Winter's coming

[msb]

Out of the 15 Winters to date that I've owned my Valk, I've only winterized and taken the insurance off of it one time...about 5 years ago. Even last year when we had our longest and harshest Winter in recent...or maybe even in longer memory, I've kept the insurance on and rode whenever weather and road conditions permitted. When weather didn't permit I fired her up in the garage at least once a week , keeping her primed and ready. I'm thinking this year will be the 2nd time for taking her off the road for a few months, since there's a couple things I want to update or service on her in anticipation of some long extended rides next year...and the fact that I'll be pretty busy with daughter #2's wedding coming up and a lot of work travel down south this Winter.

Anyone  here planning on riding through the Winter months ( I guess it would be restricted to those of us in SW BC or PNW)? Also, other than Winterizing, anyone have any exciting updates or additions planned for their bikes this Winter? With my garage now nicely set up in our new home, I'm hoping to try tackling an alternator replacement (preventative measure due to almost 160,000 km on the original ...reading up on it, I envision myself pleading for assistance from someone more mechanically inclined than I on this ), polish the wheels,  do a good cleaning on the underside, as well as regular Winter maintenance. 2017 has been another great riding year...looking forward to getting out with many of you again in 2018

[gordonv]

Hi Mike, I think the suggestion of the Marine Stabil instead of the regular fuel stabilizer is a good choice for us closer to the coast in the rain forests.

But if you are only pulling the bike off the road for a few months, I wouldn't even bother. But I always add some Berryman B-12 when I start riding again to clean out the carb. USA Walmart has for less than $4 (I've not found it in Canada).

I've pulled the alt from the a GW GL1500 a few times, can help out if you plan ahead for the shop time, and you would like some company/help.

[icandoitfaster]

Hey Mike,
I leave my girl insured all year and will be ready and willing to go for a ride any time we get a chance throughout the winter. Let me know when you're back on the road.
paul

[msb]

Hey Mike,
I leave my girl insured all year and will be ready and willing to go for a ride any time we get a chance throughout the winter. Let me know when you're back on the road.
paul

Hey Paul, the reason I took off the insurance this year is that I will have a busy travel schedule this Winter and I want to do some preventative maintenance and  additions, and want to try tackling more of the work myself in my new garage which I've been able to set up like I've always wanted. Let me know if you're heading out our way if we get a good weather weekend, would love to  have you stop by for a visit. If I'm in between work on the bike, I could even throw some temp. Insurance on and ride along with ya

[icandoitfaster]

Sounds great. Next time I'm heading out to Harrison or Hope on a nice weekend I'll stop by for a coffee and take a look at the new digs.
cheers.
paul

[SteveH]

Hi Guy's .... as far as winterizing goes, simply add an overdosed mixture of Seafoam and gas to your tank and open the drain screws on your carburetors . Apply a vacuum to the hose which connects to your fuel shutoff valve and it will drain the Seafoam/ fuel mixture through your carbs . Catch the drained fluid and refill your tank  and drain again . This way you get to flush out your carbs without running your engine . I put the the drained mixture in my car and fill the bike with a fresh charge of new fuel before firing it up .

[murraypeart (bandit)]

It has been an unusual winter so far. Over a foot of snow in a few days and now it's gone. The weather for Sunday says sunny, so I am planning to go for a ride.

Plans for the bikes this winter:

• '99 Yellow and Cream
  
  • Clean up wiring
  • add 2nd battery
  • baffles in the pipes
  • a general once over
  • maybe add speakers.
    - Trailer hitch and wiring, if I get my trailer built.
     

• '98 Burgundy and Beige
  
  • Put on new front end.
  • Rebuild and recover seat.
  • Repair tank and front fender.
  • Repaint fenders and tank.
  • New tires.
  • Paint and add Corbin Bags (the original bags were repainted and put on my '99).
  • If time and money allows - Speakers, 2nd battery, driving lights, custom LED tail lights, new turn signals.
     

• Shadow 1100
  
  • New Battery
  • Paint and add bags if time allows.
     

I am looking for a VTX head light assembly - anyone know of one for sale at a reasonable price?