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[bdas2]

I saw this article and wondered what you all have to say about starting the bike or not

Should you be going out and starting it up periodically?
Should the gas tank be full or empty?
Should you keep the battery on a slow charger?
The best thing to do is, if possible, park it with a full or nearly full gas tank to discourage moisture accumulation
and possible corrosion of the tank walls. Should you start it every few weeks and
let it run for a while? NO ! Starting it will cause more damage than not starting it. When you
start it, the automatic fuel enrichener in the fuel injection is pumping extra fuel which isn't
being completely burned off and it's washing the cylinder walls, draining into the crankcase
and diluting the oil. Running the engine, even 15 or 20 minutes, does not allow it to get up to
full operating temperatures and the combustion by-products form acids in the crankcase
which are potentially harmful to seals and gaskets, as well as contaminating the oil with acids
and condensation. Also, since today's gasoline isn't especially stable after about four
months, a product called STA-BIL added to the fuel is recommended if it's likely you'll be out
of the saddle for that long

[bribe36]

Once  I store my bikes for the winter I don't even look at them until spring. I always fill the tank, add some fuel stabilzer, plug in the HD smart battery tender,put it on a lift to get the tires off the ground and throw the cover over. I would never think about starting them unless I was going to a ride.

[Fired00d]

I add the fuel stabilizer (sta-bil) and fill it up with fuel. The battery tender stays on all the time when parked so don't need to add that. I do try to get out and ride at least once a month during the winter as long as there aren't any chemicals on the roads. I don't start it unless I'm going to ride it as I've heard/read the same thing about just starting it up and not riding it... does more harm then good.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[DICKW]

I add the fuel stabilizer (sta-bil) and fill it up with fuel. The battery tender stays on all the time when parked so don't need to add that. I do try to get out and ride at least once a month during the winter as long as there aren't any chemicals on the roads. I don't start it unless I'm going to ride it as I've heard/read the same thing about just starting it up and not riding it... does more harm then good.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

And.....
Before storage it's a good idea to change all fluids with new, if you are going to ride it..............make sure it's not just around the block.

[LarryB]

or, how about this, RIDE it all winter, gives a whole different perspective on things.
Oh thats right, you guys north of the Mason/Dixon line and all the snow concerns, ya ya ya, i hear ya. that's why I moved. now where's that sunblock 

[Fired00d]

or, how about this, RIDE it all winter, gives a whole different perspective on things.
Oh thats right, you guys north of the Mason/Dixon line and all the snow concerns, ya ya ya, i hear ya. that's why I moved. now where's that sunblock 

Don't need no sunblock for the moon...

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[LarryB]

 

[yellowhog]

I ALWAYS wash & wax the bike and change the fluids.  I make sure the tank is full and add some fuel stabilizer.  I plug the bike into the battery tender.  I keep my bike in the Harley Bubble...that way I can look at it any time I want and decide what  "new things" I want to add in the spring.  I also put down those rubber 2' x 2' floor mats before I set the bubble up.  I keep the garage heated and clean the filter on the bubble periodically.  When it's time to ride again, all I have to do is unzip the bubble, fire her up and I'm ready to go.  The bubble keeps the bike clean and moisture free.

[DICKW]

Larry may tell you to be careful not to trip over this cord.......Just saying Larry can be very critical at times.. 

[BMF-110]

Can't stress a battery tender enough, had my original battery in my 97' Bad-Boy for 9-1/2 yrs! took it in to replace it and they studdered when they looked at the date and asked if it was a joke... Plugged it in the day I got it home and every day on, same thing with my Sporty and all our atv's, YFZ-450 and all the rest.. Best investment to make, If I buy something I push for a free battery tender and they usually oblige and if they don't it's the first thing I grab off the shelf..

[Fired00d]

Can't stress a battery tender enough, had my original battery in my 97' Bad-Boy for 9-1/2 yrs! took it in to replace it and they studdered when they looked at the date and asked if it was a joke... Plugged it in the day I got it home and every day on, same thing with my Sporty and all our atv's, YFZ-450 and all the rest.. Best investment to make, If I buy something I push for a free battery tender and they usually oblige and if they don't it's the first thing I grab off the shelf..

You're my hero!!! I thought I was pushing it trying to get six years out of a battery. I've kept my battery on battery tender since day one of getting my bike also.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[DICKW]

I tend my battery all the time, worth the $$$$$ plus.

[yellowhog]

I've also had my batteries last years.  My '03 Ultra had the original battery in her until last year when the voltage reg went out and Harley told me "that I HAD to change the battery because it was too old"!  Like a fool, I listened to them and got a new one.  I'm sure the original had years of life left.  The moral of the story is...BATTERY TENDERS WORK!!!

[BG]

or, how about this, RIDE it all winter, gives a whole different perspective on things.
Oh thats right, you guys north of the Mason/Dixon line and all the snow concerns, ya ya ya, i hear ya. that's why I moved. now where's that sunblock 

AMEN to that.