Getting ready to put up for the winter

792 Views 13 Replies 10 Participants Last post by clouddragon9, Oct 28, 2009

RobTheHillbilly

Discussion Starter · Oct 27, 2009

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I am getting ready to put the trike up for the winter, the mornings when I go to work are getting down in the mid 30's and the afternoon weather is starting to get that late fall crapy feel to it. Other than the obvious things of a full tank with Sta-Bil, and the anti freeze checked and topped off, and the manditory smart trickle charger, anybody got any other pointers for me that I should do? ( I know someone will say ride til the snow flies, but I don't like cold weather and anything below 50 in the mornings is cold to me)

I have started me a list of things to do in the spring from reading so many posts on here that my wife is wondering if I have lost my mind:cheeky1:, I don't suffer from insanity I enjoy every minute of it:waving:.

Thanks to everyone who took time to post the tech helps and also for welcoming me into this fine community.

Don't think just 'cause it's winter that this Hillbilly hibernates and don't do nothin, it just gives me more time to ask WHY and WHAT IF?????

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skoto1

· #2 · Oct 27, 2009

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if you'll bring it to me i'll take care of it for you this winter and give it back to you next spring ready to go.

:cheeky1:

:cheeky1::action::action::action: no charge of course that's just the way i roll.

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SETHAN12

· #3 · Oct 27, 2009

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Start your wing every 2weeks to a month to keep everything lubricated and this will also keep the battery at full charge without a charger. I have had quite a few battery's die while on a charge and do not usechargers anymore.

Was out riding today:action:The crisp air felt great.:waving:

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clouddragon9

· #4 · Oct 27, 2009

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Drain the oil and put new oil in the engine. Come spring drain again and replace with new. Oil will attract water so you want to drain it come spring, but in the meantime you don't want a bunch of nasty oil with entrained "stuff" settling in the engine either. This is probably the most important thing past stabilizing the gas.

Speaking of the Stabil - don't just dump it in the tank. Run the engine and get the treated gas throughout the system. Some people like to shut the valve off and let the system run dry, others like to leave the system full. I personally like to leave gas in the system, but I do pull the plugs and crank it once just to empty the cylinders.

I like to pull the plugs, spray a LIGHT shot of WD40, and then replace the plug, so the cylinder doesn't develop spot rust.

Spray a rag with a LIGHT amount of WD40 or similar, stuff into the pipes. Cover with a plastic sack so you can keep the critters out of the exhaust. Place a Downy dryer sheet in the sack to deter mice.

Put the bike on the center stand, put a 3/4" piece of plywood under the tire(s) to keep them off the concrete floor. Make sure you put the bike on the center stand so gas (sometimes oil) doesn't seep into the LH cylinders. This also reduces the pressure on the various LH side seals, such as the shifter seal, etc. that can leak oil.

Lay about some Downy dryer sheets to keep the mice away from the electrical wiring.

This is also a good time to clean the bike, check for any small leaks or issues, worn wires, etc. etc. etc. Plenty of time coming to fix whatever possible "weak links" that may be present. I've found many a loose bolt, rubbing wire, and small leak during my year end "inspection" that didn't turn into a big problem later because I found/fixed it early.

Come springtime I like to drain the brake fluid (being hydroscopic it will attract moisture) and replace with fresh fluid. I usually replace the brakes near the start of riding season also, so I usually do this all in one shot.
I also like to pull back the boot and grease the splines at that time, as well as other lubrication points. Reference the manual - Mother Honda is the best guide.

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highcountry

· #5 · Oct 28, 2009

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After reading that, let me know when your bike goes up for sale!

On the back of Sea Foam it say's that it is a fuel stabilizer, never tried it.

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CaptainMidnight85

· #6 · Oct 28, 2009

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clouddragon9 wrote:

Lay about some Downy dryer sheets to keep the mice away from the electrical wiring.

I was going to go with the, "If those are Hillbilly mice, maybe the 'ol swimming pool in the 5 gal. peanut-butter-bucket" thing..., but maybe RTH has no mice or can't do 'em in like many of us can... I've never tried the dryer sheets and just recently heard of it, but disposal of them critters is best... either by cat (my preference) or by bucket.

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highcountry

· #7 · Oct 28, 2009

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I prefer a 45 acp, but the little critters get mean if you don't hit-um between the eyes.:coollep:

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Bike...and Dennis

· #8 · Oct 28, 2009

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What is winter, and why are you all so afraid of it? :?

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skoto1

· #9 · Oct 28, 2009

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i ride all year unless theres snow or ice and that's very seldom here. hb just don't like the cold. we just got back from pigeon forge rained a lot and was 39 when we left. just right. sorry hb but i ride and not too far from you.:action:

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RobTheHillbilly

Discussion Starter · #10 · Oct 28, 2009

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Skoto no wonder you don't get much snow down there, you're in the flat lands, I'm up here in the mountains in E. Tenn. and it's shaping up to be a real crapy winter. Was told today that some of the "old timers" are predicting a very rough winter, and these guys have been right more than times the weather service has. It has been nothing but a cold steady rain since last night here and is supposed to clear out in the morning.
Dennis, I guess that anything below 60 and you'd freeze :cheeky1:

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nsjoe

· #11 · Oct 28, 2009

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Bike...and Dennis wrote:

What is winter, and why are you all so afraid of it? :?

....that's not right.

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Dubswing

· #12 · Oct 28, 2009

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Why do you want to "Rob the Hillbilly?":cheeky1: Seriously, I ride all winter. I wouldn't put it away, there are too many days you can get it out and ride.

Bernie

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Rudy

· #13 · Oct 28, 2009

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I'd say wait another week and a half and come ride with us on the 7th of Nov. first.
You might think it was worth it.

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clouddragon9

· #14 · Oct 28, 2009

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I would prefer to ride year round (less ice or snow days). Problem is that the bikes have nearly ZERO rust protection - even when things were dry, the salt from the road treatment would just attack everything. After two years I had to replace the exhaust. Every year I had to touch up (sand and paint) spots on the underside of the frame.

After that nightmare, I put the bikes up ~Thanksgiving and break them back out come mid-Feb or early March. Not from the cold - just the salt.

I've been accused of being pretty detailed on my maintenance. In my mind, the two best rules to do with nearly any mechanical device are: Don't let it sit, and Don't let it go. Take care of it and they will last forever, especially cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Maintain it and ride it!

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