How will the 250r do in a shed for the winter?

IdRatherDrum · December 4th, 2015, 12:00 PM

Hey all,

So my previous plans failed. My landlord is not happy with the bike in my apartment room and is asking me to take it out. Luckily it is not horrible yet in Michigan so I need to figure out something to do.

My buddy offered me his shed for the winter behind his house. My only concern is, is this bad for the bike? I know it is ideal to be in a climate controlled area but this might be my only option. Climate controlled storage units seem expensive from what I have researched.

I already have STA-BIL in the bike and changed the oil, wash it and lubed the chain. His place is only a 5 minute ride so I assume I won't need to reapply any of these things.

There is a chance the shed has an electrical outlet that I could use for the battery tender. If not, is it bad/hard to remove the battery?

A lot of questions in this one but I need to figure this out!

Thanks so much!

csmith12 · December 4th, 2015, 12:03 PM

It will be no problem to store in the shed.
The battery is easy to remove; remove black panels from sides, remove seat, remove battery.

IdRatherDrum · December 4th, 2015, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

It will be no problem to store in the shed.
The battery is easy to remove; remove black panels from sides, remove seat, remove battery.

Fluids won't freeze up? It gets cold here in Michigan.

Are there tons of things attached to the battery?

Panda · December 4th, 2015, 12:40 PM

The bike will most likely explode.

csmith12 · December 4th, 2015, 12:41 PM

Your fluids will be fine for the most part unless you see some temps that dip below the freezing point of your coolant (water/antifreeze mix). That temp should be around -20 through -40. Expect problems past that point. I normally just drain the coolant... but I do not run antifreeze.

There should only be 2 or 3 wires attached to the battery and should be a piece of cake to disconnect and reconnect. Take a pic with your phone before hand so you get everything back in place without question.

IdRatherDrum · December 4th, 2015, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Your fluids will be fine for the most part unless you see some temps that dip below the freezing point of your coolant (water/antifreeze mix). That temp should be around -20 through -40. Expect problems past that point. I normally just drain the coolant... but I do not run antifreeze.

There should only be 2 or 3 wires attached to the battery and should be a piece of cake to disconnect and reconnect. Take a pic with your phone before hand so you get everything back in place without question.

Got it! Won't be that bad here! I should be fine keeping it in. Going to remove the battery and just keep it on the tender individually. Thanks!

jkv45 · December 4th, 2015, 01:17 PM

I would confirm the freezing point of your coolant to be safe.

I stored my new 2006 SV in an unheated shed over IL winters for 5 years without any issues. I like to bump the tires up to 40 or so, change the oil, check the coolant, remove the battery, and fill the tank with stabilized gas (ethanol-free if available)- most of which you have covered already.

I also always drain the floatbowls when when storing any engine with carbs.

IdRatherDrum · December 4th, 2015, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkv45

I would confirm the freezing point of your coolant to be safe.

I stored my new 2006 SV in an unheated shed over IL winters for 5 years without any issues. I like to bump the tires up to 40 or so, change the oil, check the coolant, remove the battery, and fill the tank with stabilized gas (ethanol-free if available)- most of which you have covered already.

I also always drain the floatbowls when when storing any engine with carbs.

Not sure what coolant is in the bike.

cbinker · December 4th, 2015, 05:38 PM

most likely this:

Ghostt · December 4th, 2015, 05:41 PM

When I doubt, change it. Buy the premix stuff, the system doesn't hold a lot.

Also don't forget the Sta-Bil, I recommend this one, don't forget to run the bike for awhile after adding it, to make sure it's fully in the carburetors.

http://www.goldeagle.com/product/sta-bil-360-marine

InvisiBill · December 4th, 2015, 05:46 PM

Standard 50/50 ethylene glycol is good down to -34°F. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/et...col-d_146.html

They're saying we're supposed to have a pretty mild winter, and just being in the shed and out of the wind will help moderate the temps a bit. I wouldn't worry about it unless we end up getting a REALLY bad winter.

IdRatherDrum · December 4th, 2015, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InvisiBill

Standard 50/50 ethylene glycol is good down to -34°F. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/et...col-d_146.html

They're saying we're supposed to have a pretty mild winter, and just being in the shed and out of the wind will help moderate the temps a bit. I wouldn't worry about it unless we end up getting a REALLY bad winter.

