Winterizing in Michigan?

[semper5]

Since I am in Michigan, what steps should I take to winterize? Of the research I've done, sounds like it goes between filling the tank and letting it set with a battery tender, to emptying the tank and taking the battery int the house to snuggle with on cold winter nights.

I'm partially against filling the tank for fear of hydrolock, as the bike has a new petcock, but no further shut off. I'm going to Rocky's later to buy an electronic shut off, but am somewhat clueless on installing. If they don't have it, at this point, I am considering emptying the tank, and putting something in the tank to keep it from going bad. In addition, clamping the fuel line to keep from allowing flow to go through to the carbs.

Any suggestions?

[R J]

Empty tank   = RUST.

Add a can of SeaFoam (all of it) or something equvilant, run the engine or take it for a ride to get the mixture into the carbs, bring it home and park it with the gas shut off.

In the spring, pull the plugs since you are afraid of Hydrolock.    turn the key on and hit the starter.      Stand back as far as ya can in case it does have gas in the cylinders.     NO gas fly out, turn on the gas, hit the choke hard and press da button,   she should start without any further to do.

This is the way I've done MGM every winter since 1997.   So far no problems.
This will be the 1st year for my new, (2nd) Pingle.  1st one I got a little skiddish about as it was overflowing on #6.      Pulled him off and went into the interior.   Found nothing so I changed the Petcock and we rode it the past riding season with no further problems.

I set the 1st Pingle on the shelf in case I ever need it.     Also added the Dan Marc shutoff.    Didn't figure I'd like to be shutting the Pingle to OFF everytime I parked it.    So went manual and Dan Marc, with a hidden cutoff switch.    On rides, and parked, this switch gets turned off, works like a dream as I've forgotten to turn the damn thing on and when he stutters, I think to myself, dummy, you for got to turn on the gas.

[Bone]

I've been living in Michigan my entire life. Had one problem related to storage of a 1200 Goldwing Aspencade. Always filled the tank with Stabil treated gas. One Feb. morning there was a small puddle under the bike and I smelled gas. The petcock had failed or I didn't turn it to the off position the engine was full and seeping.  I didn't document the cause. I know the new unused oil was diluted.

So I have been very carefull since that part failure or operator error.

Bought my 98 Tourer in 2005 and not 1 problem with winter storage.
Here are the things that work for my Valk.

Fuel treatment is most important I feel. The last tank I'm riding with I add Stabil
according to the labels direction. Then I fill the tank ride it home and add Stabil for
the gas I purchased.  I'm 2 miles from that station so I wait until I'm home to add
the Stabil mixed gas I have in a can which lets me completely fill the tank.
Did that a week ago.
Battery is still in the bike I plan on pulling it one day next week my garage is not heated.
Put the battery in the basement giving it a full charge which isn't much it's only 1.5 years old.
I check the battery every 2 weeks or so at first and usually give it a charge with a 2 amp charger
I've had for a decade if needed then check it once a month.
Check it with a VOM to decide it's state of charge.
Last spring I didn't check the batteries charge it was 45º outside Put the battery in and it
cranked 4 times and started. I jotted that down in a log I keep in the garage.

There are a lot of little things I do tire pressure, etc. but the battery and the fuel system are
the most important for easy starting after storage.

[Ricky-D]

Installing an electric shut-off is redundant and not necessary.

I wouldn't suggest to clamp the hose for any period of time since it will permanently deform the hose.

Keeping the tank full is positive exercise.

Depending upon the gas you use, it would be good to drain the carburetors.

A good gasoline stabilizer is strongly suggested.

A battery tender ought to keep your battery in a good-state condition.

A clean bike stores better than a dirty bike.

***

[Patrick]

Yep, what RJ said. And charge the battery when you put it up and again in the spring.

[okieryder]

Empty tank   = RUST.

Add a can of SeaFoam (all of it) or something equvilant, run the engine or take it for a ride to get the mixture into the carbs, bring it home and park it with the gas shut off.

In the spring, pull the plugs since you are afraid of Hydrolock.    turn the key on and hit the starter.      Stand back as far as ya can in case it does have gas in the cylinders.     NO gas fly out, turn on the gas, hit the choke hard and press da button,   she should start without any further to do.

This is the way I've done MGM every winter since 1997.   So far no problems.
This will be the 1st year for my new, (2nd) Pingle.  1st one I got a little skiddish about as it was overflowing on #6.      Pulled him off and went into the interior.   Found nothing so I changed the Petcock and we rode it the past riding season with no further problems.

I set the 1st Pingle on the shelf in case I ever need it.     Also added the Dan Marc shutoff.    Didn't figure I'd like to be shutting the Pingle to OFF everytime I parked it.    So went manual and Dan Marc, with a hidden cutoff switch.    On rides, and parked, this switch gets turned off, works like a dream as I've forgotten to turn the damn thing on and when he stutters, I think to myself, dummy, you for got to turn on the gas.

In the spring, pull the plugs since you are afraid of Hydrolock.    turn the key on and hit the starter.      Stand back as far as ya can in case it does have gas in the cylinders.     NO gas fly out, turn on the gas, hit the choke hard and press da button,   (((she should start without any further to do.)))

Might want to put plugs back in first!! LOL

[Former BMW Guy]

Fill the tank with non-ethyl fuel and drain the carbs.
End of story.

JP

[doubletee]

Fill the tank with non-ethyl fuel and drain the carbs.
End of story.

JP

I've heard claims that draining the carbs allows seals to dry out. I don't know whether that's true or not. Like others, I treat the fuel in a full tank and ride it several miles to fill the entire fuel system with the treated fuel. Every few weeks I put it on a trickle charger overnight and once a month, if the roads are clear, I ride it long enough to get it up to operating temp.

[Bone]

I have read here many people drain the carbs I never drain.

Guess both ways work I do what I feel comfortable with.

[Michvalk]

I add Stabil, or the last few years, I used Seafoam, then ride enough to get it in the carbs. I then finish filling the tank, and ride home. I usually start adding Seafoam the last couple weeks of riding, as you never can tell how long you can ride here in Michigan. I then ride the bike into the garage, turn it off, then close the door. In the early spring, I put the 2 amp charger on for a couple of hours, and away she goes. No, I don't have a heated garage, and I have never had trouble starting in the spring. The last battery lasted for 8 years, and no problem when the bike left. This is the way I put away bikes for the last 45 years, and never had problems

[YoungPUP]

I fill my '99 Std  with  Premium fuel (no alcohol)  then add a full can of seafoam with stabil (maybe overkill but never had any problems)  Then take it around the subdivision  (about 10miles) to get the mix in the carbs and then put it away for the winter.  No trickle charger.

[rich_kildow]

I'll add my 2 cents here but people already threw out all the good advice you'll need.  In far northern WI I do the following:

- Fill the tank up (always non ethanol), add a can of Seafoam, and ride it about 20 miles on the way home.  Top if off once I get it in the pole barn. 
- Wash it good and wax it heavily without buffing the wax.  Everything gets waxed: tank, chrome, pipes, windshield, etc
- Shut off the petcock
- Leave it on a battery tender all winter
- Cover
- Run it every few weeks to cycle fresh fuel into the carbs.  Don't forget to pull the cover back off the exhaust and engine. 

Carbs get nasty when fuel sits and evaporates in them.  If there is constantly fresh gas and the tank is full, then there is no chance of rust or varnish.  When spring comes buff it out good and she's shiny for the first ride.  I've done this on all my toys/tools going into the off season for years and have never had a problem

[Dagwood]

+ 1 Rich K, only mine is in the garage on the lift. All set for rear end maintenance and tires if needed in the spring.

[semper5]

Well, I now have a standard, I think, for winterizing my Valk.

Here's what I did, hopefully you approve. Springtime will tell if I need to change the order up or delete anything:

1. Put on jeans, t-shirt, sweatshirt, boots, leather, balaclava, helmet, and gloves.
2. Ride to autoparts store to retrieve SeaFoam.
3. Listen to clerk go on and on about how fast his HD is, or was.
4. Politely nod to customers coming into store as they realize I rode a motorcycle in 40-degree weather.
5. Finally purchase my precious SeaFoam and some bungee cords.
6. Dump SeaFoam into tank while some old guy yells "Hey! Is that yer bike??" and then when I answer, he stumbles away, victim to the drink.
7. Head to gas station 12 miles away, as you search for answers to why you will have to justify being gone for so long (That gas is better...?).
8. Head home after getting gas, eating a chicken sandwich, and looking at guns in the gun shop.
9. Return home, sneak into house to go potty.
10. Make it outside unscathed and start cleaning the big Gurl.
11. Sip Fireball Whiskey while wiping down with soapy water.
12. Wipe down soapy mess with clean warm water.
13. Sip Whiskey.
14. Turn radio up and dance to the music of the 60's and 70's.
15. Stop dancing as I realize I might be drunk.
16. Top off tank.
17. Turn fuel petcok to 'off'.
18. Turn the Big Gurl on and listen to the prettier music.
19. Let engine stutter out and turn her off.
20. Wipe away tears.
21. Connect battery tender.
22. Close garage door.

If she don't start durn-near perfect in spring time,  will eliminate a few steps, like number 14, or possible step 9.

[Michvalk]

That should work!

[Pepmyster]

Well, I now have a standard, I think, for winterizing my Valk.

Here's what I did, hopefully you approve. Springtime will tell if I need to change the order up or delete anything:

1. Put on jeans, t-shirt, sweatshirt, boots, leather, balaclava, helmet, and gloves.
2. Ride to autoparts store to retrieve SeaFoam.
3. Listen to clerk go on and on about how fast his HD is, or was.
4. Politely nod to customers coming into store as they realize I rode a motorcycle in 40-degree weather.
5. Finally purchase my precious SeaFoam and some bungee cords.
6. Dump SeaFoam into tank while some old guy yells "Hey! Is that yer bike??" and then when I answer, he stumbles away, victim to the drink.
7. Head to gas station 12 miles away, as you search for answers to why you will have to justify being gone for so long (That gas is better...?).
8. Head home after getting gas, eating a chicken sandwich, and looking at guns in the gun shop.
9. Return home, sneak into house to go potty.
10. Make it outside unscathed and start cleaning the big Gurl.
11. Sip Fireball Whiskey while wiping down with soapy water.
12. Wipe down soapy mess with clean warm water.
13. Sip Whiskey.
14. Turn radio up and dance to the music of the 60's and 70's.
15. Stop dancing as I realize I might be drunk.
16. Top off tank.
17. Turn fuel petcok to 'off'.
18. Turn the Big Gurl on and listen to the prettier music.
19. Let engine stutter out and turn her off.
20. Wipe away tears.
21. Connect battery tender.
22. Close garage door.

If she don't start durn-near perfect in spring time,  will eliminate a few steps, like number 14, or possible step 9.

Love the list!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BradValk48237]

I use Makers Mark...LOL

Seriously,

In Michigan here....

Fill tank
Add Seafoam ( I used to use Stabli )
Run it a bit to get sea foam on system
Petcock off
Battery Tender
Cover.

I do have a bad habit of taking out if its a really warm day... or just firing it up in the winter just to make sure she's all right..... I usually start it once a month or so.. has worked for me for 30 years.

Brad

[semper5]

I use Makers Mark...LOL

Seriously,

In Michigan here....

Fill tank
Add Seafoam ( I used to use Stabli )
Run it a bit to get sea foam on system
Petcock off
Battery Tender
Cover.

I do have a bad habit of taking out if its a really warm day... or just firing it up in the winter just to make sure she's all right..... I usually start it once a month or so.. has worked for me for 30 years.

Brad

I used to drink Makers Mark but love the cinnamon of Fireball.

I think you got down what I accomplished, without the riff-raff. 

[Skinhead]

You didn't repeat step 13 often enough.  You're in for a piss poor start in the spring.

[semper5]

You didn't repeat step 13 often enough.  You're in for a piss poor start in the spring.

Will see what I can do to correct this next weekend off I get!

[biguglyman]

Full tank with Startron and a battery tender. Turn off petcock. Stick it in mother-in-law's garage until spring.

[HayHauler]

What is this "Winterizing" you speak of?   

Had to Google it to figure it out. 

J/K, don't get your panties in a wad......

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Skinhead]

What is this "Winterizing" you speak of?   

Had to Google it to figure it out. 


Hay 
Jimmyt

That was uncalled for!   

[HayHauler]

Trailer that Phat Gurl down here and we'll go ridin'. 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Skinhead]

If I come down, Imma ridin' her.

[semper5]

What is this "Winterizing" you speak of?   

Had to Google it to figure it out. 

J/K, don't get your panties in a wad......

Hay 
Jimmyt

It's gonna rain on you today...