I've never had an issue winterizing my bike. I always make sure I have a full tank of gas with seafoam running through the system and the battery tender hooked up.
My only question is though what about flat spots on the tire? I don't have a jack so my bike is pretty much on its side stand for at least five months straight. Maybe sometimes I'll roll it back and forth but that's about it.

Bike Stand by , on Flickr


a few years ago... A VTXCAFE member made me a STAND... welded aluminum...

I have rock solid advice for anyone considering winterizing their bike. It is simple and straight foreword. RIDE SOUTH for crying out loud ! Get away from the cold. Life is for living, follow the sun. Failing that, yeah, what chuck said.

OK, I think I already know the answer to this, but will ask anyway. Before putting her away last fall, new oil & filter installed. Before any chance to ride this spring, I had a total knee replacement. Didn't get out on it until May-ish, getting my legs back under me. Several long ride/ rallies were cancelled, other life obligations, little time for much riding. Then dealt with a kidney stone for weeks in Sept. Today I got out on her for about 70 miles. Total for the year is less than 400. Might still get out a bit in the next few weeks, IDK. So, with less than 500 mi., should I still change the oil and filter like I normally would before the long nap? I have a couple filters and enough Mobil 1 4T 10W40 (thats whats in her) for several changes. FWIW, I stored her for 5 months at a time 2 winters in a row off the floor on a HF yellow jack, then I built a wooden stand a couple years ago. She is also always hooked up to a Battery Tender Jr. and sits out in an unheated barn. It's the best I can do, and I never remove the battery from the bike.

I took your advice, before you said it..

one year ago in September.. I moved from North East Ohio....

to very south Texas...

No winter..

I have never seen the steel crate my 2008 VTX 1800T3 came in a total wood crate with straw packed in tight around the bike. I remember when they opened it love at first sight.

My .02
I would not change the oil. But you may want to change the air in your tires before you store it and then again in the spring before riding.

I agree. I purchased a pepsx stand several years ago and use it not only every Winter but everytime I want to work on my bike. It is well built and very sturdy.

I have written a procedure that I follow every year before I put my bike away. It is a bit lengthy but the bottom line is, I give my bike a real good going over before I tuck it away.

Its only to cold to ride here for 2 maybe 3 months a year. Yet, I understand the importance winterizing. All want bike ready to roll when time comes..

And you Aussie speak from experience going south for the winter?