Winter Storage - any problems if I remove the battery?

[Gedge]

Have to store my 2019 F3 ltd in unheated pole barn this winter. Just wondering if it would cause any problems if I removed the battery over the winter.

[2dogs]

Not a bad idea if you don't have power to the storage area. It shouldn't cause any problems while it sleeps out its winter storage. Otherwise, just keep it covered to protect it from the elements and if you have power, hook up a battery tender to the battery and you should be good to go. The first winter I owned my spyder I had to store it in a similar situation. Remember to keep the cover tied down so the neighbor's cats can't climb up under it and sleep on the seat. Also, place a couple of bars of Irish Spring soap under it to keep the little varmints away. They don't like the smell, but they do like to build nests in your spyder if they can. They also like to chew on the wiring.

[pidjones]

Rodent control (poison) companies make small plastic boxes to hold bait blocks. I've kept one in the trunk of our GL1800 and now the RTL. Ever since doing so, no evidence of mice in the bike. However, I've found the only effective control of chipmonks (ground squirrels) has been a 1/2-water filled sheetrock mud bucket with a handful of sunflower seeds spread over the surface. Remove the accumulated non-swimmers each day, put in a grocery bag, and drop off at the nearby convenience center. Takes a couple weeks to clear out a colony. Repeat when necessary.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

A very good friend of mine ( who is a master mechanic ) re-moves every Battery from every vehicle He is not using in the winter ..... and stores them in a climate controlled ( heated ) area .... He often gets 10 + yrs from His batteries ...... I do the same ..... good luck .... Mike

[UtahPete]

I think you're asking whether the Spyder electronics can survive being without a power source for that long. I don't think it's a problem, but I don't know for sure. I'm considering doing the same, so curious what others have to say. From Mike's post, it would seem it's okay, even preferred.

[Deanna777]

Also,


Contact your motorcycle insurance company, your premium maybe reduced. Check with your motorcycle insurance company.

I put my spyder in hibernation ( from Oct. to April). But I keep the battery in the spyder.

Deanna

[cravenfun]

Rodent control (poison) companies make small plastic boxes to hold bait blocks. I've kept one in the trunk of our GL1800 and now the RTL. Ever since doing so, no evidence of mice in the bike. However, I've found the only effective control of chipmonks (ground squirrels) has been a 1/2-water filled sheetrock mud bucket with a handful of sunflower seeds spread over the surface. Remove the accumulated non-swimmers each day, put in a grocery bag, and drop off at the nearby convenience center. Takes a couple weeks to clear out a colony. Repeat when necessary.

I use a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze in my buckets. Keeps dead smell down a lot when you can't scoop out the carcass's for a few days in warmer temps and doesn't freeze if in a cold climate.

[tibadoe]

Haven't heard about the Irish Spring soap. I have tried moth balls and dryer sheets before. Will pick up some soap bars and give it a shot.

[2dogs]

Do not use poisons or 50/50 antifreeze, You can harm your and your neighbor's pets.

[cravenfun]

Do not use poisons or 50/50 antifreeze, You can harm your and your neighbor's pets.

I only use that mix in a closed building so my pup doesn't get into it. Plus using the bucket lid with a small access hole is added pet protection.
Those critters get in without a problem.
Safety first just like using the bait stations for the mouse blocks.

[cptjam]

Yes, remove the battery. It will be fine. Put in neutral, parking brake off, chock wheels. Then remove battery, place in a heated area, place on a battery tender. Won’t hurt any of the electronics.

[2dogs]

I only use that mix in a closed building so my pup doesn't get into it. Plus using the bucket lid with a small access hole is added pet protection.
Those critters get in without a problem.
Safety first just like using the bait stations for the mouse blocks.

Poison no matter how it's applied does not discriminate. Sadly, a neighborhood issue nearly erupted in violence because a well-intended neighbor used poison to eradicate a varmint problem and more than one pet succumbed to its use. It was an unintentional and accidental mishandling of the poison. Personally, I would never use it after witnessing the results and the broken hearts it caused. Be careful my friend, please be very careful.

[Gedge]

Yes, remove the battery. It will be fine. Put in neutral, parking brake off, chock wheels. Then remove battery, place in a heated area, place on a battery tender. Won’t hurt any of the electronics.

I think I will store without battery for the winter, why leave the parking brake off?

[Peter Aawen]

I think I will store without battery for the winter, why leave the parking brake off?

That way, you'll be able to roll the Spyder around if needed.

If you leave the electronically activated Park Brake ON & remove the battery, you're either stuck with it ON due to there being no power to release it; or you'll hafta disconnect the Park Brake cable if you ever want to move the 'bike!

[2dogs]

"Put in neutral, parking brake off, chock wheels." Excellent idea.

[Rattlebars]

I don't winterize. I have heated gear (make your own -> https://www.rattlebars.com/heated/) and find a way to ride all year 'round (much easier now since I have a winter home in SC ) If there is no ice no problem. Good on my GL1800 and now F3T.

PS: I have an old walmart Schumacher battery "tender" and believe it or not, it's the only charger that will revive a completely dead battery. Have three other "chargers" that won't. Never gonna toss that one that will.

[190243]

Haven't heard about the Irish Spring soap. I have tried moth balls and dryer sheets before. Will pick up some soap bars and give it a shot.

It doesn’t work they just eat it. moth balls work the best.

[190243]

Pulled the battery out of mine didn’t give it a second thought. did the same with my sleds in the spring when I had them. made sure they were charged up. didn’t keep on charges during the time they were sleeping. (I’m cheap didn’t want to pay extra hydro)

[jneg2]

Most of the above except the use of poisons. Don't forget to cover the exhaust with a plastic bag and rubber bands!
It's too tempting a home for some critters!