Hooking up a float charger is better than no charging for several months, but.......
Over the years I have had better results by giving each battery a full charge once per month instead of hooking up a float charger and walking away. I know, counter productive, but not all float chargers are created equal. I've been doing this with a stupid number of sea-doo, lawn and garden, snowmobile, motorcycle batteries for a very long time. Have used Battery tenders, Optimates, CTEK chargers, even Optima chargers (not to be confused with Optimate).
Some of the float chargers actually do give it too much of a charge, and the battery will only last 3-5 years instead of 7-8. This has been my experience. I will NOT connect a Battery Tender Jr. and walk away, it will catch up with you. Seen it over and over. The advice to buy a better charger is good, they will have a better programming sequence and are less likely to overcharge. There is a difference between the $20 units and the $50 units.
By the way, I still have the original battery in my 2008 Spyder GS since late 2007. It is highly unusual for one of my small batteries to not last for seven years.
As for fuel, non-oxy premium is FAR better for storage than any oxygenated fuel. Regardless of the fuel, use of a high quality fuel stabilizer is better than a cheap one like Stabil or Seafoam. Go for a quality product like Yamaha Fuel Med RX, one of the best. Again, you get what you pay for.
if you do want to start the engine every now and then, you MUST bring it up to full operating temperature before shutting it off or you will do far more damage than good. Water is a by-product of combustion, so a quick start does little more than put water into the combustion chamber and exhaust system. It is good for the seals to get lubricated and keep the fuel moving, so once a month fire in the hole is what some do, but ONLY if you let it warm up all the way.
Most will just change the oil, give the tires a few extra pounds, stabilize the fuel, start it up and get it good and hot, shut it down and hook up the float charger. This usually works well. I also like to give it a good wash beforehand to get rid of any residues that could cause corrosion. But I will charge the battery once a month instead of walking away.
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