Triumphrat

Canuck · 10-13-2008, 02:51 PM

Sad but true.........
It is time to leave the bike alone while the snow flies in Canada and as this happens I am left wondering what I should do to the Thruxton to let it hibernate for a few months and how should I wake it up in the spring ?

Any assistance ?

rotaryracer · 10-13-2008, 03:07 PM

Last year, here's what I did:

- Topped up the tank with premium, added recommended amount of StaBil, ran the engine to circulate into the carbs, then turned off petcock and ran her out of gas
- Drained the carb float bowls
- Filled tires to recommended pressure, put cardboard underneath to keep 'em off cement
- Pulled the battery and hooked it up to a Battery Tender
- Pulled the plugs, shot a few blasts of fogging oil into the cylinders, replaced the plugs
- One last bath and a thick coat of Zymoil wax
- Tucked her away in the garage, covered her with a Guardian indoor cover, and tried to count down the days until spring

I've got today and tomorrow to ride (if I'm lucky), then the weather is going to turn to crap...probably until June.

The dealer just told me today that they DON'T recommend using StaBil as they've seen it gum up carbs after a few years?!?! They were recommending winterizing with Klotz Octane Booster...dunno, I think I'm going to stick with StaBil unless a bunch of you say otherwise.

Hope this helps...

Jason

Guyly · 10-13-2008, 03:32 PM

Yes it's coming to the end...before next Spring ! About Stabil, I've been using it for years and didn't have any problem yet. The only difference is that I don't empty the carbs...a mechanic told me that it was causing the seals to dry out. I don't know what's the best to do but for the last four years, I didn't empty the carbs ; just fill up the tank, add Stabil and ride a little to have it well mixed and getting down into the carbs.

endswithaW · 10-13-2008, 03:53 PM

i'm wondering how long a bike has to be stored before it qualifies for this type of "winterizing treatment"? a month? two months?

fwish21 · 10-13-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by endswithaW

i'm wondering how long a bike has to be stored before it qualifies for this type of "winterizing treatment"? a month? two months?

I would think that everyone is talking about 4 months or greater. Our winter season is 6 months (plus or minus 1). For me...I just top of my tank (premium) and add some octane booster for the Winter months. I have done this in all my recreational vehicles and never had an issue.

fwish21 · 10-13-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by endswithaW

i'm wondering how long a bike has to be stored before it qualifies for this type of "winterizing treatment"? a month? two months?

I have never done anything for a month or two month worth of storage other than start her up once in a while to circulate everything. Longer than that I would do what I mentioned above in the previous note.

guydenning · 10-13-2008, 06:34 PM

You must be talking about seriously crappy winters. Thank the stars we don't have winters that hard or long. The worst I might have to put up with is perhaps a week of snow or hard frosts - I can dress up for the downpours and still pop down to town if I'm getting two-wheel withdrawal. You lot must be going NUTS by the Spring!

Old Greaser · 10-13-2008, 07:55 PM

Do all that rotaryracer say's. I personally spray the bike with Motorex polish and protect and leave it on.

Word of advice if you can afford it. Get a centre stand. The rear wheel is off the ground and you can prop the front wheel up so it's also off the ground. Check tyre pressures every month or so and re-inflate (I always add a few psi extra).

Cheers,

Ernie

fwish21 · 10-13-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Greaser

Get a centre stand. The rear wheel is off the ground and you can prop the front wheel up so it's also off the ground. Check tyre pressures every month or so and re-inflate (I always add a few psi extra).

Good point. I have lifts for my Daytona, but have not yet bought a center stand for the America. It's a good idea to get those tires off of the cold ground for any long period of time.

Calliway · 10-13-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guydenning

You must be talking about seriously crappy winters. Thank the stars we don't have winters that hard or long. The worst I might have to put up with is perhaps a week of snow or hard frosts - I can dress up for the downpours and still pop down to town if I'm getting two-wheel withdrawal. You lot must be going NUTS by the Spring!

Hmmmm yeah. The original poster is from Calgary Alberta.... in Canada. Heard of this country? what are we renown for? Hockey, beer and winter. I am 3 hours north of Calgary in Edmonton, the provincial Capital but Calgary and Edmonton share very similar weather. +30C in the summer and -40C in the winter. I rode until November last year but one the snow arrives it stays until Spring.

By that time I have gone off my rocker and have posted 2000+ posts on this website because it is like a slow drip iv of motorcycle talk to get me until I can fire the bike back up again.