Winter FJR Storage

[EasyRider]

I searched for "winter storage" in the search box but could not find anyting on this topic.

I use a storage facility around the corner from my condo to store my FJR up here in Connecticut. I need the outside parking and the garage at the condo for other cars. So the bike has to stay at the storage facility garage. My storage garage doses not have heat or electricity to put a battery tender on it.

I’m wondering if I could just go over to check on the bike during the winter and run the motor two or three times a month when the temperature is above freezing to charge the battery and circulate the oil and fluids in the bike. I may also be able to take it for short rides during the winter depending on conditions. Would that be helpfull to spread the fuid around so the gaskets dont dry out?

If these ideas do not sound good, should all the fluids be drained for the winter monthes instead? What ideas do you all have on good winter storage care in this situation?

 

[Geezer]

It is not a good idea to run the engine for a brief period. If you expect to be able to ride it, then make it a good long ride so everything warms up. Moisture will condense in the crankcase when you start a cold engine and you need to run it long enough for that condensate to evaporate.

If you won't ride it for a few months then put some fresh oil in the bike, put something in the fuel to keep it fresh, like Sea Foam or some 2-cycle mix, and run it for a while, like maybe a nice hour long ride, then top the tank off to minimize the amount of air in it.

If you want to keep the battery fresh then you could take it out of the bike and put it on a shelf in your garage with a tender on it.

There will be lots of different opinions about how much you should do for winter storage, but the above works for me.

 

[Fred W]

It is not a good idea to run the engine for a brief period. If you expect to be able to ride it, then make it a good long ride so everything warms up. Moisture will condense in the crankcase when you start a cold engine and you need to run it long enough for that condensate to evaporate.
If you won't ride it for a few months then put some fresh oil in the bike, put something in the fuel to keep it fresh, like Sea Foam or some 2-cycle mix, and run it for a while, like maybe a nice hour long ride, then top the tank off to minimize the amount of air in it.

If you want to keep the battery fresh then you could take it out of the bike and put it on a shelf in your garage with a tender on it.

There will be lots of different opinions about how much you should do for winter storage, but the above works for me.

yeah, +1 what Geezer said.

Remove the battery and put it on a tender in your home garage. Winterize and then cover your bike in the storage place and don't mess with it till your ready to break it out.

But then, you won't be able to oogle is, or sit on it and make motor noises... Vroom! :blink:

 

[EasyRider]

It is not a good idea to run the engine for a brief period. If you expect to be able to ride it, then make it a good long ride so everything warms up. Moisture will condense in the crankcase when you start a cold engine and you need to run it long enough for that condensate to evaporate.
If you won't ride it for a few months then put some fresh oil in the bike, put something in the fuel to keep it fresh, like Sea Foam or some 2-cycle mix, and run it for a while, like maybe a nice hour long ride, then top the tank off to minimize the amount of air in it.

If you want to keep the battery fresh then you could take it out of the bike and put it on a shelf in your garage with a tender on it.

There will be lots of different opinions about how much you should do for winter storage, but the above works for me.

That sounds good to me as I think we will have enough warm spots here and there durring the winter to take it out for a wile.

I did find this web page on winter storage Link

 

[EasyRider]

But then, you won't be able to oogle is, or sit on it and make motor noises... Vroom! :blink:

Its going to be bad enough not to ride all winter, and worse if I cant go see it and hear it go Vroom vroom. :lol:

 

[Fred W]

But then, you won't be able to oogle is, or sit on it and make motor noises... Vroom! :blink:

Its going to be bad enough not to ride all winter, and worse if I cant go see it and hear it go Vroom vroom. :lol:

I hear ya man. That's why I keep mine nearby at all times (about 10 feet below my sorry a$$ right now).

But hey, maybe we'll get lucky like last year. I was still riding after New Years and I live in New Hampster.

 

[Jazzzzz]

But then, you won't be able to oogle is, or sit on it and make motor noises... Vroom! :blink:

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who does this. h34r:

 

[FJR_pig]

But then, you won't be able to oogle is, or sit on it and make motor noises... Vroom! :blink:

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who does this. h34r:

Fred W was talking about his bike, though.

 

[Toecutter]

Winter FJR Storage

Oh, you poor, sad, souls....

My heart bleeds for you.

 

[escapefjrtist]

If you can get the bike out once a month and get it good and hot you're OK. Otherwise ditto to other comments. No more winter storage for me. Might need rain gear now and again...

Watch for that fog TC. I remember having to hang my head out the side window just to see the center line. I don't miss driving in that at all.

--G

 

[2wheelingdawg]

+1 on toecutter

don't store it for the winter, move to a warmer climate. your FJR will thank you.

 

[Rogue]

Whats WINTER? :blink: :blink: :blink: :blink: :blink:

 

[joeR6]

Put some Sta-bil (fuel stabilizer) in your tank, run it for an hour before you put her up for the winter so you get the Sta-bil going throughout the system. And like the others said take the battery out (don't store battery directly on concrete) and put it on a battery-tender.

Place bike on the centerstand, with perhaps a piece of cardboard under the front wheel.

Cover the bike, and lock her up.

Check the tire pressure every couple months and refill to 39/42psi.

Japs know how to build em - She'll be fine for 6 months without having to start her up.

I wouldn't consider draining all the fluids unless you were storing the bike for more than a year.

 

[Old Michael]

Whats WINTER? :blink: :blink: :blink: :blink: :blink:

****! ( Can I come stay with you for a few months? )

 

[Old Michael]

Winter FJR Storage

Oh, you poor, sad, souls....

My heart bleeds for you.

Ya see, I'm not feeling that from you.

 

[Midlifefjr]

Y'all need to move to a warmer climate, at least in winter. It's just wrong to miss a season of riding. B) B)

 

[Rogue]

Whats WINTER? :blink: :blink: :blink: :blink: :blink:

****! ( Can I come stay with you for a few months? )

Sure,

But you'll have to fight the dog for the couch.

 

[Fore Stroke]

Put some Sta-bil (fuel stabilizer) in your tank, run it for an hour before you put her up for the winter so you get the Sta-bil going throughout the system. And like the others said take the battery out (don't store battery directly on concrete) and put it on a battery-tender. Place bike on the centerstand, with perhaps a piece of cardboard under the front wheel.

Cover the bike, and lock her up.

Check the tire pressure every couple months and refill to 39/42psi.

Japs know how to build em - She'll be fine for 6 months without having to start her up.

I wouldn't consider draining all the fluids unless you were storing the bike for more than a year.

Gonna do all that, that Joe says - even though I'm not happy that the season may be over (yeah - move south - I know).

But also wondering: was planning to strip off all tupperware, take in house, give good cleaning, store in house in winter; and give now-exposed areas a good cleaning before long winter's nap in garage. Anybody else (all y'all from the south need not reply to this!) store their bikes this way?

Thanks,

Don

 

[Fred W]

Put some Sta-bil (fuel stabilizer) in your tank, run it for an hour before you put her up for the winter so you get the Sta-bil going throughout the system. And like the others said take the battery out (don't store battery directly on concrete) and put it on a battery-tender. Place bike on the centerstand, with perhaps a piece of cardboard under the front wheel.

Cover the bike, and lock her up.

Check the tire pressure every couple months and refill to 39/42psi.

Japs know how to build em - She'll be fine for 6 months without having to start her up.

I wouldn't consider draining all the fluids unless you were storing the bike for more than a year.

Gonna do all that, that Joe says - even though I'm not happy that the season may be over (yeah - move south - I know).

But also wondering: was planning to strip off all tupperware, take in house, give good cleaning, store in house in winter; and give now-exposed areas a good cleaning before long winter's nap in garage. Anybody else (all y'all from the south need not reply to this!) store their bikes this way?

Thanks,

Don

What? You're going to clean it? :blink: