Winterizing questions

Rossolo83

Member
Finally got a 70 degree day without rain in the month of October in KS, so I took the redhead for a spin this evening, and it got me thinking about a couple of winterizing questions.

1. I once was told by a shop that it is good if you are going to let your bike sit for a long time is to shut off the fuel valve and let the engine run out of gas, supposed to prevent gumming up the carbs and prevent gas from sitting in the bowl. I stabilized the gas but does this help or hurt or matter at all?

2. I have 2 bikes and have a battery tender I bought from Wal-Mart that I use for my VTX 1800, never had a problem. It is 1.5 amps, but before I hook her up to the Dog and let her sit, do I run the risk of frying something? Does anyone know the amp rating on the BDM tender?

Any advice is awesome like everyone on this forum. I searched but could not find specifics to these questions so I hope they are not reduntant. JP :loony:
 

Eric

Banned
I'd change all fluids, let the fuel with the stabil run through the engine for a while then let it run the fuel out the carb , remove the spark plugs & give each cylander a shot of thin oil of choice, replace plugs, but remember before firing up remove the plugs agin & spin it over, then reinstall the plugs. lift bike up off tires to keep weight of of them.& yeah keep it on the tender, I think mine is a 1 amp but yours should do fine. oh yeah polish everything up good, apply a good wax to the paint & keep it covered or a sheet over it for dust protection..
 

K9Anniv

Well-Known Member
Big Dog told me to put Stabil or Seafoam in topped off tank, let it run awhile then turn bike off, leaving treated gas in carb. They said this keeps the carb gaskets from drying out. Along with the usual rituals of winter prep, I also spray aluminum parts and fittings with S100 Corrosion Protectant. :)
 

K9Anniv

Well-Known Member
I am so glad I moved South where we can ride year round.
Lucky devil! I'm lookin' at 5-6 months downtime - typical time between the first salting of roads and several good rains in the Spring to wash all the 'gorp' off! :rant::bang:
 

bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
Finally got a 70 degree day without rain in the month of October in KS, so I took the redhead for a spin this evening, and it got me thinking about a couple of winterizing questions.

1. I once was told by a shop that it is good if you are going to let your bike sit for a long time is to shut off the fuel valve and let the engine run out of gas, supposed to prevent gumming up the carbs and prevent gas from sitting in the bowl. I stabilized the gas but does this help or hurt or matter at all?

2. I have 2 bikes and have a battery tender I bought from Wal-Mart that I use for my VTX 1800, never had a problem. It is 1.5 amps, but before I hook her up to the Dog and let her sit, do I run the risk of frying something? Does anyone know the amp rating on the BDM tender?

Any advice is awesome like everyone on this forum. I searched but could not find specifics to these questions so I hope they are not reduntant. JP :loony:
Just fill your fuel tank full with 93+ fuel. Drain your carb Via the float bowl drain on the bottom using a 5/8 socket, or just turn your fuel off and let the bike run out of fuel like you have said. If your bike sits more than a month I would not keep fuel in the carb. It wil not dry the seals out. That is an old wise tail. You are better off keeping it dry then you are keeping fuel in it. Do not use that STAYBILL Crap. It does more harm than good. If you are worried about the fuel come spring then just drain it out of your tank and put it in your lawn mower.
Changing your oil is always a good idea, gets all the moisture out that can cause acidic oil and create internal harm to your bike.
Don't be one of them guys that feels the need to start their bike once a month. That is one of the worst things you can do. There is so much moisture in the air during the winter months, your bike will not burn it out of the system.
Keeping your battery on a Tender is always a must. You can pick up another tender at any Drag Specialties dealer for around $30 and it puts out less than 1amp during it's storage float charging.
Make sure your tire pressure is to it's max (41psi) front and rear and check it again in the spring before you take it out. I never spray the cyl. with any oil for just storing over winter. If you store it over 6 months then maybe it would be a good idea, you can purchase FOGGING oil at most any Auto store. Just make sure you hold onto that Nozzle and don't let it fly into the Cyl.
 

bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
Do not use that STAYBILL Crap. QUOTE]


Whats the deal with stabill?
I have seen it gum up carbs, mostly they were on Jap bikes but have seen it on a few H-D's as well. Cost less to just drain the fuel out of the carb too:up: If you put it into your fuel tank and not the carb the bike seems to run like crap, idles rough, backfires, loss of power..... better off just draining the fuel out of it in the spring and putting in some fresh 93.
 

Chopper Dave

SIICK!!!
I use SeaFoam.....top off with 93...go for about a 5-8 miles ride to make sure its through the carb...I just shut off the petcock and plug tender in ...put bike on bike jack wax and cover when bike cools....I have never had a problem leaving gas in my carb...but I use SeaFoam:cheers:
 

bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
I use SeaFoam.....top off with 93...go for about a 5-8 miles ride to make sure its through the carb...I just shut off the petcock and plug tender in ...put bike on bike jack wax and cover when bike cools....I have never had a problem leaving gas in my carb...but I use SeaFoam:cheers:
I have heard of people using the KLOTZ octane boost as well and have had good luck with that. I personally put a good half gallon or more of 100 in with my 93. I have it for the race bike so might as well use it in my other bikes as well. Seems to work real well, and can still smell that nice race fuel smell in the spring:D
 

PA Chopper

Active Member
What are you guys using for covers for winter storage? My Mastiff will be in an unheated garage along with my Harley. I have a cover for the Harley but need a nice soft lined one for the Big Dog. Is the BDM one worth the coin or should I look for an aftermarket cover? I hate putting the bikes away this time of year. It's like losing your girlfriend.
 

bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
What are you guys using for covers for winter storage? My Mastiff will be in an unheated garage along with my Harley. I have a cover for the Harley but need a nice soft lined one for the Big Dog. Is the BDM one worth the coin or should I look for an aftermarket cover? I hate putting the bikes away this time of year. It's like losing your girlfriend.
There are companies that make bike bags, you just pull your bike over the bottom part and it zippers up over the whole thing. They come with anti moisture bags to put inside of it along side your bike. They are nice but kind of pricey, around $180. I'll try to get you the name of one today, we sell some at my place of work.
 

Chopper Dave

SIICK!!!
What are you guys using for covers for winter storage? My Mastiff will be in an unheated garage along with my Harley. I have a cover for the Harley but need a nice soft lined one for the Big Dog. Is the BDM one worth the coin or should I look for an aftermarket cover? I hate putting the bikes away this time of year. It's like losing your girlfriend.
I just use a old comforter blanket or sheet on mine...in a unheated garage...
 

PA Chopper

Active Member
There are companies that make bike bags, you just pull your bike over the bottom part and it zippers up over the whole thing. They come with anti moisture bags to put inside of it along side your bike. They are nice but kind of pricey, around $180. I'll try to get you the name of one today, we sell some at my place of work.
Cool, thanks. Sounds like a good way to store the bike for the long winters in PA. The up and down temp changes casue a ton of condensation and that's what puts the screws to chrome. I had a chromed out Road King and it developed pits after a couple winters in storage. I hate the winter months. :rant:
 

Chopper Dave

SIICK!!!
I have heard of people using the KLOTZ octane boost as well and have had good luck with that. I personally put a good half gallon or more of 100 in with my 93. I have it for the race bike so might as well use it in my other bikes as well. Seems to work real well, and can still smell that nice race fuel smell in the spring:D
a few friends of mine use that AV gas 100 octane in their stuff.....they don't even use any SeaFoam or anything...being that the 100 octane shit won't go bad:whoop: they use it in everything before they store for winter....lawn mowers...leaf blowers...bikes..etc. I'm thinking of getting 5 gallons at this small airport about 8 miles from me:whoop:
 

BikersDream

We build what you Dream!
Just started using this. Anyone used it yet?

Product Description
Star Tron® is an amazing fuel treatment based
on naturally occurring enzymes. Although this
is a very unique application of enzyme
technology, we encounter various enzymes in
our everyday lives. For example, enzymes in
laundry detergents break down dirt and stains
so that they may be easily washed away, even
in cold water. Enzymes in the human digestive
system break down food into components that
are easily used by the body to produce energy.
Functioning as biocatalysts, enzymes increase
and control the rate of chemical reactions. Star
Tron® uses highly specialized enzymes to
modify how gasoline and diesel fuel burns, the
end result being more complete and uniform
combustion. This same enzyme package cleans
the fuel delivery system and combustion
chambers, stabilizes fuel chemistry and
reduces engine emissions.
Increasing Power and Improving Fuel
Economy, Reducing Emissions
Engines are not very efficient at burning all of
the fuel that is fed into the cylinders. The result
of this incomplete combustion is reduced
power, production of harmful emissions and
carbon formation. By changing the bonding
structure of the hydrocarbon molecules that
make up fuel, enzymes in Star Tron® allow
more oxygen to attach to the fuel at the time of
ignition, resulting in a more complete burn of
the fuel charge. Star Tron® treated fuel
therefore produces greater power, dramatically
increases fuel economy and shows up to a 90%
reduction in commonly encountered emissions.
Carbon monoxide is reduced up to 40%. Diesel
soot is now classified as a carcinogen and a
toxic air contaminant. Enzyme modified diesel
fuel can reduce soot by over one half in just a
day and continued use can reduce soot by up to
80%.
Cleaning Injectors, The Fuel Delivery
System and Combustion Chambers While
Removing Carbon Build-Up
When more of the fuel charge is burned there
is a dramatic drop in the formation of
performance robbing carbon deposits. After
several hours of operating with Star Tron®
enhanced fuel, the engine’s concussive forces
will blow all existing carbon off the pistons,
completely cleaning the combustion chamber
without the use of solvent-based carbon
removing additives.
As the enzymes in Star Tron® are naturally
powerful surface-active agents, deposits are
removed from the fuel tank, fuel lines,
injectors, valves, pistons and spark plugs. Star
Tron® accomplishes these cleaning tasks
quickly and at the lowest per gallon cost of any
product on the market.
Once existing carbon deposits are removed and
future deposit formation is prevented,
knocking and pinging (pre-detonation) are
eliminated. Engines develop full power while
running smoother and quieter. An added
benefit of a deposit free combustion chamber
is that fuel burns at a properly controlled rate,
helping to greatly boost fuel economy.
Microbial Growth In Fuel
When gasoline or diesel fuel sits in a tank with
excessive air space, the daily temperature
changes produce condensation (water
formation) on tank walls. This water falls into
the fuel where it sinks to the bottom providing
a breeding ground for microbial spores that
feed on hydrocarbon fuels.
Known as "diesel algae" these are primarily
fungi, yeast and mold contaminants. If left
untreated, diesel algae will ruin the fuel
causing clogs in filters, fuel lines and injectors.
Common treatment for this problem up until
now has been the use of a biocide to kill
existing growth and prevent a future
infestation. The use of a biocide can however
cause other problems. Once the growth is
killed, the resulting biomass settles to the tank
bottom where it decays forming organic acids.
The acids then deteriorate the fuel and cause
corrosion of the tank walls, injectors and fuel
delivery system. Additionally, biocides can be
harmful to all those who handle them or come
in contact with treated fuel, plus they can
cause environmental damage if spilled. Star
Tron® uses its enzyme technology to disperse
microbial growth throughout the fuel. These
microbial particles are then either safely
burned away or filtered out.
Treating Water In Fuel
As mentioned before, water can wind up in
your gas or diesel fuel as a result of
condensation in the tank. Because water is
heavier than fuel, it sinks to the bottom of the
tank and forms a distinct water layer. The fuel
pick-up tube is located at the bottom of the
tank so, once this happens, water is supplied to
your fuel pump. Obviously the engine can not
burn water; soon it starts to sputter and
eventually stops running. Additionally, water is
corrosive so it deteriorates tank walls and
metals in the fuel delivery system. The
enzymes in Star Tron® prevent the water
molecules that are in fuel from combining and
forming a distinct water layer. Water is
reduced to sub-micron size particles that
Revolutionary fuel treatment is based on enzyme technology
cannot cause corrosion and are
safely burned during normal combustion.
Ethanol-Enhanced Gasoline
The emissions-reducing additive MTBE that
has been put into gasoline for years was found
to contaminate water supplies. As a result,
MTBE is being eliminated throughout the U.S.
and replaced by up to 10% ethanol. When used
up quickly, ethanol-enhanced gas does not
present difficulties for users. In boats and RVs
that tend to use up fuel less frequently
however, the new ethanol gas does in fact
create problems. Ethanol has a great affinity
for water and as a result, this new formulated
fuel can cause a water layer to form and
gelling to occur. Additionally, ethanol is an
excellent solvent that can attack sludge buildup
in fuel tanks and cause fuel filters to clog
frequently. Star brite Star Tron® can prevent
these problems from occurring and can also
reverse the problems if they already exist.
Stabilizing Fuel Chemistry
Diesel fuel and gasoline are not formulated to
be stored for more than 90 days. After this
period of time, they begin to oxidize, forming
sludge, varnish, gum and other harmful
deposits. The ability of the fuel to burn
properly is diminished as chemical
components start to break down. Star Tron®
uses its enzyme technology to maintain fuel
quality and prevent the deterioration of fuel
components. Diesel fuel treated with Star
Tron® has a shelf life in excess of two years.
Gasoline, which tends to evaporate volatile
components more quickly than diesel, remains
stable for one year.
Once hydrocarbon fuels deteriorate, the
process of cleaning and rejuvenating them is
extremely expensive. Enzymes contained in
Star Tron® can in fact "repair" old fuel,
restoring cetane and octane ratings, dispersing
water and breaking down sludge and other
deposits. Star Tron®’s enzyme formula may
well be the most cost effective fuel
remediation technology in the world.
For more information, visit: Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment - HOME
 

Attachments

stlmikie

I wish I had more money.
Started using it or started selling it?



Product Description
Star Tron® is an amazing fuel treatment based
on naturally occurring enzymes. Although this
is a very unique application of enzyme
technology, we encounter various enzymes in
our everyday lives. For example, enzymes in
laundry detergents break down dirt and stains
so that they may be easily washed away, even
in cold water. Enzymes in the human digestive
system break down food into components that
are easily used by the body to produce energy.
Functioning as biocatalysts, enzymes increase
and control the rate of chemical reactions. Star
Tron® uses highly specialized enzymes to
modify how gasoline and diesel fuel burns, the
end result being more complete and uniform
combustion. This same enzyme package cleans
the fuel delivery system and combustion
chambers, stabilizes fuel chemistry and
reduces engine emissions.
Increasing Power and Improving Fuel
Economy, Reducing Emissions
Engines are not very efficient at burning all of
the fuel that is fed into the cylinders. The result
of this incomplete combustion is reduced
power, production of harmful emissions and
carbon formation. By changing the bonding
structure of the hydrocarbon molecules that
make up fuel, enzymes in Star Tron® allow
more oxygen to attach to the fuel at the time of
ignition, resulting in a more complete burn of
the fuel charge. Star Tron® treated fuel
therefore produces greater power, dramatically
increases fuel economy and shows up to a 90%
reduction in commonly encountered emissions.
Carbon monoxide is reduced up to 40%. Diesel
soot is now classified as a carcinogen and a
toxic air contaminant. Enzyme modified diesel
fuel can reduce soot by over one half in just a
day and continued use can reduce soot by up to
80%.
Cleaning Injectors, The Fuel Delivery
System and Combustion Chambers While
Removing Carbon Build-Up
When more of the fuel charge is burned there
is a dramatic drop in the formation of
performance robbing carbon deposits. After
several hours of operating with Star Tron®
enhanced fuel, the engine’s concussive forces
will blow all existing carbon off the pistons,
completely cleaning the combustion chamber
without the use of solvent-based carbon
removing additives.
As the enzymes in Star Tron® are naturally
powerful surface-active agents, deposits are
removed from the fuel tank, fuel lines,
injectors, valves, pistons and spark plugs. Star
Tron® accomplishes these cleaning tasks
quickly and at the lowest per gallon cost of any
product on the market.
Once existing carbon deposits are removed and
future deposit formation is prevented,
knocking and pinging (pre-detonation) are
eliminated. Engines develop full power while
running smoother and quieter. An added
benefit of a deposit free combustion chamber
is that fuel burns at a properly controlled rate,
helping to greatly boost fuel economy.
Microbial Growth In Fuel
When gasoline or diesel fuel sits in a tank with
excessive air space, the daily temperature
changes produce condensation (water
formation) on tank walls. This water falls into
the fuel where it sinks to the bottom providing
a breeding ground for microbial spores that
feed on hydrocarbon fuels.
Known as "diesel algae" these are primarily
fungi, yeast and mold contaminants. If left
untreated, diesel algae will ruin the fuel
causing clogs in filters, fuel lines and injectors.
Common treatment for this problem up until
now has been the use of a biocide to kill
existing growth and prevent a future
infestation. The use of a biocide can however
cause other problems. Once the growth is
killed, the resulting biomass settles to the tank
bottom where it decays forming organic acids.
