How do you winterize a bike?

Question

I know its a stupid question...and if youre gonna be mean...dont answer..

I have a 2006 ZX2...how do I winterize it?

Answer 1

OK. Change the oil so you are ready to rock next season. Don't drain the gas. FIll the tank, and get yourself some dry gas. it goes by the name of stabil. It will keep the gas from going bad on you.

Try to get the bike off the ground an ddecompress the suspension.

Disconnect the battery so it doesn't die on you over the winter, and be sure to plug the exhaust and air intake to keep mice out if that is a possibility.


Grease everything and be sure the chain is tight etc.. It really is just a service and some dry gas. Lol.

Winterizing is not as big of a deal as you would think.

I'll send you a link, but I would not recommend the part where people suggest squirting oil into the cylinders, since you run the risk of hydrolocking the motor if you don't wait to start it.

Answer 2

good question. I live in Idaho and have rough winters. Here is what I do: First, I change my oil and filter so I have fresh oil and no chance of water in the oil which would cause problems if left sitting. Then, I fill the gas tank full, adding the correct amount of "sta-bil"( which is available at auto parts stores) as per directiions. Then I start and run the bike for 5 minutes to allow the stabil to get into the fuel lines and carb/injectors and shut it down. I use a "battery tender" NOT A TRICKLE CHARGER OR BATTERY CHARGER!! A tender will monitor your battery all winter, keeping it topped off at full charge at all times, but does not give it a constant charge which will ruin the battery over that period. You can get them at the motorcycle store, or better yet, order them online from JPCYCLE.COM or Denniskirk.com and save some money. Follow the directions to install the wires to your bike, then it has a quick disconnect to attach the unit to your bike and plug it in. I also make sure the bike has a good coat of wax on it prior to storage, check and fill the tires to the proper pressure and your good to go. Try to keep it inside a covered garage if possible, if not, either buy a good cover for it, or, like I did, I just cut a cover to fit from an old plastic tarp, placed a padded blanket over the bike to protect it from the plastic, placed the tarp over it and weighted it down all around so it would not blow off, and no stray cats etc could get at the bike. It sits for the entire winter which is from around November to may. To get it ready for use, I just pull the spark plug(s) and squirt a little motor oil in each cylinder, reinstall the plugs,check the tire pressure, disconnect the battery tender, wash it and it's ready for another year of riding. I've done this for the last 20 years on street and dirt bikes and it works just fine.

Answer 3

as Chief says, also cover the bike with a double bedsheet. don't use a plastic cover because it will cause condensation and could lead to rust.

Answer 4

drain the fuel , i take out the battery and cover the bike

Answer 5

Wear a heavy jacket.