What's your opinion on which Gas additive to use?

[SteveandBelinda]

I was wanting to get some opinions. I am trailering (open flat Aluma) from Michigan to Arizona here the end of the month. Called and talk to a dealer, and he said that he would fill the tank and add the Marine 360 Sta-bil instead of the regular Sta-bil. I was just looking and the Marine 360 version is an ethanol additive, and I know most gas has ethanol, but the regular version of Sta-bil reads alot different in both descriptions. Also the service guy said to take the battery out if possible, when I asked about it. What is your opinion? I also have to find a way to protect my Ultimate seat , arm rests, and seat back from possible salt etc.

[Possible]

I'd only put Sta-bil in it if you don't plan on riding it. If you're going to ride it in the next month or so, don't bother.
Personally I'd avoid adding any additional alcohol/ethanol to the fuel system. JMO of course. Same with pulling the
battery.

For the seats and such, either find a good non-flapping cover, or take them off and store them for the trip.

[CopperSpyder]

I do use Stable 360 a lot, not every time but often in my Spyder and have never had a problem even after it sits for 2 months. Trailering I don't remove the battery or cover the seat. I do put it on a tender when I get to where I'm going (winter home) and if the seat gets wet it dries on it own.

[ThreeWheels]

I'm thinking Possible has the better advice.
If you are going to ride your Spyder in Arizona when you get there, then there's no need to stabilize the gas.
Just make sure you fill the tank up first to minimize the vapor space in the gas tank.
Even two months should be OK.
If you decide to use any stabilizer, I've had good result with Sea Foam.

[Steve W.]

You want my opinion? Well, you're welcome to it.

Just remember it's worth what you paid for it.

For your situation where you will be riding soon-ish (less than a month), no stabilizer is necessary. I have heard a LOT of recommendations on the motorcycle forum where I usually hang out for Stabil 360. Nobody has ever said "it doesn't work". I still have a supply of 'regular' Stabil that I need to use up (it does have a finite shelf life), so I have not tried the 360 formula. I did try SeaFoam several years ago. Did not hurt anything, but I feel Stabil is a bit better. I still use SeaFoam occasionally during riding season to clean the fuel system, but not for storage stabilization.

For the trip, do NOT use a regular cover on the Spyder. It will flap mercilessly in the wind, actually wearing the paint off the bike. If you feel the need to cover, just cover the upholstery. Use heavy-duty plastic trash bags. Wrap tape around it all to keep anything from flapping. Even better would be to remove, if possible.

I have no idea why the suggestion to remove the battery. I see no need to do so.

.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I use StarTron Marine ( Stabil has a similar version - 360 ??? ) because they claim to negate the bad effects of ethyl that's in most gas .... never had a problem even after lengthy storage ..... does it work ???? .... I don't think it will hurt anything ..... Mike

[troop]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chsGBhB5g7o&t=12s

[happyspyder2039]

Do you cover your seat when riding? No real differences. Throw on trailer n go. Gas is usually cheaper in AZ too bTW. But then again I don’t know anything so do as you wish.

[bigbadbrucie]

When I lived up North, my 2 wheeler would be in hibernation for 5 months, and there were times that I did NOT use any stabilizer, and the bike always ran when I took it out, all be it it ran rough for the first half tank. I would then fill it again, and it ran smooth. I wouldn’t sweat bricks about adding or not, but that’s just me. It’s your unit....your worry. Same thing for my lawnmower. Never used a stabilizer, and still don’t.

[Steve W.]

Do you cover your seat when riding? No real differences.

Actually, there IS a difference. Could be a BIG one.

Depending on the weather when he leaves Michigan, there could be snow/salt/whatever on the roads. If he has the option of waiting a bit, great, but if not, road spray from the tow vehicle will splash back onto the Spyder. And, ... it may be clear when he leaves home, but might catch some weather on the way.

The big difference is that MOST of us don't take the Spyder out for a ride in weather like that, so all the salt crud is not an issue.

.

[SteveandBelinda]

I do put a cover on the seat when riding in the rain, but would not stay on without rider probably. A stock seat I would not worry about salt and road spray , but you are talking about a $1900 Ultimate seat.

[PW2013STL]

Steve,

Make sure your tank is full (with pure gas if possable). Make sure your battery is fully charged. Open your seat and slide a heavy duty trash bag(or two) over the seat, and tape it up making sure it will not flap in the wind and is sealed in the back.
This is all you will need to do until you arrive in Arizona.
Once here wash the Spyder and ride.

BTW we are in sunny Apache Junction.

[Tango]

IMHO. Drain the tank as much as possible. Ride it, or suck it out. Fill with 100% whole gas. Search where you can get it in your area. No need to add stabilizer. Leave the battery alone. If you remove it. Are you going to trickle charge it? Remove the seats if you're worried about them. Don't cover them on an open trailer. Tom

[jaherbst]

After reading all these opinions to me the answer is simple. Trade the Aluma for an enclosed trailer. You will be glad you did for many many reasons. You paid $1900 for a seat. Your Aluma plus $1900 should buy an enclosed trailer. Remember Ice, Snow, rocks, Salt, and last but not least Theft.

Jack

[IGETAROUND]

I do put a cover on the seat when riding in the rain, but would not stay on without rider probably. A stock seat I would not worry about salt and road spray , but you are talking about a $1900 Ultimate seat.

Steve,

Take your seat off, replace when you arrive. Enjoy the warm weather.

Al in Kazoo

[Mikey]

After reading all these opinions to me the answer is simple. Trade the Aluma for an enclosed trailer. You will be glad you did for many many reasons. You paid $1900 for a seat. Your Aluma plus $1900 should buy an enclosed trailer. Remember Ice, Snow, rocks, Salt, and last but not least Theft.

Jack

Just what I was getting ready to say!!! Good job Jack!

[ulflyer]

I was wanting to get some opinions. I am trailering (open flat Aluma) from Michigan to Arizona here the end of the month. Called and talk to a dealer, and he said that he would fill the tank and add the Marine 360 Sta-bil instead of the regular Sta-bil. I was just looking and the Marine 360 version is an ethanol additive, and I know most gas has ethanol, but the regular version of Sta-bil reads alot different in both descriptions. Also the service guy said to take the battery out if possible, when I asked about it. What is your opinion? I also have to find a way to protect my Ultimate seat , arm rests, and seat back from possible salt etc.

Assuming you will be doing some riding in AZ, I'd leave battery in, and forget the Sta-bil as that is for long term storage...like over the winter.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Steve,

Take your seat off, replace when you arrive. Enjoy the warm weather.

Al in Kazoo

......... However if you have not done this before, you need to stuff something in all the spaces near the long bolt at the rear of the seat pan.... if you drop something, good luck EVER finding it ...... Mike