*NEVER* DO THIS TO Your Harley Davidson Motorcycle! - Kevin Baxter - Baxters Garage

[@ronb1250]

I’ve been trying to tell my buddies that for years. Thanks. They might believe you explaining it a lot better than me.

[@philweed1603]

No you didn’t. You were the one doing this. Don’t lie.

[@greenrush4313]

i belive i belive belive me i believe

[@smasheddragon]

I always said let it run 30 minutes so it don't rust .. my guys didn't get it either

[@rcannon409]

There's about zero chance any of them change their behavior after watching a video. After all, they base their original decision on nothing . How and why would the truth help.

[@arthurjock4179]

@@smasheddragon7886

[@garycb8592]

Hear my neighbor starting his Harley in his garage every now and then. I get a chuckle out of it as he is a know it all. Happy New Year.

[@roycarlson6783]

Thank you sir,I've been storing for years with 0 starts in winter and still runs like a champ in spring!!

[@Big2Wheeler]

I've stored my bikes in non-climate controlled garages through Winters that get well below zero degrees for over twenty years. I give it a good wash and polish, ride it up to the gas station, add Stabile, top the tank off with 91 octane, run it a few miles back home. Jack it up off the floor to preserve the tires, plug the battery tender in, plug the ends of the mufflers to keep critters out and cover it up until Spring. If the oil has less than a thousand miles I don't bother to change it before hand. I either change it before or when I take it back out. It's worked well for me so far. Great in depth explanation as to why we should leave them alone and not start them for short periods.

[@jimbo1959]

You don't take your battery out??

[@NaziHampster]

@@jimbo1959 He did say that he put a battery tender on it.

[@CamaroKris79]

I love how he's doing this video inside a machine shop....dude knows what he's talking about. Basic science folks, proven science. Not to mention, his shop looks like a NASCAR engine shop. You can eat off their floors. The level of professionalism is inspiring from the old pros, and this guy is one of them.

[@MrHLDaniels]

Thank you for the information. I'm a new Harley Davidson Tri Glide Ultra owner. I'm a 21-year disabled Air Force veteran, recently widowed and I appreciate your video and information. Concerning the operation of my vehicle, while it's not being operated on a constant basis, it is important and vital to the longevity of the vehicle. Thank you again.

[@thomastrevarthen4865]

Thank you for your service. Sorry for your loss

[@niemi5858]

74 year old Canadian here. I bought my first motorcycle, a new 2001 Heritage Softail, about 4 years after I became a widower. I put a lot of miles on that bike as my daughter was in the Air Force and moved from base to base. Then I graduated to a new 2006 Ultra Classic for a more comfortable ride and I sold it 3 years ago after I broke my neck in a head on car wreck on Christmas day so you'll have to do my riding for me brother. The bikes were the best antidote for the grief and helped me design my new life. Take pride in your ride and thank you for your service.

[@virgilastacy5281]

TY for your service Sir

[@bushythebird]

Well said Kevin. Thanks for spreading the word. I am also of the belief that your battery suffers when people do this. 5 or 10 minutes of idle time is insufficient for the charging system to replenish the battery from the heavy draw required to start a bike when it is very cold. Our batteries are already small, it doesn’t take much abuse to shorten their life by a couple of years. Thanks for everything you do.

[@joshuaboatright6678]

I agree, I believe harley claims on some models you have to ride atleast 8 miles to charge everything up properly.

[@teecee3918]

Exactly right with reference to the battery 👍

[@toddgittins5692]

Always use tenders on stored vehicles. Especially, smaller batteries.

[@me-xz2xn]

I use too start mine every month, live in canada -25-30 in un heated shop Fire up the wood stove get it up too tempurature… Fire up the bike let it run for 15-20 minutes, rev it gently once in awhile …. Never used a maintainer on a battery ever…. Bike and battery is a 2012 battery still in the bike…. Bike still runs beautifully….. But then again its a victory , its bullet proof…. 12 years on same battery, just let that sink in… FACTS

[@markwhite8543]

I was in the power production industry 20+ years ago. In that industry, they track the number of cycles (start up to shutdown) each turbine goes through instead of running time. The turbine is designed to run at speed under load for long periods of time with little to no wear and tear. But each time it goes from dead cold to operating temperature, there's a ton of wear. Maybe we should start tracking how many times our engines start up instead of how many miles they have on them for maintenance purposes. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so freely. It is rare for someone to be able to understand a subject at the molecular level AND be able to explain it to the degree that you do. Again, thank you.

[@adotintheshark4848]

startup is where nearly all wear occurs on an internal combustion engine, both when it's cold or warm. Stop/start feature on cars harms the engine.

[@niemi5858]

That's also true for semi trucks. You can put an enormous number of miles on a diesel truck engine because they go through a lot fewer heat cycles than a car or bike does. I live in Canada and the winterizing advice Kevin gives is bang on.

[@tattoomiked4612]

My bike sleeps on a lift in my bedroom. We speak sweet nothings together nightly. I crank her up regularly during the winter. She's never Rusty or gassed. Lol😅😂😅

[@michaelkeyes3856]

But I bet them pipes are crusty!!! Good girl that bike is

[@jeanpaullavieille5806]

Lol not to smart 🤣

[@boogieman6661]

This taught me A LOT. Thank you for sharing.

[@mschildgen863]

Thanks for this awesome advice. I did 25 years in the USAF at northern tier bases. So many times when people deployed they stored their bike in a buddy's garage so they could "start her up every couple weeks". These people are convinced that's necessary in order to keep oil circulating and charging the battery, neither of which happen properly from s bike idling for 20 minutes!

[@lozada1971]

You still my favorite HD mechanic on KZbin. The way you explain things makes it easy for me to understand.

[@wadeltopp3270]

I’m new to Harley Davidson and bought a 2005 CVO Electra Glide Classic with 16,000 miles. Thanks for the best “TIP” ever for keeping my ride in perfect shape for years to come

[@EddieUltimateChampion]

I’m speechless. I had my bike stored for 3-4months. I took it to get Dyna tune because it was running funny. After Dyna tune guy told me I should change my oil. Every time I started the bike, it sounded loud and aggressive, almost like a cold start waiting to warm up. Immediately after doing an oil change the bike sounds loud but calm. It’s hard to explain, English is not my first language. This video made me realize a lot, but the nail in the head.

[@juvalblue4725]

Thanks Kevin for what you do. If I have to have motor surgery done your shop is the only one that will work on my bike . Thanks 😊

[@tmburke1]

Can you please bring back the engine teardowns/builds? Also, I have resolved a miriad of issues just listening to your question and answer periods! Hint, hint. Thank you for everything your channel provides, god bless!

[@royalblue2043]

I have heard this advise somewhere.But very good to hear it again . Makes a lot of sense. Thank you .

[@scottstearman-ld8zr]

You do an EXCELLENT job of enlightening people on this subject! Thanks brother

[@papichulo7757]

When i start that street glide up you better believe I'm taking a ride no matter whats the temperature outside.

[@Mybalzitchin]

Thanks for confirming what I've been doing for years is the right thing!🤙 Been trying to tell my buddies for years to do this and they just laugh at me. I sent them this video....😎

[@RILLAMAN84]

I live in Florida. Our winters don’t last long here. I’m a new rider, so this is good information. Thanks for sharing.

[@Ron-FabandBuild]

Best explanation I have heard yet. Thanks Kevin. Always enjoy your content.

[@dojocop]

I absolutely agree! Great thorough explanation! Thanks brother!

[@AdrenLnFueledScholar]

I started my 2022 MT-10 today after 2 months. Let it get to operating temp and put it under a riding type load for how I ride it. Gradually hitting the throttle harder and harder. Shot a couple of flames then backed it down and let it simmer down to an idle then shut her down. This is the first time doing this. I am thankful for your upload. This is the last time I will be doing it.

[@eddiealvarez5493]

Thank you , Mr. B. For your Knowledge and mechanical wisdom on our two wheel horses 👊

[@DDawg-wj3um]

I've been starting my bike and letting it warmup for 11 years. In the Winter. This was a very educational video.

[@sipnscoot3049]

Well if I store my Harley for long periods of time, I always spray a bit of oil down my spark plug holes. Not a lot! And crank it a few times and that it. And stabilize the fuel. Than when I’m ready to ride for the season? I pull the plugs out and crank it to exhaust condensation and what ever else is sitting in there. When I’ll check down the holes for debris with my little camera. Than put it all back together. And than fire it up. Go for a 20 min ride. Come back and do a fresh oil change. Matter if it needs it or not. Been doing that for 20 years. My bike still has great compression and runs like the day I bought from Harley brand new!

[@anthoniemertes6616]

I agree with what you are saying, being a mechanic myself. However, I live in Minnesota and start my 2018 Road glide once every 2 months, warm it up for about 20 minutes or so and shut it down. The three times I do this is to keep the fuel injector clean with new fuel and my engine and seals lubricated and moving. The three times I do this in the winter is not going to rust my engine or cause any issues. Just my way of winterizing mine, runs great every year.

[@Cacheola]

Keeps the battery happy too. I do same

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Do you use fuel additives over the winter? I live in Pennsylvania and my 04 usually sits Jan thru March. I used to use it, but I don't anymore, I just keep the tank full with 93 octane.

[@boscodog4358]

Short drives will rust the exhaust muffler on a automobile very quickly. Great advice Kevin.

[@LilYeshua]

1970's Automobiles around the early eighties that were driven for less than five miles per trip would have rusted out mufflers as compared to normal ten through twenty mile per trip drivers. Most of these drivers were elderly city dwellers. I used to see a lot of that working at a service station back in the late seventies and early eighties. There were meineke muffler shops that made quick business replacing OEM mufflers with their less costly thin wall economical brand mufflers which rusted out within a year and that's in the southeastern US were it's a extremely rare occasion to ever get snow and road salts

[@emersongraves5869]

Great tip, I was just about to warm my engine but I’ll wait until the weather warms up and take it for a spin.

[@dennishowell6494]

Thank you Kevin for putting this out there a lot of people do not know this keep up the great work

[@waggitnshaggit6592]

I still do it,I like today's ethanol fuel moving rather than sitting,along with the bio diesel,in my work we short cycle all the time and with metals and oils used today we do fine it is the fuels and emissions that have caused limp modes and won't run.

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Great advice Mr. Baxter , I have always done that when my bike was running lol .

[@CoastlineMx]

I had learned this very same thing in school for motorcycle mechanics. Crazy how many people think that this is just a myth and there is no truth to this. Thanks for making this video it's very good info to have in the back of your mind.

[@ronaldhudson5678]

Thank you that is the most logical advice I have heard in a long time 😊

[@dtork47]

Thanks for reinforcing the concept, makes perfect sense up here in MT! Stay safe and have a prosperous and healthy 2024.

[@peterwgoertzen2472]

I have no set time. Rarely do I get to watch it live but will watch later what ever is available. Love the shop and what you do. From the great white north, Thanks man.

[@LilYeshua]

Thanks. I didn't know that. On my 88' 883 Hugger i purchased new and kept it on a battery trickle charger over the winter and started it up at least once a week just to hear it run and wished the weather was warmer to go riding. When springtime came i did a full inspection on it and realized that the wheel bearings and races showed signs of corrosion pitting in which case i replaced the bearings and races. The bike was stored in a non heated garage.

[@Greenjeans2020]

Totally agree! I store my bike with non ethanol gas with Seafoam or Stabil. I spray Fogging oil in the cylinders and plug in the battery tender. I do not start it until I know I can take a ride long enough to warm it up and ride it more often. Which in Wisconsin is usually in April.

[@maxxbenzz7842]

U mean like June

[@douglaswilliams9459]

Great heads up. I was guilty of that on my last bike and luckily only did it a few times.

