How to Winterize a Motorcycle

[@e_skie2685]

Good tips. I use a cheap Walmart fitted sheet for cover in the garage, won't scratch and keeps the dust off

[@lockdownfighter]

Thankfully here in south Texas you can ride through the winter and never miss a beat.

[@teliamarietv]

Brandon M. Must be nice I’m here in Indy watching this because we go straight from 100 to 10” snow like that and vice versa

[@michaelhoffman8090]

One of the main reasons I'm moving to Texas. Lol

[@vivianament2048]

Thanks guy, my ex always did all this and I was lost! I have to put it away early this year due to surgery I was panicking!

[@tomtomorrow249]

This is very generous of you to share such important process. Thanks man.

[@PhatboyHD88]

I work at a dealership in PA , and we actually got a service bulletin from harley titled “Certain Death” and it was about people starting their bike and running their bikes for 5 or 10 minutes during the winter and then shutting them off... and about all the acids and moister like you said going threw the engine a ruining it ,,,

[@carriemongar8730]

First time bike owner this year 07 Harley sportster 1200 ;) Thank you for the video! I feel more confident winterizing my bike myself now ! :)

[@powerman1972]

Up here in frozen Northern Minnesota our bikes can be layed up for many months at a time. One thing i do is fog the cylinders. A small amount of engine oil can be used as well in the cylinders to keep them from rusting. Good video by the way.

[@TheHarleyTech]

+powerman1972 good point. I thought about mentioning it. Probably should have.

[@N9710A]

Love your videos. Thanks! Just upgraded from my Iron 883 to a 2019 Road Glide Special.

[@shanetowne6530]

I agree with everything but the tank. I always fill up with rec gas. It starts right up and runs well, considering I live in Michigan.

[@MrRoadliner113]

I want this guy to work on my bike. Keep up the good work.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man!

[@MrRoadliner113]

You're welcome!

[@scarecrow33]

This is my first year riding and I've been riding all fall, but snow and salt season is coming in Ohio and I'll have to park the Harley in the garage for winter. Very useful and needed information, I appreciate it man. New sub

[@TheHarleyTech]

+David Fitzpatrick thanks man. Glad you’re enjoying the info!

[@oso_nomada]

Year round Pacific NW rider here🤙🏾 Unless it’s snowing or icy, I’m riding! I average around 12,000 two wheel miles a year. I’m a proud motorcyclist...not a biker. Ride On!

[@oso_nomada]

Tommy Ealey Ride on Man!!! That’s awesome🤘🏾 My wife actually surprised me with my current bike too!!! For my 40th last year she bought me a 2019 Triumph ScramblerXE 1200. I fkn love this bike...we were made for each other! In 17 months, she’s 3K from 20k miles. Ride’em! Don’t Hide’em!!!

[@lordshathis]

Your vids are very informative,i live in michigan so no matter what im storing it,i keep mine on a tender but on the warm days(which is around 40 degrees up here) i start it up for 10 minutes i guess for no real reason other then to circulate the oil,i am now gonna stop doing that thanx for the advice brother.

[@baj1022]

Thank you for filling in the blank. Keep up the good work and I'm happy I found your Channel.

[@williamweaverling294]

How's Clay doing? Much better I hope! Thanks for the video! Ur the best!

[@IMMelita]

I put stabil in the tank, run if for a while and start it once a month or more. My Honda is 20 yrs old rarely need to choke it when i start, still runs terrific with just timely maintenance.

[@nicholasbariteau5231]

Never would've thought to cover my air intake and exhaust. Thanks for the tips man, much appreciated

[@ExclusiveGrant]

Found a mice nest in my exhaust last spring, they legit will nest in there

[@petebrandstrom1038]

I have heard of putting steel wool inside you pipes. Would there be a rust issue?

[@ExclusiveGrant]

Pete Brandstrom You can't use steel wool on its own because the mice will be able to pull it out or chew through it. ... Because of the way it's woven, copper wool is said to get stuck in rodents' teeth, making it difficult to move or chew through.

[@murfdog144]

Hey John! I appreciate this info. Just bought a '17 Street Glide Special a few months ago. New to Harley life. Coming off a' 14 Hayabusa. Gotta a lot to learn. Live in Middle TN so the weather doesn't get too bad around here. Thanks!

[@TheTruckerlyn]

Live in Alaska thank you very much for showing me how to winterize my bike

[@ganonmorrisee6161]

U had better advice than the HD dealer I bought my Sporty 48! & I live in NE OHIO!!

[@alancrane4693]

Thanks john maxwell brilliant information expecially for the British winter months very good advice. wish had your winters you know when the winter is over in the UK the rain is warmer.

[@TheHarleyTech]

+Alan Crane glad you enjoyed the video! I️ hear the winter there is pretty bad!

[@Logan-or5qw]

As a kid, I always wondered why the Fonz kept his bike inside his apartment. 🤔 What if you leave it empty say when the fuel light comes on for less than 2 months before refilling? How long before the rust & deterioration begins? 3-4 weeks? What if you keep it inside out of the cold? Sorry about so many questions but I need some info whenever your not too busy friend. Do all Harley dealerships use ethanol fuel treatment for all the bikes on the showroom floor?

[@stonegallimore1163]

The battery tender really works my dad got 9 years out of one battery using a tender and it only went dead once and that was Wayne he replaced it

[@patforet7336]

Tks for the info. John. Stay bil makes an additive called 360 to counter the effects of ethinol. RIDE ON.

[@cdnrednek1027]

If I had that weather up here in Cda, I'd be riding yr round. I have been known to pull the bike out in January at -30 F , when there no chance for snow and going for a quick ride on the cold dry pavement. Yes, I am crazy, it keeps me from going insane.

[@darrenpaul6453]

Was stationed a Fort Benning for Basic and Airborne school

[@Randystites66207]

I store my bike at my local HD, they do all the necessary requirements and its store in a climate controlled building, since we get so much icy rain here in Kansas, not to mention if I have work to be done they will do that over the winter.

[@x-man5056]

Put the fuel stabilizer in the tank before you fill it up, not after. The filling will help the stabilizer to mix homogeneously with the fuel.

[@jaymartinson3236]

ive always just washed it, filled the tank, took out the battery, took the seat inside, and put a cover on the bike.. From there it just gets buried in a pile of snow and ice... Has never seemed to have any detrimental effects... Starts right up every spring without fail... When spring comes i change the oil, detail it, and its ready to go.

[@gpav1]

How about a video on storing your lubricant and other creams and polishes outside in the garage or shed??

[@scottschaeffer8920]

Thanks John! Now, I know what to do! If somebody is riding in 1ft if Snow and single digit temps, God Bless ya!

[@rkr894able]

First year for having my M-License and first time winterizing my 900cc Vulcan lol P.s Thanks for all of the knowledge.....Winter in Boston isn't fun at all lol. Gave "big dirty thumbs up!"

[@mikemaxwell5121]

Hey up cousin! My '99 Dyna conv. "Betsy" got a stable mate in Oct. "Della" is my new '17 SGS and I love them both. Lately in Ks. our winters have been totally rideable but TY for the info anyway. I "hit the button" as you suggested and look forward to learning and staying in touch. I'm a 50 some year rider that only knows where the gas goes but as a just retired master electrician and contractor I can dig your walk-throughs. Take care pal, Mike from Ks.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks for the sub, cuz! Hopefully I can teach you more than just gas location! Congrats on the new bike!

[@Hey_You_Me]

Being in Los Angeles I never had to do this till now. Thank you for the video.

[@janismaya1820]

I have a question. Long story short. I recently came off an injury. My bike sat for two years. I did the general upkeep. Filled the tank, stabilizer, changed oil all that jazz and did keep it on tender. I am finally able to work on and plan on changing oil, change spark plugs, siphon gas put fresh again it and put a new battery in it. I am hoping I did all the right steps to get it off and running. I did periodically start time to time. It did start up and run. This last time it didn't so I am doing all those steps previously mentioned to get it going. I had reconstructive surgery on my wrist.

[@bobbyt3358]

Hey John, I'm a new subscriber, love your videos. I try and do most of the work on my bike because i don't trust mechanics around Atlanta but would trust you with my bike. Appreciate your time giving us your videos.

[@VCorvelli]

Thank you John I learned today I did the wrong thing. Waiting to change the oil. Woop Woop..thx

[@TheHarleyTech]

It’s not too big a deal. Make sure you get it to operating temp before you drain it come spring!

[@4paulseyes]

Yes, or it won't .... Drain !

[@moose3971]

I finally put my first replacement battery in my 2006 Road King in December of 2015, amazingly enough, I got 9 years off that battery, never put it on a battery tender, believe it or not. However, I rode it year round for the most part, as long as there was no ice on the road, here in Michigan, I was riding. Apparently getting older, has changed me in that retrospect, now both bikes are on battery tenders, and I take my heated car to work in the winter, lol.

[@moose3971]

One side note I would like to make on riding the bike in the winter, that did not work out well for me, in 2014, my rear spokes on the RK broke going around a curve, due to rust at the bottom of the spokes, sent me right into a guard rail. Needless to say, I now make it a point to have it serviced by a certified motorcycle tech. I am fairly handy mechanically, but, having someone who specializes in motorcycles, in my opinion, is always the safest and best bet.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Damn! Glad you made it out of that one ok!

[@freedomsadvocate]

Thanks tor the great channel! Regarding a battery tender, I learned the lesson the hard way on my wife's 2005 SLK350. She would rarely drive it (once every two, three or more months) and so I would have to 'prep' it before she went to drive it. After going through three batteries (at 300 bucks a pop) I finally broke down and spent the $25 on a tender. Lesson learned! FYI I have a 2016 FXDWG and I love it. I might be trading it in on a new Sport Glide shortly, however. Keep up the entertaining and informative videos!

[@geoffozevans4500]

Really good vlog, I am OCD about my bike &winter here is cold, but I will ride on non wet days, Argh I hate winter😎👍

[@petebrandstrom1038]

John, when batteries are taken out of bikes or cars, it is best not to store them in contact with concrete. Put a board or something like that under the battery. Is it an old wives tail about batteries discharging when in contact with concrete? Thanks, enjoyed the video. Gave it a big dirty thumbs up

[@spacetrucker2952]

I keep my bike in my bedroom.

[@stevenfevurly571]

That's easy to do when your bedroom is in your mom's basement!

[@ExclusiveGrant]

Steven Fevurly oof 😅

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

I ride my bike in my bedroom.

[@GRANOLA77]

My dad used to put his 250cc bike in the living room. It was a great conversation starter 😂 😂😂😂

[@chrisaskme811]

@@stevenfevurly571 I practically live in his moms bedroom so, any questions feel free to ask.

[@dougfresh1341]

Thanks again JM. Passing info along to cousin who just bought his first Harley. I'll be out in Nebraska during January...barring snow.

[@leanidis300]

I own a 97' FLSTC all done up nice with Chrome and upgardes ( E27 Cam, Mikuni Carb, Thunderheaders, Arlen Ness big sucker air filter ect.) I'm from Cali but now live in WA State where I'm finding few mechs who can work on my FL. HD will only work on itduring Dec & Jan due to unavailable parts and some shops won't even touch it. I don't want a new bike, just would like to maintain my 97' till my last days...

[@tpv59]

NEVER a problem here in 'OZ'. (Australia) Greetings.

[@Jase-so2tm]

Tassie lol

[@MUTSquizzinator]

Any chance you would do a video on maintenance if you plan to ride your bike during the winter months? A cold weather riding tutorial if you will.

[@TheHarleyTech]

I was thinking about doing some heated gear stuff. Other than the gear, the only difference really is checking tire pressure regularly, and keeping it as dry as possible. The temperature changes effect tire pressure, and the snow, if there is any will only accelerate rust. The "road grime" during the winter in some areas will damage a bike much more than nice sunny summer days!

[@dave32173]

Thanks for the great info buddy, I am now subscribed to your channel, I've owned a lot of bikes but just got my 107 road glide, I live in Washington state and it gets balls cold here, you answered several questions for me, thanks Bro.

[@TheHarleyTech]

+Paknmy.40 glad the video helped! Thanks for watching and subbing!

[@aeromaton]

Lots of good tips!

[@scottscaneh]

What if you keep your bike in a heated garage? I keep my bile on a tender put stabilizer in ir and keep it off the floor

[@marcelodelaosa3987]

Thanks for representing Matco Tools Jon Maxwell I am a distributor and I love seeing my brand represented in shops

[@TheHarleyTech]

My dealer is the man, for sure. Too bad I only wear beanies when it’s cold and never wear any hats!

[@sakatooch69]

Right on man I like your personality and the edit is on point I got a FXDLS 2016

[@TheHarleyTech]

I appreciate that! Super nice bike, too.

[@bbs0884]

The one thing I could add is don't store your battery on a concrete floor it will drain it and kinda defeat the purpose of a battery tender

[@bobstevens9040]

good video dude, I like your style

[@djlarryb68]

Great info 2 know! Thanks 4 sharing!!!

[@Seven.And.The.RaggedTiger]

I already knew how to store my bike,but I watched anyway.. IDK cause I like your vids.. yeah I dont really store my bike cause I ride it.. year round in Maryland

[@gvente87]

Steel wool in the exhaust- mice can eat through plastic bags if they really want to. Plus if you forget about it it'll probably just get blown out when you start the bike.

[@charlieryan1736]

Thanks for another helpful video

[@esmiles3875]

Ty buddy you rock! Love your videos. Be safe my man.

[@RoadKing21-e1p]

I just bought a 2012 Heritage Softail classic a few weeks ago, first bike ever, through a Harley dealer here in NH, tank was topped off FULL not sure if they put stabilizer in it, Service has already been performed by them as far as fluids. no room in garage have to store it under car port with cover on it and battery charging on a Tender.

[@rabtroozirs54]

I have bought a Harley tender for winter.

[@av8dr]

Great tips. Thanks.

[@markferency563]

Comments or thoughts about towing a trailer,i have a 2010 ULTRA Limited I pull a Bunk House version, I Really like it pulls good no wobble no problems, just asking

[@luisfernandez5789]

Thanks for the great video! Can you make a video of proper way to wash your bike? Specifically for matte finishes since you can't use certain products

[@patrickcumiford]

Great content man, would really like to see some stuff on the 17 Low Rider S. Keep up the good work.

[@TheHarleyTech]

+Patrick Cumiford I’ll keep that in mind, there aren’t many of them in the area. I might score a service on one eventually, though. Thanks for watching!

[@sixwheelcarlisle8491]

I went to Basic at Fort Benning 🇺🇸🤓😁👍🏻🇺🇸

[@randycox3521]

So is Missouri's weather I don't have a shop believe it or not I've actually use a bicycle tire pump hook it up to A trickler and start it once a week

[@lisajohnson8566]

Where did you get that tire inflator tool or what brand is it? There are lots of nice dual head inflators out there but I could not find one with that straight on and 90 degree head like you had. That is indeed perfect for bike tires. Thanks for your help.

[@michaelgrech62]

Great advice thank you keep up the great work, I appreciate all the information

[@lmjr66]

good vid John , but me , I would seriously take a hard look at these so called fuel stabilizers , stabil sea foam , you might want to check out liquid performance ethanol equalizer or sentry ,used stabil for years but now I'm a doubter

[@ricksimpson2167]

They make rubber corks to plug the pipes,,,. There's always an open valve that lets moisture into the cylinder,,

[@MrBombom25]

Thanks for sharing👍

[@Joeilliano]

What if you put no ethanol gas ?

[@carm2005]

MEANWHILE, IN MINNESOOOOOOTA.... Bout time to get the studded snow tires on ma Street Glide.

[@martinmorris6271]

Is it better to change the oil at end of season or beginning of season and what if you ride a couple thousand miles a season?

[@steveUSMCpageNOTOLERANCE]

Why Winterize a Motorcycle? I live in NH and ride year round. If your not riding your dyeing . But the video is 100% spot on.. Reply

[@brianr5356]

Chicago here... if I store my bike in the garage and maintain about a 50-60 degree temp in there, do I still need to worry about changing the oil and putting a tender on it? I plan on running my bike a couple times a day during the winter

[@ironheadrick6244]

Great advice. Thanks

[@inquisitivecreations7282]

Don’t ride a Harley, however, it’s still great knowledge for me!

[@philipwoodacre1644]

i keep my battery in the bedroom and charge it for a full weekend every month .the uk weather is never good..

[@wam44]

I thought operating temp was reached after a few minutes-I saw a vid where a guy had a Harley hooked up to the shop computer and it monitored the temp...please advise and great vid-thanks

[@TheHarleyTech]

Engine temp reaches pretty quickly, oil temp takes way longer. Generally 20-30 miles down the road. While idling, the engine would overheat long before oil reached temperature.

[@wam44]

@@TheHarleyTech Hi John-Thanks for responding-How long do you recommend that a bike (2018 Road King) warm up before getting going?

[@EGlideKid]

Thanks for all the vids, John. These are good tips. Am on my fourth Harley, and been riding for ~40 years, but I still have much to learn. Great channel! As far as storing the battery, my CVO came with a charging cable hooked to the battery. Do I still need to pull the main fuse? Do I still need to pull the battery? Or can I just lleave the battery in and keep it plugged into my Tender all winter? Thanks in advance!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Leave it all plugged in. If you pull the main fuse on some of the new models then it won’t even charge because the tender is part of the main harness.

[@jo3440]

John Maxwell hi, love your vids. My 18 fat Bob just got recovered whilst on way to holiday with mates. Dealer was awesome. Voltage regulator/rectifier(?) had failed. They replaced it with one from the showroom bike. I use a battery tender. Could it have caused this damage?

[@reidfamily67]

Thanks so much for the tips

[@LucidAmerican]

Good content bud...keep up the good work!

[@TheHarleyTech]

+MLM Genie thanks!

[@lstruggy]

@@TheHarleyTech so fill it up w Shell premium (Honda vtx1300/2006/4gallons) then top it off w the stabilizer bottle then ride it for 5 min or idle it for 5 min then she’s good to store for like 6 months at a storage? And how often should I start idle her up? Or should I not do that at all? I’m a total noob and got gifted this bike recently by my elderly retired neighbor ! getting my Mlicense this summer 🙏🏽

[@bobgil3464]

Winterizing what's that? In Daytona its 84 degrees in February.

[@robertkerns9044]

Great video's Brother as always ! Very knowledgeable . Thanks again John. Your Brother of the road . Robert L Kerns-Columbus GA 😎

[@samazer1597]

John, Great video like always, i have completely jacked my bike Street Glide special 2019, so the tires are off the ground, the shocks are not touch the ground also. is this bad for my shocks. some one told me that the shocks were supposed to have the bike weight on them all the times. what do you think.

[@TheHarleyTech]

I’ve never heard that. Keeping the tires off the ground is already only needed if you’re not going to move it at all. If you’re worried about it, just roll it back and forth a few times a month during the winter. It’s a perfectly good alternative.

[@rabtroozirs54]

Hi John what is "stable". Thanks for vids and your good humour 🙂

[@apesidewv8187]

Sta-Bil is a brand of fuel stabilizer. You mix it with your gas to prevent the gas from "going bad" and ruining your vehicle.

[@rabtroozirs54]

@@apesidewv8187 Thanks for the reply.

[@43WALTER]

Great video John Maxwell. Been doing most of this on my '09 Fat Bob since I bought it. I got 7 years out of the HD battery even though the bike only had 480 miles on it when I bought it in 2012. BUT I have never removed the main fuse before putting the battery tender to work. Could that be the reason I had to replace the Fuel pump relay last spring?

[@kevinwouters9606]

Nice videos man, keep em coming!

[@TheHarleyTech]

+Kevin Wouters thanks!

[@davegriffin9083]

I liked your video very much, I think you have achieved the positive vibe you were seeking. Its a very mellow vibe but still very positive. I'm new to your channel and was wondering what you might recomend for fixing the high speed wobble on a 1995 electraglide.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks for watching! There is a lot that goes into checking for a wobble. I may have to make this into a video! Tire pressure, tire tread, matching tread front and rear, spokes if it has spoke wheels, steering head adjustment, are all starting points. do you have the bike serviced regularly?

[@walther89]

engine oil been changed before storage, driven 300km, do i need to change it again ?

[@danclark3042]

What about putting a battery tender while the battery is still on bike?

[@TheHarleyTech]

that's fine, It just depends on what temp that battery is gonna be hanging out in. Below freezing temps for a battery is no bueno.

[@Boobtube.]

@@TheHarleyTech I have heard a fully charged battery cant freeze.

[@blakeburdette7171]

Would gaskets go bad if not ridden for 6 months?

[@lazyguy9486]

Hi John, love the vids, thanks. Not sure how to ask a question in a way that you will see it, but here goes nothin. I have a 2019 heritage 114, so I am mostly interested in the details regarding the "coolant." I thought draining fluids made gaskets dry out. And I thought the "coolant" was also "anti-freeze" so why would it freeze? Got a video of how to deal with the radiator and its contents? Never thought I'd miss my old EVO, but it was a helluva lot easier to winterize. Thanks.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Your heritage has an oil cooler. No coolant to worry about. Since you asked, though. As coolant ages, it’s freeze temperature rises. You wouldn’t drain coolant and leave it out, you would just change it to new/fresh coolant.

[@danksolution1693]

I keep my bike In the kitchen. I have never winterized my motorcycles I've owned 7.. I live in the black hills. I ride atleast one day a month during the cold months.

[@Holly1960-]

I keep my bike inside too! .....I ride, let it cool down, bring it inside. Then wax and shine on it. When it rains, or can't ride, wax and shine it some more 😂. Motorcycles are a great addiction! They are an awesome fun thing, that must be taken care of. Ⓜ✔❤🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@MrJasonSalas]

Really dig your videos man. If you don’t mind me asking where did you get that air chuck for inflating the tires?

[@4paulseyes]

Right out of the Harley parts catalog.

[@sportsterrider2087]

What is this winter that you speak of ? California/Hawaii guy.

[@speedyspeed8492]

Great video as always John thanks for sharing. Hardest thing about Illinois winter is dealing with the assholes that go overboard with the salt. Cleaning the salt off your bike when it's 15 degrees out is a challenge it's not so bad if you have a bottle of Jack. LOL

[@TheHarleyTech]

+Speedy Speed haha! Thanks for watching, man!

[@PaulieTheDude]

Regarding oil - you didn't mention what to do after winter. Should it be replaced with another fresh oil(since you put different SAE rated oil)? In my case I didn't change oil on my Iron as owners manual does not mention this step under 'storing your motorcycle' paragraph. I'm just following recommended oil change intervals and that's it. Today's oils has moisture inhibitors in them so water and moist isn't that degrading factor now I guess. The only thing that worries me is metal and fuel contaminants as my bike is relatively new and has only 3000 miles (oil was initially changed after 1000 miles).

[@kenpalmateer]

I live in mid-northern Ontario, where winters can get pretty frosty. As far as the battery goes, would using a battery tender connected to the battery in an un-heated garage for five months be ok? Also, would the battery tender on my Harley be ok with the bike (a 2019 Fat Bob) under a breathable cover. I used to take the battery out of my Yamaha and store it indoors, but that battery was easy to get at. Advice and opinions much appreciated.