Winterizing your bike...?

Question

I just bought my first Zuzuki GSX-R last spring and need to know how to store it for winter. I'm not even sure where the K&N air filter is to clean it or how to due regular maintenance on it. It's a really nice bike and I want to keep it for a while. Can someone give me some good information on the up-keep of my bike?

Answer 1

Winterizing a bike takes a few simple steps. First, wash and wax to protect the finish over winter. Second it is a good idea to change the oil and filter. You could also change it in the spring instead. Next, make sure you put some gas stabilizer in the fuel tank and keep the tank at least half full. Although some say you should drain the fuel, if you use the stabilizer then the fuel will be OK after several months and the more fuel in the tank the less likely you will have any corrosion or rust in the gas tank. Make sure you run the bike for a few minutes to let the treated fuel get through the fuel system. Finally, take the battery out and make sure you charge it several times over the winter to keep it charged. Obviously keep the bike garaged also.
These are the steps I have used with several bikes over many years and the result is in spring I go out, put the battery in and the bike starts up quickly. At that point I go get some fresh fuel. Take care of the bike and she will be good back to you.

Answer 2

Please, tell me you've change the oil and cleaned the filter at least a few times since purchasing the bike almost a year ago?

If not, then the very first thing to do is either purchase a manual and learn to do these things yourself, or take it to the shop and have it serviced.

A sportbike should have new oil and a clean filter every 2,000 to 6,000 miles, depending on where and how you ride it.

As for winterizing - everyone else has given you excellent ideas for that. Here's a short list:

1. Change the oil (old oil has acids which can eat away at engine parts)

2. Fill tank with gas, add Stabil (you can buy it at your local auto parts store)

3. Purchase a Battery Tender and plug it in. Leave it plugged in all winter. A $50 battery tender one time is cheaper than a $100 battery every spring.

4. Use the center stand. Don't let tires sit in one spot all winter

5. If you're storing in an un-heated garage, start the bike at least once a month, allow it to come up to operating temp before shutting it down again - if you don't, changes in external temp can cause moisture to develop inside the engine, causing steel parts to rust.

Answer 3

Mount up a set of Trelleborg "Winter Friction Spike" tires, add a pair of Malcolm Smith Racing "Elephant Ears" over the bark busters, fatten up the jetting, then hit the trails. When the snow gets too deep put on a set of Fredette "Ice Racing" tires and hit the frozen lakes... if the ice is thick enough!

Oh wait, you're talking street bikes. Sorry about the length, but the following is what I've been doing to my street bike for the past eight years.

When the riding "season" is officially over (first flake hits the ground), do the following:
1. Warm the bike up by riding it around.
2. Wash and wax the bike.
3. Clean and lubricate the chain.
4. Change the oil and filter.
5. Start the bike up and let it idle up to operating temperature before shutting it off.
6. Fill the tank up to the top with gasoline.
7. Drain the carb(s) if so equipped.
Note: I found that using fuel stabilizer over the winter would cause the carb jets to gum up.
8. Clean, oil and reinstall the air filter.
9. Stuff clean rags or shop towels in the air box to take up any open space.
10. Cover the end of the exhaust pipe(s) with either a plug or a plastic bag and rubber band.
11. Remove the battery and place it on a trickle charger.
12. Store the bike inside on a center stand (if so equipped).
13. Cover the bike with either a bike cover or a tarp.

When riding "season" comes around again (snow and salt is gone from the roads), do the following:
1. Remove the tarp.
2. Inspect the tires for sidewall cracking, tread depth and air pressure.
3. Uncover the exhaust tips.
4. Remove the rags from the air box.
5. Clean and re-oil the air filter.
6. Make sure the battery is fully charged, then re-install it.
7. Drain all the gas from the tank and save it for your lawn mower.
8. Fill the tank with "fresh" gas.
9. Change the oil.
10. Check and/or top-off the coolant level.
11. Change the brake and/or clutch fluid (juice clutch only).
12. Go over every bolt with a wrench and make sure it is tight.
13. Start the bike up and let it idle up to operating temperature before you ride.

Answer 4

Your best bet...(if you have it in a garage)...is to wash it and leave all the fluids in the bike.

Start the bike about once a month and let it warm to temp.

Then when spring comes around next year...change all of your fluids and lube up everything properly. You don't want to drain everything as you need the internals to be lubed through out winter so they don't "freeze crack". Also, whats the point in changing oil before you store it...the dumbest thing I have ever heard of.

Remember to always check over all the bolts on your bike before riding. The torque on the frame tends to loosen them.

Answer 5

Winter storage -
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maintenance/motorcyclewinterstorage.htm
That will tell you what to do. Buy a shop manual to learn how to do it.
http://www.motocom.com/motorcycles/
You've invested so much money in your bike. A couple of dollars for a shop manual won't kill you. Well...whatever, it's not my bike.

Answer 6

Winterize? Keep riding! Buy some cold weather gear and keep on keeping on! You and your bike are not so sweet that you will dissolve in rain or snow. Keep your attitude and fuel fresh.

Answer 7

http://motorcyclegiftshop.com/motorcycle_winterization.html