[@garyjanes3803]

Kevin I watch your video all the time all of your videos I would get up in the middle of the night to watch your videos far as I am concern you are the most trusted person on that works on Harleys my belief that you tell the truth I am 70years old and when I grew up everything was secret but I am glad I ran in to your videos please keep the great work you do all the best in the New Year

[@Reatork]

Thanks for this information.. I'm new to owning a motorcycle and this is my second winter and I went out to start the bike to hear it run and make sure the battery wasn't drained (can't use a tender)

[@johnlfrank8078]

I’m busy all the time but somehow manage to squeeze you in no matter what time you choose. This actually works for me 💪Hello to you Kevin. New shop looks great.

[@scruffycavetroll7547]

I can hear the difference even in the summer when I start “cold”. The engine has a higher pitch to it then after about a minute as the engine warms that pitch lowers. Kind of fascinating to hear as I’m hearing how the engine is changing. Pretty cool.

[@briangtester2536]

So nice to listen to someone who have actually thought about the consequences of the things we do.

[@hoyt15flhtk82]

Wow it is amazing how many people here in the north "Iowa" don't know this when we talk about motorcycles or any things with a internal combustion motors. Todays high is -8 and tonight will be -24 actual air temp air temp. Another thing is people don't understand wind chill temp doesn't mean a thing to engines. Anyways as usual AWESOME VIDEO!!! Right now my Yamaha 4-stroke snowmobile is warming up and im going riding. Yamaha is smart on their sleds being mine is FI. When you start machine you don't touch throttle until light on dash has went out. Light is a warning to operators that the ECM is controlling the air fuel mixture by temp to properly get motor to prescribed temp before you should operate the machine, thus protecting the engine from damage. If you do hit throttle before light goes out. There's a good chance that you will foul at least 1 of the 4 plugs. Most fuel injection engines have this already, just no light. Bit if listen to motor and see rpm gauge on Harley its there on my 15 FLHTK. Let the ecm do its job and protect your motor. Thats in the Summer or Winter on start up, in fact whever you start them wait at least 30 seconds before moving the throttle. Your a GREAT MECHANIC and have the best bike maintenance videos on Utube, THANKS!!!!!

[@redfxstc2007]

Thank you, Thank you for this video. I have been preaching this exact subject for years. Most don't believe me. This video will be shared to all who question. By the way, I live in Michigan. Our bikes are stored for at least 4 months out of the year.

[@gnsmk357]

Love this information.So very well put. Was thinking of doing this in the morning with the two Harleys in the garage now will not. Great Video.

[@deweydodo6691]

Glad I been doing just as you said. Park them and check the battery monitor if you want to do some thing good for a bike.

[@og190]

I love the tear down and build up of the different engines . The 1 thing we don't have is transmission work / troubleshooting

[@fredhunley6636]

Well thanks Kevin I live in West Texas and I ride pretty much year round, but battery is been showing signs of weakness always take her for a ride after fired up but tonight I let it warm up and decided to smoke a cigar and talk with the daughter which can never do enough of and did not ride it, I hope I will bypass this problem which has always made sense to me especially when trying to charge battery idling just don't charge it well, can't believe that the battery has lasted for 7 years. Love ya and keep it up your great

[@skitzdaniel3314]

Kind of knew that. But you put conviction to it. Thanks for reinforcing that knowledge. Helps me to know I have been doing the right thing.

[@kenruff5798]

You did a very good job explaining that. I have been telling a buddy of mine about not starting his bike in the cold weather just to let it run for a few minutes unless he plans on riding it for a few miles or so to dry the moisture out of the engine.

[@plugnut4713]

Wow I was just about to do this stupid move on both my bikes. One is a brand new 2023 Softail Standard. Man did this video save my azz. I live in Portland Oregon. So lucky. Huge thanks to you! So grateful.

[@powerman1972]

Great advise! i always change oil before i store anything with a motor for a long period of time.

[@peterbrookes-tee7787]

I have been telling my sons this without the details of your presentation for years. I hope they take note!

[@davidyager8817]

Awesome advice. Thanks for educating the public on the little important things.

[@dingznthingz]

I never start any of my warm weather toys during the winter. I won't even start them while it's warm out unless I plan on getting the engine up to full operating temperature. Even during the summer months, when I start my 2020 Ultra Limited, water drips out the muffler until the mufflers are hot enough to turn it into steam. You are 100% correct about what you are saying on your video.

[@darrinleazer6784]

Well' fortunately it didn't get too cold here where I live in North Carolina, and I was still able to keep riding the whole winter.

[@FSAUDIOGUY]

Great information, I've been wrenching on motors for 45 years and always enjoy learning something I either did not know or something I never even thought about. Thank you Kevin!

[@frankfurther3828]

Agreed. It takes 12 highway miles to thoroughly warm up an EVO. Let it rest. Look the other way.

[@jameswilliams1111]

Great information. I live in PA and I have a 2004 fatboy that mainly sits in the garage. And gets ran in the summer once or twice. Because I have a 2020 cvo street glide that I normally ride.

[@waynedl13]

I never knew this but it makes complete sense. Thank you for sharing this information. 👍🏻

[@BadMFingAtti2d]

I ride to work whenever I can but it's only about a 10 min ride. Sounds I better start making the time to get her out a little longer on the weekends. Thanks for the heads up!

[@budredden818]

Thanks so much for the information I just purchased a new street glide and was thinking about starting it just to listen to it

[@JRBACZYK]

Great information, Thanks for explaining what most of us should already know 👍👍👍

[@Yamahog]

Spot on advice, Kevin. Stay Safe.

[@edwardwiebe8080]

Thanks for the great video . I have started my bike up a few times and not driven it . I sure hope and pray 🙏 that I haven't done any damage to my moter , as I only did this 3 or 4 times this spring .

[@ronaldgelinas6522]

New that for years but you explained it the best way. Now lest's spread the Word.

[@joeharley87]

Great video. Been telling people for years just leave it on a battery tender and start it up in the Spring.

[@NormalSoMDStuff]

Well said Kevin, I always tell my friends that, some of them just don’t believe it

[@silverbullit89]

Nice little machine shop. Thanks for the advice.

[@leonardstanford1877]

I have 2 FXRs & a fuel injected bagger I use Sea Foam & run the bikes on the nagger I just shut it off onthe FXRs I run them & shut the fuel off & let it run out of fuel & never start them till spring . I have never had any issues doing this for the past 20 years !

[@Goldencountry63]

Having lived in a Northern climate all my life the advice given here is absolute. The use of synthetic oils for lubricant does offer better protection but means nothing if you start and run and not burn off any water vapor. My time with a 1995 left outside un-covered for a Winter showed how susceptible any engine is to a high moisture environment. Upon inspection of the oil before start uo it needed to be removed and replaced. Thanks Kevin!

[@williamwallace1127]

Excellent Kevin, Excellent! Thank you for getting this information out. Have been an advocate and practitioner of this advice for many, many of my riding years. Keep the info coming, appreciate it. Welcome to 2024, congratulations on the move and new shop.

[@kencarp57]

Great video, Kevin! I always start my 2012 CVO Street Glide and let it warm up for a few minutes while I put my gear on, then go ride for 30 mins minimum, so I never have to be concerned about internal engine corrosion nor exhaust pipe corrosion. Harley baggers have a large oil pan behind the engine, and the whole system contains 5 quarts of oil. It takes quite awhile to get all of that oil warmed up to normal operating temp and evaporate out any moisture in the engine AND in all of the oil circulating through the pan. Getting the engine AND all of the oil up to normal operating temps takes much longer than many people might think - despite the fact that the engine itself might already feel hot. Only running the engine for a few minutes for a short trip can dramatically shorten its life due to moisture getting trapped in the system, as you pointed out.

[@louieolalia2102]

Great advise to all motorcycle owner. This is applicable not only for Harley Davidson but to all bike brands as will .

[@bradkopczyk9049]

Thanks for the important tip. Great to know Kevin. 👍

[@BigTree412]

Great video true facts I have encountered condensation in my motor running and riding it when it's 0° outside as soon as I noticed the milkiness I did an engine flush and oil change and everything has been fine but it definitely needs talked about

[@throttleGod]

Reading through some of the comments here and kinda seems that folks really just want to "STIR" up the oils and move things around. You can do that by connecting a remote starter up to your starter and press the button to rotate the engine a couple revolutions. Nothing electrical is turned on to ECM - Injectors - BCM, just engaging the starter for some rotation. Just a thought.

[@BigTimsTowing]

WOW... .I'm a new subscriber to the channel, and that, sir, is the best video and explanation of storing any internal combustion engine on the internet today!!! Very well explained. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink it. Good job. Have a blessed day!

[@RobertTipper]

Thank you. I really needed to hear that. I had no idea i was causing damage to my bike. I thought by cranking my motor it would keep the battery up and keep the inside of my motor lubed up.

[@timothymerritt5370]

A few years ago I had this experience vividly delivered on a 2005 twin cam. Wintertime in my region stays in low 40s and sub freezing at night. I was in the habit of jumping on the bike most evenings after work to do errands or run to the gym, generally only two or three miles, then parking it till next time I did another short run. When I checked the oil after a period of time during these short runs, I found the typical chocolate milk appearance indicative of a blown head gasket. Since it is not a water cooled motor, I was perplexed. Did some research and found out exactly what you have explained. All that moisture will also result in very harmful sludge. Thanks for a useful topic.

[@akonitony2]

I use a light hood off a 20 gallon aquarium loaded with two 55W ceramic heaters screwed into the sockets, truned up side down under the engine, to keep it nice and toasty whenever it goes below 60 degrees. Keeps the metal from sweating and corrosion down.

[@markfrank2454]

That’s the reason for the video of my carbureted Road King sitting idling after a ride right before I dropped the oil in all 3 holes I do the last ride for the year on a warm fall day shut the gas off run her out of gas do the oil change and up on the jack with a cover and it gos night night till spring she’s been a good one Great advise to give out to the viewers. I Enjoy your videos sir!

[@nickglorioso6266]

Welcome back, Happy New Year 🥃Honey rocks. Yup rotated my bikes just before Xmas. 45 minutes each. Also filled up the gas tanks. All's good. Stay safe.

[@rickey2186]

Even when I have to make a quick trip to town in my car I take the long route for the same reason Thanks Kevin

[@mikemaatta216]

I'm really glad I came across your video, thank you for that great information !! I had no idea about this condensation build up, I live in Montana and store my bike in the winter . Thanks for the valuable info !!

[@hotrod5853]

Great advice, I never start it either. Put trickle charger on it, and once a month move it a foot so no flat spots can occur on tires. And always use good synthetic oil in it. Cheers guys.

[@budredden818]

Thanks for mentioning about moving it to prevent flat spots on tires , learned two things from this ❤

[@miller152]

Afternoons for the Q&A's! When we're all off work! Love the plethora of information!!

[@eddie8279]

Thank you Kevin for a great reminder! very good information.

[@thomascoppo1217]

Kevin- -nobody on YounTube even comes close to your intelligent and should I say “ clinical” evaluations of world mechanics. Thanks for another highly informative, well articulated video.

[@adotintheshark4848]

This applies to any motorcycle, not just Harleys. If I want to run my bike duing the winter, I take it on a 20 mile ride, both city and freeway riding. The bike gets a half dozen rides during the cold season. Otherwise I let it sit and connect the battery maintainer occasionally. By spring it's always ready to go.

[@joeybobbie1]

Hi, I just came across your Videos and Subscribed. That’s some Great Advice not too many People know. My Father taught me that when I was young. If I start my Bike in the Winter I ride it for about 45 Minutes, then put it up. Same with the Generator. I’ll Run it for about 45 Minutes and put it back up. I’m just getting the Moisture out before too much builds up. I can’t wait to check out your other Videos.

[@walterfechter8080]

Great advice. Thanks, Kevin. God bless.

[@jbt68]

Another great piece of moto-wisdom, Kevin! Thanks so much! 🙂

[@62harleyboy66]

My putts winter slumber is only interrupted on Christmas day for a 30-45 minute ride, only to be put back on the trickle charger and covered until spring makes its welcome appearance!

[@RicardoHernandez-k4r8p]

Hope i haven't messed up my heritage , heard it from a friend , but I'm happy i watched your video , I'll won't be doing that anymore

[@marvinelvis2989]

Great discussion as always. Thanks!