Winter Storage - Iowa

[Tyris]

How warm does it have to be? Got a third stall garage, no heat, in IOWA so can get fairly cold. What's too cold?

2nd question, it looks like at the end of the season will be on or near 3000 mile first oil change. Change at end of season and let it sit all winter or change it first thing next spring? Which would be preferred?

 

[ARtraveler]

When in doubt--change it out. Then, you will be ready to go when spring arrives again. :yes::yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: We're talking Winter Storage already?? :gaah:

In August???

:roflblack: Sorry... it's 87 degrees here right now!

 

[GuitarPlayer]

When I had my 2013 RT-Ltd, I stored it in an un-heated garage with a battery tender attached and had no issues. Always started the next spring.

Tony

 

[Chupaca]

Really. ...

If it is enclosed you should be fine if it makes you feel better throw some thermal bankets on...I would put her up clean and ready....:thumbup:

 

[Tyris]

:shocked: We're talking Winter Storage already?? :gaah:

In August???

:roflblack: Sorry... it's 87 degrees here right now!

It's Iowa! Plus if consensus is that I need to look for "warmer" storage I need to start looking now. "Precious" needs a nice place for the winter.

 

[ARtraveler]

:shocked: We're talking Winter Storage already?? :gaah:

In August???

:roflblack: Sorry... it's 87 degrees here right now!

We are having a "typical" AK summer here. 70 degrees about three times so far. Cool, and mostly rainy. Mid 50's today if we are lucky. The leaves are taking on a yellow tinge. Full color in about three weeks and then early Sept. the first big wind will clear the leaves from the trees. Where O where did the summer go? I am back to cooler weather riding gear already.

 

[Bob Denman]

It's Iowa! Plus if consensus is that I need to look for "warmer" storage I need to start looking now. "Precious" needs a nice place for the winter.

Okay... I can see some logic in getting your plan of attack in place. :thumbup:

 

[Easy Rider]

If your coolant has the proper level of anti-freeze in it, the Spyder won't need any different environment than a car, truck or tractor.
A battery tender is good or a monthly shot with a larger charger.

The consensus is that fresh oil is better......but I personally don't think it makes much difference.

 

[Lew L]

Winter Storage

I always change the oil in stored vehicles along with:

A battery tender.

Fluid check

Tire pressure check

General cleaning and a light cover.

In heated detached garage but I'll heat it up if I need to work out there. About the oil change; even though modern oils have "buffers" to neutralize acids produced by combustion I wouldn't trust them to be at full strength for a 4 or 5 month winter.

Mixing acids and bearing metal will cause----------Kaos

 

[Mazo EMS2]

We're in southern WI and all I've ever done with any of my bikes is change the oil before storage, and put a battery tender on it. I do several other things as well for storage, but that's another thread in itself. You'll be fine just letting it sit inside the garage. Your Spyder won't freeze to death

 

[Gator37]

How warm does it have to be? Got a third stall garage, no heat, in IOWA so can get fairly cold. What's too cold?

2nd question, it looks like at the end of the season will be on or near 3000 mile first oil change. Change at end of season and let it sit all winter or change it first thing next spring? Which would be preferred?

I live in central Washington where it often gets below zero or lower in the Winter. My insulated garage seldom get colder than 40º and with battery minder my Spyder does fine. I would change oil before putting away, then you are ready to go. hyea:

 

[cognaccruiser]

As has been said, battery tender on and the temps will not be too cold for the Spyder.

Used oil contains contaminants and acids that are not good for the internal parts when left sitting in your motor for extended periods of time. Why take a chance by leaving it? Change the oil before storage and it will be fine when spring comes.

Gary

 

[MurrayBrown]

Winter Storage

How warm does it have to be? Got a third stall garage, no heat, in IOWA so can get fairly cold. What's too cold? 2nd question, it looks like at the end of the season will be on or near 3000 mile first oil change. Change at end of season and let it sit all winter or change it first thing next spring? Which would be preferred?

Nothing like looking forward to the inevitable! Regardless, there is no such thing as "too cold". Ensure that your coolant is at a 50/50 mix (which it should be) and you'll be fine. Always change oil and filter(s) before putting any machine away for the season. I have never used a battery tender myself, but many others do.

 

[Bob Denman]

As long as your anti-freeze is good: the bike could sit forever in cold storage. :thumbup:
If you want: remove the battery, and take it indoors with you... hooked to a Battery Tender!

 

[Highwayman2013]

Put some fuel stabilizer in the tank and fill it up, change the oil if you want, hook up the battery tender and leave it until spring.

 

[Easy Rider]

About the oil change; even though modern oils have "buffers" to neutralize acids produced by combustion I wouldn't trust them to be at full strength for a 4 or 5 month winter.

Mixing acids and bearing metal will cause----------Kaos

I don't have a serious disagreement with that statement BUT.......
Why do you think just sitting for 4 months would be any different than actually riding it for that same 4 months........with the same "old" oil in it ???

I don't think it really makes any significant difference but a LOT of folks feel better if they change it before storage.

I have never felt a need to do that, IF the oil in there isn't anywhere near the recommended change interval.

 

[Netminder]

Steel wool in the exhaust and some moth balls here and there, keep the little critters away! As well as all mentioned above.:thumbup: