Winter storage

Somebody told me to keep the weight off the suspension and tires... is that really that important? I only ask because I don't have a center stand and I'd have to try and figure out a was to lift it and keep it up safely without the risk of something giving way and the bike falling over.

Flat spots can form on your tires from the weight of the bike and sitting in one position over a long period of time. Finding a way to keep the tires off the ground and letting out some air is a good idea.

You can find a centerstand on ebay for cheap Redlinecycle.com will sell you one with the mounting bolts in excellent condition for around $30. Ebay will be the cheapest way to go, either way its money well spent since the stand is handy for other things.

Post edited by: cudaosix, at: 2005/11/23 12:19

if you move the bike aroud occasionally flat spots shouldnt be a problem.i reccomend topping off the gas tank,if you dont rust can formin the tank in the area with no fuel and drain the carb bowls to keep varnish from forming.i also like to crank the engine over once in a while you dont have to start it,just turn it over a little.this keeps thing lubed up and takes some pressure off the valve springs by not having the same valves open all the time.

wireguy wrote:

i reccomend topping off the gas tank,if you dont rust can formin the tank in the area with no fuel

i hear it's a good idea to avoid oxygenated gasoline in the tank for winter storage, cause any condensation can lead to separation of the gasoline and alcohol/water:

www.chevron.com/products/prodserv/fuels/...-nona/concerns.shtml

(so i don't fill up at sunoco immediately before winter storage.)

Post edited by: duncan, at: 2005/11/25 19:51

Another problem with so called oxygenated fuel is the alcohol can and will attack the natural rubber parts like the seals in your petcock. I like to add a big dose of fuel dryer to a tank of gas because I think the bike runs better on it, but I've learned the hard way to be sure I burn it all out in one day. If I park the bike with alcohol in the gas for any extended length of time I can barely get the petcock to open when I'm finally ready to ride.

KZCSI

duncan wrote:
(so i don't fill up at sunoco immediately before winter storage.)

Crap.

That's the last place I filled up...

Oh well, I had planned to drain the tank into my car's gas tank before the storage anyways, the body panals are getting a fresh coat of paint during the winter. As for the suspension weight, I'm still trying to devise a method of lifting the front and the rear of the bike without risk of it falling over. I think I'm going to have to remove the pipes...

Alex_KZ1K wrote:
[quote As for the suspension weight, I'm still trying to devise a method of lifting the front and the rear of the bike without risk of it falling over. I think I'm going to have to remove the pipes...[/quote]

Go to Sears, buy a motorcycle jack/lift = US$79.00...perfect for an LTD w/no centerstand (but you still have to remove the pipes).

Mcdroid wrote:

Go to Sears, buy a motorcycle jack/lift = US$79.00...perfect for an LTD w/no centerstand (but you still have to remove the pipes).

The American Sears has it on sale for $59.99 right now. Here in Canada, it's $159.99... same price as every where else here. Too much money IMO.

How about a home made wood stand?
.

Rob, that's awesome!

I just bought four small (3-ton) jack stands at Princess Auto today (they were on sale for $15 per pair), that will work well enough.

Look in the filebase section under not model specific. Second page I think is a file for a 650_Bike_stand with a how to with dirrections and materials list.

Just saw your above post. That'll work as well. I use 2 jack stands and my centre stand to keep both wheels off the ground.

Post edited by: rstnick, at: 2005/11/26 19:15

I'll check that out.

I would have only had to use two stands if I had a center stand. :S: