Ok as we all know it's cold outside.. right now it's 26 degrees according to my outside thermometer(sp?).  So for the past few weeks I've had to roll my gs outta the shed and I just end up rolling it down the driveway and popping the clutch..  yesterday it took about five tries.  Mind you it's getting down into the teens at night and below.  I keep the battery on a tender but I was wondering if anyone know of a drop in heating element I can put in the dipstick hole at night to keep the oil warm for when I want to take her for a ride on a clear crispy day.  Thanks in advance.. also the shed isn't insulated but it's something I'll probably get around to in a few weeks.

This looks good, anyone have any experience with an oil heater for a motorcycle?

http://www.reiffpreheat.com/Motorcycle.htm

I've heard of Alaskans leaving a light bulb under the hood of their car, the radiant heat being enough to keep the oil from freezing solid.  It's much cheaper.

If you had one of these:


Or even better, one of these:


You could just set it on the ground pointed up at the engine.


However, I've started my GS below freezing without much trouble, so maybe your battery just doesn't have enough oompfh.  You're not running some nasty 20W50 glue or anything, right?

Its cold here.  Alot of mornings its below freezing and my bike starts first time but being just out of the showroom may help a bit.

Quote from: NWDave on December 18, 2006, 12:46:40 PM
This looks good, anyone have any experience with an oil heater for a motorcycle?

http://www.reiffpreheat.com/Motorcycle.htm

I don't know about it on a motorcycle, but Reiff preheaters are well-regarded in the aviation world.

Chuck stole my idea!
The light bulb would give of a fair amount of heat, you won't need high wattage, 60w should be fine.

thats what i use to do, see down here in south florida, 30* is too cold for most our humid summer beaten cars/batteries.  i use to leave a 60W bulb under the oilpan of my bike and put a cover over it  to help keep everything warm.  it works

Pop the seat and just spray a small amount of Ether in the Airbox.IF you must go the Hating Route you can buy a Magnetis Oil Pan Heater from your Local tractor Supply.Of course magnatism would be a Problem on an  Aluminum oil Pan but it may stick to the Bolts.

I thought about ether as well, our 10k forklifts in San Antonio had them.  I am curious as to where I would buy ether.  Tractor Supply, Big R?

Well I went to the local Big R and picked up some starting fluid.. sprayed it in the filter and after a few seconds she came to life. 

Yeah Any Auto Parts or Tractor Supply will have Starting Fluid.

Another way to Start them is to use a Propane Torch.Take the Seat off and Just open the Valve on the Torch and Stick it in the Filter. Don't Light it though.

Quote from: Jughead on December 19, 2006, 04:20:58 PM
Don't Light it though.

Up until then I was thinking, what is he crazy??