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! )

Someone hasn't read the FAQ or searched  

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

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!?      

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! )

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: pandy

Quote from: scratchWhat the hell are you talking about?

You kiss your wife with that potty mouth!?

You haven't met my wife.

Quote from: pandy

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! )

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: scratch

Quote 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!!!    :lol: