*NEVER* DO THIS TO Your Harley Davidson Motorcycle! - Kevin Baxter - Baxters Garage 

I’ve been trying to tell my buddies that for years. Thanks. They might believe you explaining it a lot better than me.

When i start that street glide up you better believe I'm taking a ride no matter whats the temperature outside.

Thank you sir,I've been storing for years with 0 starts in winter and still runs like a champ in spring!!

I was in the power production industry 20+ years ago. In that industry, they track the number of cycles (start up to shutdown) each turbine goes through instead of running time. The turbine is designed to run at speed under load for long periods of time with little to no wear and tear. But each time it goes from dead cold to operating temperature, there's a ton of wear. Maybe we should start tracking how many times our engines start up instead of how many miles they have on them for maintenance purposes. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so freely. It is rare for someone to be able to understand a subject at the molecular level AND be able to explain it to the degree that you do. Again, thank you.

I’m speechless. I had my bike stored for 3-4months. I took it to get Dyna tune because it was running funny. After Dyna tune guy told me I should change my oil. Every time I started the bike, it sounded loud and aggressive, almost like a cold start waiting to warm up. Immediately after doing an oil change the bike sounds loud but calm. It’s hard to explain, English is not my first language. This video made me realize a lot, but the nail in the head.

Can you please bring back the engine teardowns/builds? Also, I have resolved a miriad of issues just listening to your question and answer periods! Hint, hint. Thank you for everything your channel provides, god bless!

I've stored my bikes in non-climate controlled garages through Winters that get well below zero degrees for over twenty years. I give it a good wash and polish, ride it up to the gas station, add Stabile, top the tank off with 91 octane, run it a few miles back home. Jack it up off the floor to preserve the tires, plug the battery tender in, plug the ends of the mufflers to keep critters out and cover it up until Spring. If the oil has less than a thousand miles I don't bother to change it before hand. I either change it before or when I take it back out. It's worked well for me so far. Great in depth explanation as to why we should leave them alone and not start them for short periods.

Well said Kevin. Thanks for spreading the word. I am also of the belief that your battery suffers when people do this. 5 or 10 minutes of idle time is insufficient for the charging system to replenish the battery from the heavy draw required to start a bike when it is very cold. Our batteries are already small, it doesn’t take much abuse to shorten their life by a couple of years. Thanks for everything you do.

Thank you for the information. I'm a new Harley Davidson Tri Glide Ultra owner. I'm a 21-year disabled Air Force veteran, recently widowed and I appreciate your video and information. Concerning the operation of my vehicle, while it's not being operated on a constant basis, it is important and vital to the longevity of the vehicle. Thank you again.

You still my favorite HD mechanic on RU-vid. The way you explain things makes it easy for me to understand.

Hear my neighbor starting his Harley in his garage every now and then. I get a chuckle out of it as he is a know it all. Happy New Year.

I love how he's doing this video inside a machine shop....dude knows what he's talking about. Basic science folks, proven science. Not to mention, his shop looks like a NASCAR engine shop. You can eat off their floors. The level of professionalism is inspiring from the old pros, and this guy is one of them.

I had learned this very same thing in school for motorcycle mechanics. Crazy how many people think that this is just a myth and there is no truth to this. Thanks for making this video it's very good info to have in the back of your mind.

This taught me A LOT. Thank you for sharing.

I’m busy all the time but somehow manage to squeeze you in no matter what time you choose. This actually works for me 💪Hello to you Kevin. New shop looks great.

Best explanation I have heard yet. Thanks Kevin. Always enjoy your content.

Short drives will rust the exhaust muffler on a automobile very quickly. Great advice Kevin.

I have no set time. Rarely do I get to watch it live but will watch later what ever is available. Love the shop and what you do. From the great white north, Thanks man.

I’m new to Harley Davidson and bought a 2005 CVO Electra Glide Classic with 16,000 miles. Thanks for the best “TIP” ever for keeping my ride in perfect shape for years to come

Thank you , Mr. B. For your Knowledge and mechanical wisdom on our two wheel horses 👊

I started my 2022 MT-10 today after 2 months. Let it get to operating temp and put it under a riding type load for how I ride it. Gradually hitting the throttle harder and harder. Shot a couple of flames then backed it down and let it simmer down to an idle then shut her down. This is the first time doing this. I am thankful for your upload. This is the last time I will be doing it.

Thanks for reinforcing the concept, makes perfect sense up here in MT! Stay safe and have a prosperous and healthy 2024.

Thank you that is the most logical advice I have heard in a long time 😊

Thanks Kevin for what you do. If I have to have motor surgery done your shop is the only one that will work on my bike . Thanks 😊

Awesome advice. Thanks for educating the public on the little important things.

Great tip, I was just about to warm my engine but I’ll wait until the weather warms up and take it for a spin.

Excellent Kevin, Excellent! Thank you for getting this information out. Have been an advocate and practitioner of this advice for many, many of my riding years. Keep the info coming, appreciate it. Welcome to 2024, congratulations on the move and new shop.

My bike sleeps on a lift in my bedroom. We speak sweet nothings together nightly. I crank her up regularly during the winter. She's never Rusty or gassed. Lol😅😂😅

Kevin I watch your video all the time all of your videos I would get up in the middle of the night to watch your videos far as I am concern you are the most trusted person on that works on Harleys my belief that you tell the truth I am 70years old and when I grew up everything was secret but I am glad I ran in to your videos please keep the great work you do all the best in the New Year

You do an EXCELLENT job of enlightening people on this subject! Thanks brother

Thank you Kevin for putting this out there a lot of people do not know this keep up the great work

Kind of knew that. But you put conviction to it. Thanks for reinforcing that knowledge. Helps me to know I have been doing the right thing.

Great advice Mr. Baxter , I have always done that when my bike was running lol .

I absolutely agree! Great thorough explanation! Thanks brother!

I love the tear down and build up of the different engines . The 1 thing we don't have is transmission work / troubleshooting

I agree with what you are saying, being a mechanic myself. However, I live in Minnesota and start my 2018 Road glide once every 2 months, warm it up for about 20 minutes or so and shut it down. The three times I do this is to keep the fuel injector clean with new fuel and my engine and seals lubricated and moving. The three times I do this in the winter is not going to rust my engine or cause any issues. Just my way of winterizing mine, runs great every year.

I've been starting my bike and letting it warmup for 11 years. In the Winter. This was a very educational video.

I have heard this advise somewhere.But very good to hear it again . Makes a lot of sense. Thank you .

Great information, I've been wrenching on motors for 45 years and always enjoy learning something I either did not know or something I never even thought about. Thank you Kevin!

Another great piece of moto-wisdom, Kevin! Thanks so much! 🙂

Thanks for confirming what I've been doing for years is the right thing!🤙 Been trying to tell my buddies for years to do this and they just laugh at me. I sent them this video....😎

Thanks for this awesome advice. I did 25 years in the USAF at northern tier bases. So many times when people deployed they stored their bike in a buddy's garage so they could "start her up every couple weeks". These people are convinced that's necessary in order to keep oil circulating and charging the battery, neither of which happen properly from s bike idling for 20 minutes!

Thank you Kevin for a great reminder! very good information.

I live in Florida. Our winters don’t last long here. I’m a new rider, so this is good information. Thanks for sharing.

I never knew this but it makes complete sense. Thank you for sharing this information. 👍🏻

Amen brother,thank you, lot of education you provided...HAPPY NEW YEAR 👍☕️☕️✌️

Spot on advice, Kevin. Stay Safe.

Thanks Brother, great advice!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

You did a very good job explaining that. I have been telling a buddy of mine about not starting his bike in the cold weather just to let it run for a few minutes unless he plans on riding it for a few miles or so to dry the moisture out of the engine.

Great information, Thanks for explaining what most of us should already know 👍👍👍

I can hear the difference even in the summer when I start “cold”. The engine has a higher pitch to it then after about a minute as the engine warms that pitch lowers. Kind of fascinating to hear as I’m hearing how the engine is changing. Pretty cool.

Love this information.So very well put. Was thinking of doing this in the morning with the two Harleys in the garage now will not. Great Video.

Great discussion as always. Thanks!

I'm really glad I came across your video, thank you for that great information !! I had no idea about this condensation build up, I live in Montana and store my bike in the winter . Thanks for the valuable info !!

Well thanks Kevin I live in West Texas and I ride pretty much year round, but battery is been showing signs of weakness always take her for a ride after fired up but tonight I let it warm up and decided to smoke a cigar and talk with the daughter which can never do enough of and did not ride it, I hope I will bypass this problem which has always made sense to me especially when trying to charge battery idling just don't charge it well, can't believe that the battery has lasted for 7 years. Love ya and keep it up your great

Great advice. Thanks, Kevin. God bless.

Glad I been doing just as you said. Park them and check the battery monitor if you want to do some thing good for a bike.

Totally agree! I store my bike with non ethanol gas with Seafoam or Stabil. I spray Fogging oil in the cylinders and plug in the battery tender. I do not start it until I know I can take a ride long enough to warm it up and ride it more often. Which in Wisconsin is usually in April.

Great heads up. I was guilty of that on my last bike and luckily only did it a few times.

Wow I was just about to do this stupid move on both my bikes. One is a brand new 2023 Softail Standard. Man did this video save my azz. I live in Portland Oregon. So lucky. Huge thanks to you! So grateful.

Thanks for the important tip. Great to know Kevin. 👍

Outstanding Kevin! You’re the Best!

Thanks. I didn't know that. On my 88' 883 Hugger i purchased new and kept it on a battery trickle charger over the winter and started it up at least once a week just to hear it run and wished the weather was warmer to go riding. When springtime came i did a full inspection on it and realized that the wheel bearings and races showed signs of corrosion pitting in which case i replaced the bearings and races. The bike was stored in a non heated garage.

Great advise. Thank you Kevin

Good video. Thanks brother. I have shared this to my buds who ride as well. Very informative

As always good advice Kevin and Thankyou!

Thank you for the valuable info my friend much appreciated!👍

Thank you, Thank you for this video. I have been preaching this exact subject for years. Most don't believe me. This video will be shared to all who question. By the way, I live in Michigan. Our bikes are stored for at least 4 months out of the year.

Very good class and lesson! Great explanation!!!🤙🏼

Great advise! i always change oil before i store anything with a motor for a long period of time.

Thanks so much for the information I just purchased a new street glide and was thinking about starting it just to listen to it

Thanks for this information.. I'm new to owning a motorcycle and this is my second winter and I went out to start the bike to hear it run and make sure the battery wasn't drained (can't use a tender)

tahnk you so much!. This affirms my way of getting my bike out after the cold

Thanks for the lesson. I learned something today

Nice little machine shop. Thanks for the advice.

❤ thank you so much I appreciate you and your time

Thank you, Kevin for the great advice.

Happy New Year to you! Great to see you again.

Great advice! Thank you!

Thanks for sharing this information with us!

Another great tech tip . Thanks Kevin

Happy New Year Kevin and thanks for that advice... 👍👍👍

Great work Kevin, thank you very much!

Good info. Knowledge is power. Thank you

Like a number of other folks that have posted, I too keep my favorite motorcycle in my living room. The bike is always at roughly room temperature during the cold winter months. It's called mechanical compassion. I love you motorcycle of mine!

I never start any of my warm weather toys during the winter. I won't even start them while it's warm out unless I plan on getting the engine up to full operating temperature. Even during the summer months, when I start my 2020 Ultra Limited, water drips out the muffler until the mufflers are hot enough to turn it into steam. You are 100% correct about what you are saying on your video.

Great video. Been telling people for years just leave it on a battery tender and start it up in the Spring.

Welcome back, Happy New Year 🥃Honey rocks. Yup rotated my bikes just before Xmas. 45 minutes each. Also filled up the gas tanks. All's good. Stay safe.

Good to know! Thank you Kevin! 😊

Thanks for the great video . I have started my bike up a few times and not driven it . I sure hope and pray 🙏 that I haven't done any damage to my moter , as I only did this 3 or 4 times this spring .

Great advise to all motorcycle owner. This is applicable not only for Harley Davidson but to all bike brands as will .

Brilliant explanation especially on oil temperature (or lak of)

Afternoons for the Q&A's! When we're all off work! Love the plethora of information!!

New that for years but you explained it the best way. Now lest's spread the Word.

I have been telling my sons this without the details of your presentation for years. I hope they take note!

Hi, I just came across your Videos and Subscribed. That’s some Great Advice not too many People know. My Father taught me that when I was young. If I start my Bike in the Winter I ride it for about 45 Minutes, then put it up. Same with the Generator. I’ll Run it for about 45 Minutes and put it back up. I’m just getting the Moisture out before too much builds up. I can’t wait to check out your other Videos.

Excellent service from Ireland 🇮🇪 🎉🎉

good to see ya back my friend , happy new year and the best to you and yours

Excellent Advise!!! Hope they listen to you have a great day stay safe

Happy 2024 Sir! Thanks for the advice and reminder video.