first bike, winter advice...

[woggies]

Hello,

I have a zzr600 which is my first bike. I will be keeping covered in a shed for approx 3-4 months. The manual says to do an oil change and spray the metal with WD40.. and to drain the tank.

I was planning on pulling the battery and keeping the tank full with STABIL. and just doing a oil change in spring when I take it back out. Current oil has approx 1.5k on it.

Any advice? Do I need to spray the metal to prevent rust?

Also, do I need to put the tires on stands, or can I just put a blanket or something underneath of them?

Thanks for the help!

[SundayDriver]

Make sure that your tank is full of gas. If you have stands use them, they're to prevent the tires from becoming flat on one surface. Make sure you change the oil before and after storage. Also try to get out and start it every so often.

[tober113]

Originally Posted by SundayDriver

Also try to get out and start it every so often.

I would have to disagree. Starting it up every so often (unless you are riding it and have it up to full operating temp) will cause unwanted condensation in your carbs...or oil.. or something which is worse than letting it sit. Do everything else but let it sit untill you get it ready to ride in the spring.

correct me if I am wrong. I am obviously no expert.

this link might help Motorcycle Storage Tips

[ZZRrocket]

Ahhhh it's the good old "what do I do to my bike for winter storage thread"!

This subject has numerous threads already in place.

*Change the oil and filter

*Insure the fuel tank is full and add Stabil to the Gas, run the engine to insure the Stabil makes it the carbs.

*Plug in the Battery Tender or you will have a dead battery in the spring.

DO NOT START THE BIKE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE LEAVE IT ALONE!

I put my bike on stands. but that's a personal preference.

Get a dust cover style cover, not one made for storing the bike outside. They will hold moisture if you are storing the bike in an unheated garage. I use a flat queen size bed sheet as a dust cover.

[woggies]

thanks everyone, I already put stabile in the gas (2oz) and filled the tank. I will change the oil next week.

The main thing I amunsure about is.. do I need to spray the metal parts (eg. frame) with oil or WS40 to prevent rust? I'm storing in an unheated shed

[ZZRrocket]

Originally Posted by woggies

thanks everyone, I already put stabile in the gas (2oz) and filled the tank. I will change the oil next week.

The main thing I amunsure about is.. do I need to spray the metal parts (eg. frame) with oil or WS40 to prevent rust? I'm storing in an unheated shed

The frame is powder coated it's not going to rust. I have had my 2006 ZZR since October of 2005 and have stored it for four winters so far in an unheated shed at my in-laws and for two wintered in the unheated garage at my house with no issues. If the bike is clean and dry and covered in the storage place, then rust shouldn't be an issue.

I lived in Delaware for 11 years before moving to Indiana, it's that cold in Delaware that you can't still ride. I use to ride sometimes all the way until the end of December weather permitting. It was 72 here yesterday and going to get up to 69 today with loads of sunshine. Don't you think the Stabil was a little premature? Go ride! That's what I'm getting ready to do as soon as I finish typing this. SEE YA!

[Ramrodthrusterpuppy]

Originally Posted by ZZRrocket

The frame is powder coated it's not going to rust.

The frame is also aluminum.....so it won't rust.

As everyone else has mentioned...oil change, full tank with fuel stabilizer and run it through. Personally, I pull the battery and then trickle charge it once a month. I also clean the chain and lube it as well...keeps the o-rings from drying out over the cold months.
IMO, at least use a rear stand if not both....or worst case rest the tires on pieces of wood versus sitting on a concrete floor. Concrete and cold weather can dry tires out over time weakening the belts and causing flat spots.

I also clean my bike from top to bottom before storage....road crud can harden over Winter and be impossible to clean off in the spring.

[woggies]

Originally Posted by Ramrodthrusterpuppy

The frame is also aluminum.....so it won't rust.

As everyone else has mentioned...oil change, full tank with fuel stabilizer and run it through. Personally, I pull the battery and then trickle charge it once a month. I also clean the chain and lube it as well...keeps the o-rings from drying out over the cold months.
IMO, at least use a rear stand if not both....or worst case rest the tires on pieces of wood versus sitting on a concrete floor. Concrete and cold weather can dry tires out over time weakening the belts and causing flat spots.

I also clean my bike from top to bottom before storage....road crud can harden over Winter and be impossible to clean off in the spring.

Thanks, its in a shed with wood floor, so do I still need stands? I've read if you put the tires on blankets or something that they won't get flat spots???

Also, what kind of oil should I put in and should I change it again in spring?

[SundayDriver]

Originally Posted by tober113

I would have to disagree. Starting it up every so often (unless you are riding it and have it up to full operating temp) will cause unwanted condensation in your carbs...or oil.. or something which is worse than letting it sit. Do everything else but let it sit untill you get it ready to ride in the spring.

correct me if I am wrong. I am obviously no expert.

this link might help Motorcycle Storage Tips

Mine's always been in a heated environment, so my winterizing is also a little bit different.

[Ramrodthrusterpuppy]

Originally Posted by woggies

Thanks, its in a shed with wood floor, so do I still need stands? I've read if you put the tires on blankets or something that they won't get flat spots???

Should be OK. Not sure about the blankets, but the goal is to keep the cold from drying out the rubber. I also air down the tires a bit prior to storage...air shrinks in the cold.

Originally Posted by woggies

Also, what kind of oil should I put in and should I change it again in spring?

Personally, I put in the cheapest oil & filter that I can find for Winter storage. Then in the Spring I run it a bit then change it out again to my regular oil & filter.

[ZZRrocket]

Tires aren't really a big deal to me since I change them over to a new set in late Febuary, I normally start riding again in mid to late March. So instead of waiting until spring like everyone else to get tires or service done I do it or have it done in the winter.

[PorkCereal]

Move to fla where you can ride all year. Problem solved. O wait, flat straight roads. Nevermind. lol

[tober113]

thats when California sounds nice.

[rockscaler]

just ride it every week for an hour or 2 , problem solved

[PorkCereal]

Get a set of winter studded tires like they did on SuperBikes and have fun this winter.