Harley-Davidson Storage – long term or winter. Riding in San Diego and in New England can be different but at some point we might have to put our motorcycle into long term storage. Bob reviews the steps he feels are best practices be it Alaska or Florida but not outer space.
For more videos and tips on motorcycle storage read this Article:
http://www.fixmyhog.com/post/store-motorcycle/
When you’re adjusting the primary chain on your Sportster model, it’s always specified to adjust it in the tightest spot of its travel. Whether you use the hot or the cold measurement, Harley specifies that you do it in the tightest area. Bob teaches you a quick and simple method for locating the tightest spot in the path of the chain. He stresses that any time you are servicing inside the primary you should always unhook the negative cable.
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Now that you’ve fully serviced your Harley Sportster, you can take the opportunity to check all of the safety features on the bike. Make sure the lights are working properly, the horn makes noise, turn signals are operational, and all grommets are in place. Then you should check the throttle, add oil and fill the tires to the correct level. Once your finished with the service, get out and ride!
*****The service manual states you should follow your negation cable down from battery and remove nut that secures the connector to ground stud on the crankcase boss behind the starter motor assembly. You will need to do the reverse during installation.
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Bob takes you through the step-by-step process for throttle cable service and adjustment, and air cleaner service or replacement. He discusses the different parts in the throttle system, their specific roles and how to clean and take care of them, then teaches you about the elements of the air cleaner.
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Bob and Mark put an older Sportster up on the lift to show you how to service the front and rear brake calipers. They teach you which parts to remove, clean and replace, and discuss the components of the single piston-style caliper assembly and how they work.
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Haha, mice in the pipes, too funny.
Don’t laugh too hard… i haven’t found them in my HOG pipes… but they nested in one of my computer printers… and i was using it… so i believe it… 🙂
Thank God I live in Florida. I ride pretty much every day of the year. Daytona Biketoberfest now on the 17th of October and close to 90 degrees today.
Hi John – Nice! How’s Biketoberfest this year?
Ya never know – would not be cool having Mickey’s playhouse blown all over the shop when you fire it up
this winter storage video was very helpful. especially when the bikes are gonna be stored at my boss’s garage. and there are boards to prop it on also. and the steel wool in the end of the pipes are gonna be helpful also since there are mice that get into the shop.
Hi Roxanne, I’m glad the video was helpful.
Bob you crack me up (respectfully); they way you beat our heads with your advise & common sense.
Outstanding videos!
Thanks,
Jose “Joser” Mejia
Hi Joser – I’ll pass it along to Bob – he’s a BIG common sense advocate.
WISCONSIN WINTER STORY.During winter storage yrs.ago,I had mice or a mouse get in the air intake on a kawa z900 under the seat . He must have carried at least a quart of corn kernels into his new abode. Needless to say in spring it would not start. IT REQUIRED COMPLETE CARB REBUILDS and NEW CLEANER,AND MANIFOLDS. Dam …
Thanks for sharing Vernon – they can be a major pain.
Useful info especially safeguarding for rodents and mentioning prep to accommodate the desire for that nice-day winter ride.
Thanks Dave!
We see this questions often: I change all my fluids right before I store my m/c away for the winter.(oil when needed)..is that the proper procedure?..thx.joe…you guys really rock!! – Thanks Joe here’s our recommendation: Joe, that is definitely a good way to maintain your ride if you are storing it in a dry &, somewhat, warm, controlled environment. If the conditions are damp, cold, or constantly varying; it is better to change your fluids after the storage period is over. Condensation can be an issue if these conditions exist.
Good video! I’m storing my ’79 FLH King of the Highway at my Indy’s shop.
Yes the shop is of course heated. I don’t think I’ll need to raise her up off the floor. They are a busy shop. Usually do normal maintenance towards the next riding season. I’m supplying my own battery tender.
Towards the next season they will change fluids, check clutch adjustment,
change plugs, I just changed the air filter element on the Super E carb before she went in, new battery at end of August due to some questionable wiring by “someone” maybe previous owner, I just found the bike 2-days before last Christmas and bought her as a present for me! My first Shovelhead!
The shop has a dyno!….. I’m thinking about a dyno tune. Not so much because I want to brag about the numbers…. I just want her to run perfect.
S&S Super Stock single plugged heads, +0.020″ forged slugs, Super E carb.,
Head Quarters Torquer cam @ 0.465″ lift, Jim’s Powerglide Tappets, Alto clutch on 3-finger hub, true dual exhaust, she starts & idles easy, Rides good thru city traffic, a BLAST on country roads and flys down the freeway all day and night! No issues with the 4-speed transmission, OEM compensator sprocket, 24T transmission and 51T final rear sprocket.
The previous owner had her for 27-years! Now I am the keeper of this AMF
beautiful touring bike.