I purchased a 2003 Gs 500, and I'm wondering what should I do my bike for proper winter storage? Thanks
The only thing that I have done so far is to take out the battery and put it on the center stand
o Run the engine until it is hot.
o Remove the spark plug(s) and lubricate the cylinder bores with approximately a teaspoon of motor.
o Crank the engine over a couple of times. to coat the piston rings and bores with oil. Ensure that the metal bodies of the plugs are earthed against the cylinder head.
o Reinstall the spark plug(s).
o Remove battery from the bike and put it indoors. Disconnect the negative lead first, followed by the positive lead.
oConnect a hose to the carburettor float chamber drain stub (arrow) and unscrew the drain screw to drain the carbs, otherwise there is a risk of jets becoming blocked by gum deposits from the fuel.
o add a fuel stabiliser to the fuel in the tank and fill the tank.
o cover the air intake.
o Tape a piece of thick plastic over the silencer end
o Check the battery's electrolyte level and top up if necessary
o Give the battery a trickle charge for a few hours every month
o Place the bike on its centrestand.
o Position wood blocks under the tyres to keep them off the ground and to provide insulation from damp.
o Deflate each tyre by 5 to 10 psi. no more or the beads may unseat from the rim, making subsequent inflation difficult on tubeless tyres.
o Lubricate all lever, pedal, stand and footrest pivot points.
o Apply a wax protectant to all painted and plastic components. Wipe off any excess, but don't polish to a shine.
o Coat metal parts with Vaseline. When applying this to the fork tubes, do not compress the forks or the vaseline will rot the oil seals.
o Drape an old blanket or bedspread over the bike to protect it from dust and direct contact with sunlight.
There that's a pretty comprehensive list, do as much as you feel is required from it.
oh missed a couple of points
o Pull your clutch lever in and hold it in with tape or elastic bands. This will stop your clutch seizing at all over winter.
o Unbolt your brake caliper from the fork and hang it on a cord from the handle bars. this will stop it rusting to the brake disk.
Quote from: red_philapproximately a teaspoon of motor.
How do you measure out a teaspoon of motor? :dunno:
(And don't tell me with a teaspoon! :P ;) )
Someone hasn't read the FAQ or searched :nono:
From the GS500 FAQ (gstwin.variders.com)
Adam Glass has written an excellent tutorial for winterizing any motorcycle. It applies very well to the GS and can be found here:
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/winter-storage.html
:P
The beauty of doing all the steps outlined above is that, by the time you'e done, it'll be time to ride again!
The teaspoon of engine is not a critical measurement. Remove whatever seems about right with a hack saw, and jam it in the spark plug hole. Or, you can just break off one of the oil filter cover bolts - close enough, and much easier!
I'd insert one of the appropriate smiley's here if I could figure out how. I tried dragging, but it didn't come out right.
What the hell are you talking about?
And, just :? click the emoticon you want to use.
Quote from: scratchWhat the hell are you talking about?
You kiss your wife with that potty mouth!? :? :nono: ;)
Quote from: red_philapproximately a teaspoon of motor.
Quote from: pandyHow do you measure out a teaspoon of motor? :dunno: (And don't tell me with a teaspoon! :P ;) )
Quote from: dhgeyerThe teaspoon of engine is not a critical measurement. Remove whatever seems about right with a hack saw, and jam it in the spark plug hole. Or, you can just break off one of the oil filter cover bolts - close enough, and much easier!
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Quote from: pandyQuote from: scratchWhat the hell are you talking about?
You kiss your wife with that potty mouth!?
You haven't met my wife.
Quote from: pandyQuote from: red_philapproximately a teaspoon of motor.
Quote from: pandyHow do you measure out a teaspoon of motor? :dunno: (And don't tell me with a teaspoon! :P ;) )
Quote from: dhgeyerThe teaspoon of engine is not a critical measurement. Remove whatever seems about right with a hack saw, and jam it in the spark plug hole. Or, you can just break off one of the oil filter cover bolts - close enough, and much easier!
Oh, now I get it.
Quote from: scratchQuote from: pandyYou kiss your wife with that potty mouth!?
You haven't met my wife.
oooooooooooOOOooOOooooh!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
Quote from: scratchOh, now I get it.
So...I know *YOU* do a lot of work on your GS..how do YOU measure out a teaspoon of engine!? :dunno:
I have a graduated syringe with a curved tip from an earwax removal kit. It has a line with the number of cc's on it. 1 teaspoon = 5cc's.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
See...I *knew* you'd know!!! :thumb: :lol: