Good advice. Everything said in this video would apply equally to those of us enduring lengthy COVID lockdowns. Even though I live in Australia and we can ride all year round with 18 Months of lockdowns I had to go through and "winterise" my Honda Fury and my Goldwing.
Thanksgiving weekend is my winterize weekend. Bike gets the oil/filter changed regardless of mileage on the current oil change. Hydraulic fluids are checked and if near or at two years get flushed and changed along with coolant. Tires and valve stems get changed if needed. ( have my own tire changing machine ) Also check and change wheel bearings if needed. Go over bike and make sure nuts and bolts are good and change the final drive oil and check out the swingarm and suspension components. I clean the bike up and give it a fresh coat of Turtle Wax ceramic spray. Fill the bike up with real gas and add Stabil and Marvel Mystery Oil to the tank making sure it is mixed up good with a ride and in the fuel system. I also keep a 5 gallon can of fuel with the same fuel treatment at the ready. Because we do get good riding days during the winter. So I can keep the fuel tank on the bike topped up. Bike is always on a smart trickle charger. And for the winter months the bike does get covered up once the trickle charger gets to float mode. Don't need the battery venting while the bikes covered up. In the event we have a real cold snap like last year. I will pull the battery and bring it and another trickle charger into the washroom in the house until the real artic stuff leaves. I do ride the bike hard so I take very good care of it and always keep spare tires, brake pads, all fluids, wheel bearings, clutch, brake, side stand switches, oil/filters/crush washers, air filter and other parts on hand at all times so I'm never caught out.
Instead of taping your exhaust (mice can chew threw the tape or bag ask me how I know lol), I just stuff steel wool into the ends (critters will not touch that stuff).
Brake fluid is 2 years not mileage based. Coolant is 3 years and again not mileage based. I have been prepping bikes for storage since 1970 including a 1978 Goldwing I still have and a 26 year old Honda VT1100C2 I still have. I have never added pressure to the tires and I always store on side stand. Never a problem. My simple version is change oil and filter, stabilizer and fill with fuel, wash wax and cover. Everything else I follow recommended service intervals.
Enjoyed the video CM, I was eating lunch at work when I got notified so had a good video to watch. Excellent tips on winter storage. I had to laugh on your God Forbid comment, I couldn’t agree more. My bikes have to be inside. I couldn’t sleep at night if GW and his best buddy Valk had to sit outside. Look forward to the next time we talk about our passion.
Up here, in winter, the moisture in the air is less than it is in the Sahara Desert. So while it can get rather cool (-40 although that doesn't happen too often, -30C is annual) it is very dry. Fortunately my bikes are stored in my garage which, being attached, doesn't drop below about -10C. For Fuel Stabilizer, I go to the gas station, fill up and add stabilizer there then drive the bike home (its only 4 or 5 miles) but that allows the stabilizer to mix better and to get it into the engine. A Battery Tender is a must. The bikes can go away as early as November (or October with early snows) and are there till March give or take. I cover with some cotton blankets - fully breathable.
Always enjoy your videos. I noticed you change the title of your maintenance video to include 2022. I would assume then there are no changes to the 2022 dct tour model? Is this correct? Thanks again.
I know this is off-topic, but was wondering if you have any knowledge of new Sena or Cardo models coming out soon. So far all I have heard of is the new Cardo Freecom 2X and 4X?
Was this the new edit on your new MacBook? How did you find the new laptop? I know some areas have no choice but to winterise their rides, but you should be prepared to be able to take your ride out on any opportunity/break in the weather. Enjoy it as much as you can. Having said that, it’s also a good time to add all those accessories you have bought but not yet fitted 👍👍
Do you have videos that covered the 2010 Goldwing I'm looking to learn about how to do these things on my own even though it makes me a little nervous to try to do it without anyone there to help me. Do you have videos that cover 2020. I know you have videos cove 2028-2023
Not really that great an idea because then you have to top up the tank again, putting useless time on that fresh oil and condensation in your exhaust, resealing your exhaust.
Better idea, don't winterize at all. I live in the upper Midwest and riding days come. Put on an extra layer and ride when ya can. Your bike will thank you. It's meant to be ridden not protected and put to sleep