The acids then deteriorate the fuel and cause
corrosion of the tank walls, injectors and fuel
delivery system. Additionally, biocides can be
harmful to all those who handle them or come
in contact with treated fuel, plus they can
cause environmental damage if spilled. Star
Tron® uses its enzyme technology to disperse
microbial growth throughout the fuel. These
microbial particles are then either safely
burned away or filtered out.
Treating Water In Fuel
As mentioned before, water can wind up in
your gas or diesel fuel as a result of
condensation in the tank. Because water is
heavier than fuel, it sinks to the bottom of the
tank and forms a distinct water layer. The fuel
pick-up tube is located at the bottom of the
tank so, once this happens, water is supplied to
your fuel pump. Obviously the engine can not
burn water; soon it starts to sputter and
eventually stops running. Additionally, water is
corrosive so it deteriorates tank walls and
metals in the fuel delivery system. The
enzymes in Star Tron® prevent the water
molecules that are in fuel from combining and
forming a distinct water layer. Water is
reduced to sub-micron size particles that
Revolutionary fuel treatment is based on enzyme technology
cannot cause corrosion and are
safely burned during normal combustion.
Ethanol-Enhanced Gasoline
The emissions-reducing additive MTBE that
has been put into gasoline for years was found
to contaminate water supplies. As a result,
MTBE is being eliminated throughout the U.S.
and replaced by up to 10% ethanol. When used
up quickly, ethanol-enhanced gas does not
present difficulties for users. In boats and RVs
that tend to use up fuel less frequently
however, the new ethanol gas does in fact
create problems. Ethanol has a great affinity
for water and as a result, this new formulated
fuel can cause a water layer to form and
gelling to occur. Additionally, ethanol is an
excellent solvent that can attack sludge buildup
in fuel tanks and cause fuel filters to clog
frequently. Star brite Star Tron® can prevent
these problems from occurring and can also
reverse the problems if they already exist.
Stabilizing Fuel Chemistry
Diesel fuel and gasoline are not formulated to
be stored for more than 90 days. After this
period of time, they begin to oxidize, forming
sludge, varnish, gum and other harmful
deposits. The ability of the fuel to burn
properly is diminished as chemical
components start to break down. Star Tron®
uses its enzyme technology to maintain fuel
quality and prevent the deterioration of fuel
components. Diesel fuel treated with Star
Tron® has a shelf life in excess of two years.
Gasoline, which tends to evaporate volatile
components more quickly than diesel, remains
stable for one year.
Once hydrocarbon fuels deteriorate, the
process of cleaning and rejuvenating them is
extremely expensive. Enzymes contained in
Star Tron® can in fact "repair" old fuel,
restoring cetane and octane ratings, dispersing
water and breaking down sludge and other
deposits. Star Tron®’s enzyme formula may
well be the most cost effective fuel
remediation technology in the world.
For more information, visit: Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment - HOME
 

nymikeok

on the back wheel
I am glad we get to ride year round. That sounds like a hassle. Let alone only being able to just look at my bike.
 

Rossolo83

Member
Thanks everyone for the posts and great ideas. I have a heated garage which will help with the store. On my X I have had the luxury of never storing it because it is a good fall and dry winter rider, windsheild and all. Got to love these Dog's unconditionally. I will make some adjustmets to my plans.:2thumbs:
 
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