picking up an 04 gs500f this Feb.

[RavenX]

Hey guys, im going to be picking up my gs500f this February and I have a few questions.

The bike is sitting inside the dealers, i have it as layaway.  I live in Michigan and we've been averaging around 30s in temps, but im sure that will change either way.  My question is, im going to store the bike in my garage from Feb. till its time to ride in the spring and would I still need  winterized  this late in the winter season (Feb)?  Its not a heated garage and its going to be stored there for about 4 months.

If I do have to winterize it, do I

1) Need to get a battery tender and keep it indoors with the battery?

2) Change the oil filter and air filter before storeing it?

3) change the oil, and what type of oil to use for winter storing?

4) fill the tank up and add fuel stabilizer?
   b) do I need to turn the fuel valve to off and run the engine till it shuts     off?

If there is anyting I left out please let me know. thanks in advance.

[makenzie71]

If I were you I wouldn't worry about it.  March should bring normal riding weather and even a month or two is a waste of effort as far as winterizing goes.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

can't be much help here, but I have a quick question for ya, do you mind if I gank your avatar? That thing is crazy!

[RavenX]

thanks for the replies so far.  So you guys don't think its going to hurt the bike if I keep it in the garage for a few months and not have it wintereized?



Sure you can copy  my avatar.

[Phaedrus]

I would winterize it if it is going to sit that long. 4 months? That is plenty long for your battery to die and gas to begin to junk up Im sure. Check out the GS500 FAQ:

http://gstwin.variders.com

It will have a lot of the information you are looking for.  

[makenzie71]

holy crap I didn't catch the "4 months" part...why so long?  Thats halfway thorugh riding season...

[RavenX]

holy crap I didn't catch the "4 months" part...why so long?  Thats halfway thorugh riding season...

Feb, March, April, May.

The rain doesnt' go away till early may and it starts to get warmed up around that time.  I wish I lived down south.  Thanks for the info and link Phaedrus.

As far as battery tenders go, would a cheap one from walmart be sufficient?

[scratch]

Yes, if it has an automatic shutoff and then comes back on again as the battery discharges again. Definitely run fuel stabilizer through the tank and carbs.

[Phaedrus]

Feb, March, April, May....

...As far as battery tenders go, would a cheap one from walmart be sufficient?

I am sure you will be able to get it out long before May. Most people here in upstate/central NY even get them out in April. Some diehards have the bikes out in March as there are a few nice days, but I don't suggest that for a new rider. There might still be some snow drifts, slippery spots, and whatnot. But I assume by April the roads should be clear? If you are going to be taking the MSF course, I suggest you get on that relatively soon as the classes fill up fast. Grab a tent and camp out front to buy your tickets if need be   I'd personally use April as a buffer month; that is when you should be practicing in the parking lots, getting everything ready, get your gear, etc. That way you AND your bike are ready when the real riding season comes. Think of April as a staging month

As for the battery tender, I don't see why it wouldn't be good enough. As long as it does it's job, the battery doesn't care if you bought it from Walmart or Sear's  

[RavenX]

thanks for all the replies.  

yeah I've already taken the msf course last summer, and easily passed it.  I guess i'll just have to wait and see how April will turn out.  

[monopoly]

I live North of Toronto and ill be bringing it out in April if the weather is good...Its so random up here though, some years snow melts in april...other years it lasts till almost june!

[surlybruce]

Drain the carbs and put battery on trickle charge and you should be ok.

[rclz]

I live in Vancouver, B.C. and the gixxer is already out and about with all this warm weather