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

you may think you're doing the best thing for your motorcycle. in fact you're destroying your investment. if you store your Harley-Davidson you need to watch this video. this is the best advice I could give anyone who owns a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

[@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

[@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.

[@roycarlson6783]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@KevinUltimateChampion]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@lozada1971]

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

[@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.

[@Ron-FabandBuild]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@boogieman6661]

This taught me A LOT. Thank you for sharing.

[@dennishowell6494]

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

[@ronaldhudson5678]

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

[@whip-its_dad4239]

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

[@og190]

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

[@dtork47]

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

[@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 😊

[@eddiealvarez5493]

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

[@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.

[@davidyager8817]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@DDawg-wj3um]

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

[@jbt68]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@dojocop]

I absolutely agree! Great thorough explanation! Thanks brother!

[@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!

[@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 !!

[@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

[@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.

[@deezullram726]

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....😎

[@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

[@eddie8279]

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

[@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.

[@waynedl13]

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

[@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.

[@JRBACZYK]

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

[@douglaswilliams9459]

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

[@papichulo7757]

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

[@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)

[@Yamahog]

Spot on advice, Kevin. Stay Safe.

[@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 🤣

[@alvintarrer6914]

Amen brother,thank you, lot of education you provided...HAPPY NEW YEAR 👍☕️☕️✌️

[@Big88Country]

Thanks Brother, great advice!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[@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.

[@bradkopczyk9049]

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

[@chadhelms4948]

Good video. Thanks brother. I have shared this to my buds who ride as well. Very informative

[@shoomapadoo1141]

Happy New Year to you! Great to see you again.

[@marvinelvis2989]

Great discussion as always. Thanks!

[@dave6251]

good to see ya back my friend , happy new year and the best to you and yours

[@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

[@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.

[@powerman1972]

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

[@gynot1357]

Very good class and lesson! Great explanation!!!🤙🏼

[@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.

[@walterfechter8080]

Great advice. Thanks, Kevin. God bless.

[@silverbullit89]

Nice little machine shop. Thanks for the advice.

[@user-ob4nd6or1p]

Outstanding Kevin! You’re the Best!

[@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!

[@RonConsumer]

Happy New Year Kevin and thanks for that advice... 👍👍👍

[@gregkistner1955]

As always good advice Kevin and Thankyou!

[@PanchoRob]

Thanks for the lesson. I learned something today

[@anthonyresto8596]

Thank you for the valuable info my friend much appreciated!👍

[@MrCALIBRATION1]

tahnk you so much!. This affirms my way of getting my bike out after the cold

[@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 .

[@joeharley87]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@peterbrookes-tee7787]

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

[@miller152]

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

[@bobstevenon9525]

Great advise. Thank you Kevin

[@missyz9570]

Thank you, Kevin for the great advice.

[@kennymcquinkiss8292]

Pretty much everything you said I knew about before but I'm glad that you reminded me. Yesterday I was out in my garage which is attached to my house so it doesn't get quite as cold as Outdoors and I have a furnace in my garage as well, I was really thinking about firing up my Harley. But I didn't😊

[@mhindlife]

Awesome thanks for the great advice. I’ve done that a few times. Guess I’m not doing that anymore unless I’m going out for a ride. Maybe I’ll just record the startup and that will make me happy in those winter months 😂 so i can listen to my bike. 👍

[@NeilFLiversidge]

Great work Kevin, thank you very much!

[@scottmagnuson7539]

Another great tech tip . Thanks Kevin

[@jmead6121]

Im from Oxford Ga not far from uR old shop In Winder sorry to see you relocated outta State but glad uR Moving Onward & upward ....best of Luck in all the new adventures & love all Ur You tube content & advice Thanks Kevin

[@tomphillips8565]

Thanks for sharing this information with us!

[@karenshoucairmcgray4902]

Good to know! Thank you Kevin! 😊

[@stephenWHITMER-ft8kf]

Good info. Knowledge is power. Thank you

[@josephweaver9674]

Great advice! Thank you!

[@martinkurtz464]

Great advice. Never really paid attention but this winter has been colder less riding time. New subject I would like to hear about is tires . I feel like were stuck with one brand.😊

[@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.

[@MrDoyle07]

This is great information. People get weird about their Harleys and want to hear them run in the winter. I always fight that. I admit I have not always won that fight but, for the most part I have resisted “the urge to hear” my Harleys in the winter in Michigan. I do leave the switch off and cycle the starter to keep oil pumped through the system… …don’t know if it helps or not but, my Harleys have never given me any trouble and a couple of them are over 20 years old.