leave the bike at home.

I hope this helps.:thumbup:

 

[Nelly]

I am going to take my bike off the road for the winter. I took to many risks last year. The roads are not maintained well and car drivers won't leave safe braking distances should I go down.
Any way, I can't find fuel stable anywhere. Is it the same as the fuel additive Red X?
Nelly
Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk