Winterization Tips?

[countrydad]

It is beginning to get cold here in Southeast Idaho, so I will soon be parking the bike for the winter .

Last year I removed the battery and added some fuel stabilizer to winterize. GZ fired up without any problems this Spring. Any suggestions of further winterization?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by countrydad

Last year I removed the battery and added some fuel stabilizer to winterize. GZ fired up without any problems this Spring. Any suggestions of further winterization?

If it is anywhere close to needing an oil change, do it now instead of in the spring.
If you haven't lubed the chain lately, do that too.

How/where will it be stored? If it is protected at all from really extreme cold, it is not necessary to remove the battery. A battery tender type charger with a "quick connect" is handy. If the battery is healthy, a couple of hours a month is plenty to keep it healthy.

Be careful to NOT leave the petcock on PRIme !!

Make sure the tires are up to pressure.

That's about it.

[mrlmd1]

[quote="Easy Rider"

If it is anywhere close to needing an oil change, do it now instead of in the spring.
[/quote]

Good idea- same as with a boat, car, or any engine. Store it with clean oil rather than
letting the dirty oil with acids in it sit for 4-6months eating up the engine while you wait
for spring to come.

[Jer]

It gets downright COLD here. (IA) I'll remove the battery and take it inside.

Now to sound really stupid:

Be careful to NOT leave the petcock on PRIme !!

Huh????

[Sarris]

We don't have that season in Florida, so I can't help you!

:haha:

[mrlmd1]

The fuel petcock below the left side of the gas tank has 3 positions for the valve - on, reserve, and prime. Look carefully at it, read the manual, and put it on ON, not PRIME, or fuel will be continuously dripping into the carb and on the floor if left in that position.

[Jer]

Ahhh Got it. Thanks!!!!

Sarris: Yeah, but you have HURRICANES!!!!!!!

[jonathan180iq]

I'd add fuel stabilizer to the mix again this year too. Also, I'd crank it once a month.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Jer

It gets downright COLD here. (IA) I'll remove the battery and take it inside.

Yes, I KNOW how cold it gets; I lived in Des Moines for 2 years.....and where I am now isn't far off. If the bike is stored INSIDE a building, even one that is not heated, it is not necessary to remove the battery....if it is kept properly charged. Cold will not harm a charged battery until it gets to -40 F or so for an extended period.
But then, if it somehow makes you feel good, go right ahead.

+1 on the previous answer about PRIme.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by jonathan180iq

Also, I'd crank it once a month.

Haven't we discussed this before??

It is NOT a good idea to start a bike while in storage UNLESS you can let it run long enough to get up near normal operating temperature.....something like 5 to 10 minutes. In addition, with the GZ, just sitting at idle may result in a net loss of battery charge so you need to check the battery charge anyway.

NONE of the "professionals" who give storage tips recommend that; there must be a reason.