What should be done to store my Sporster for the winter?

Answer 1

Move to Florida.

Answer 2

I agree with Biker Bob and Firecracker. If you can, put the bike up on it's frame to keep the wheels off the ground,,,not only does it prevent flat spots, but moisture from the ground can and will wick up onto the spokes and rims. The fogging spray in the cylinders is a MUST. Otherwise you will get some rust going in the cylinders over the winter and it will break the edges of the rings when you run it next spring. The only thing different I would like to add is to get a battery tender. It is similar to a trickle charger, but it senses the level of charge and turns itself off and on as needed. That way, you never overcharge or run it flat and best of all, just leave it hooked up over the winter. They cost about $30 and is well worth it. Good luck and ride safe

Answer 3

I store my Harley covered and in my garage for the winter. I fill the gas tank to the top and then add a gas stabilizer like "Stabil" and run the bike for about 5 minutes to get the treated gas through the system. Then you should take the battery out and store it inside. I keep mine in my basement. Don't forget to charge it once in a while or put it on a trickle charger. I cover both exhaust pipes with a sandwich bag, like a Ziplock bag, and then put a rubber band on to hold them there. It helps keep moisture out of the pipes. Be sure the pipes have cooled off before you do this. Depending on how cold it is when I put it away, I sometimes change the oil and sometimes I don't. Either way I change it and the filter in the spring before the first ride. Store the bike with both tires off the ground. This helps reduce the chances of getting any flat spots in the tire. In the spring give it a good overall check and cleaning, put in the battery, change oil and filter, etc. I've done this for more years than I can count with both Jap bikes that I use to own and my present Harley. All have started up on the first or second try in the spring.

Answer 4

Heck it is only cold :) Ride It! That is what they made leathers for :). Although 2 wheels and ice/snow do not quite mix!

The biggest problem I see is drained batteries. The charging system on your bike is good for maintaining the charge and takes a good amount riding it to put even the slightest charge on it (not idling for a few minutes or going around the block), so invest in a trickle charger, plug it up and do not worry. You can get the charger for around $33 and it will turn itself on and off as need be and would save you buying a new $90+ battery come riding weather.

The fuel stabilizer would be a good investment as well for even longer periods of storage.

Park it in the garage!

Answer 5

#1 change the oil. Used oil becomes acidic.

All the things they say to do that I never did:

Wash and wax.
Add fuel stabilizer, run until you are certain it has gotten throughout the fuel system - (do this one before the oil change).
Spray fogging oil through intake according to instructions, or remove spark plugs and add a spoonful of engine oil to each cylinder, then turn engine over to coat the cylinder walls. Replace plugs.
Clean, lube and adjust chain (if you have one).
Remove battery, store in warm place. Fully charged, on a tender is preferred.
Raise tires off ground by blocking frame.
Cover with a clean sheet, or other soft breathable cover.

To remove from storage:
Remove cover.
Unblock.
Install fully charged battery.
Check tire pressure.
Fire it up.

If you oiled the cylinders, it will smoke a bit. That's ok.

Answer 6

Roll it in the trailer and head to Key West for the winter. I wish I could then I wouldn't have to roll it in the corner for winter.I try to run mine once in a while if the roads are dry and it gets above 40 degrees. You can put some fuel stabilizer in it and run it once in awhile and it'll be okay. A battery tender is also a good idea. Winter doesn't last that long.

Answer 7

I agree with Bill (you're buying next round, man), but no really, it's only like 3 or 4 months, maybe a bit longer up here on the frozen tundra, but most any place in the country, really don't need to worry. Maybe disconnect battery and put some Sta-Bil in the gas, other than that, cover it up and dream...

Answer 8

Drain all the gas, make sure tires are filled up, then when its time to ride change oil, plug and clean air filter

Answer 9

Leave it in the gayrage.

Answer 10

i start mine at least every other week.. keeps the battery up.. ride it around the block ..... brrr cold......wind chill... brr..