I have heard the same. Given the temperatures right now it DEFINITELY seems like it is going to be mild.

Is it okay to keep the battery on the tender off the bike?

csmith12 · December 4th, 2015, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

Is it okay to keep the battery on the tender off the bike?

Of course it is.

IdRatherDrum · December 4th, 2015, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Of course it is.

Woot! This isn't as bas as I thought.

Ghostt · December 4th, 2015, 08:26 PM

Just be aware when charging a battery, some Sulfuric gas will occur, if it's not a sealed.

Under normal conditions, this is nothing to worry about, as long as its on a well ventilated area.

IdRatherDrum · December 4th, 2015, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostt

Just be aware when charging a battery, some Sulfuric gas will occur, if it's not a sealed.

Under normal conditions, this is nothing to worry about, as long as its on a well ventilated area.

Hmmm, I was planning on setting it on the floor of my apartment room next to an outlet. Will this suffice?

Foxrider64 · December 4th, 2015, 09:46 PM

Does the shed have a floor or is just the ground? Lifting the bike off the ground with stands is not a bad idea if it's on the ground. Not terribly detrimental- but I live in FL so I don't know anything about winterizing bikes

IdRatherDrum · December 4th, 2015, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxrider64

Does the shed have a floor or is just the ground? Lifting the bike off the ground with stands is not a bad idea if it's on the ground. Not terribly detrimental- but I live in FL so I don't know anything about winterizing bikes

Not sure about the floor situation. I have stands so it's no biggie!

jkv45 · December 5th, 2015, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

I have heard the same. Given the temperatures right now it DEFINITELY seems like it is going to be mild.

Is it okay to keep the battery on the tender off the bike?

A "tender" is designed to only charge when needed, as compared to a "charger" that charges continuously.

It's really not necessary to use a tender. The oem battery in the '06 was still working OK when I replaced it in '12, and I only charged it occasionally over the winter, for a few hours at 1A, maybe once a month tops.

Buy a cheap antifreeze tester and confirm what the freeze point is - I wouldn't assume it's ok or the winter will be mind. If it doesn't look good, or you have no idea how old it is, I would replace it.

IdRatherDrum · December 5th, 2015, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkv45

A "tender" is designed to only charge when needed, as compared to a "charger" that charges continuously.

It's really not necessary to use a tender. The oem battery in the '06 was still working OK when I replaced it in '12, and I only charged it occasionally over the winter, for a few hours at 1A, maybe once a month tops.

Buy a cheap antifreeze tester and confirm what the freeze point is - I wouldn't assume it's ok or the winter will be mind. If it doesn't look good, or you have no idea how old it is, I would replace it.

The battery tender jr is designed to stay plugged in and trickle charge the battery for long periods of time.

jkv45 · December 5th, 2015, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

The battery tender jr is designed to stay plugged in and trickle charge the battery for long periods of time.

That's what I meant - it stays plugged in and only charges when it's needed.

bruce71198 · December 5th, 2015, 08:41 AM

Mice love to take up residence in air boxes during the winter. Check before spring start up.

IdRatherDrum · December 5th, 2015, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce71198

Mice love to take up residence in air boxes during the winter. Check before spring start up.

That makes me nervous haha.

InvisiBill · December 5th, 2015, 10:14 AM

Stuff some old rags in the intake and exhaust holes to keep unwanted things out. Critters with teeth might still be able to get in eventually, but at least you're not presenting them with a nice little cave to hide in.

jkv45 · December 5th, 2015, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce71198

Mice love to take up residence in air boxes during the winter. Check before spring start up.

True. Had that happen to our XRs one year. They somehow found the snorkel under the seat and filled the airbox with seeds and acorns.

Ghostt · December 5th, 2015, 12:12 PM

Duct tape the openings solves that.

IdRatherDrum · December 5th, 2015, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostt

Duct tape the openings solves that.

Like the exhaust and such?

Ghostt · December 5th, 2015, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

Like the exhaust and such?

Sure, why not. Dirt bikes use exhaust plugs, which could also be used for street bikes

Example:

Just remember to remove all tape when your ready to ride.

snot · December 5th, 2015, 05:37 PM

if it hasn't been said, fill the gas tank too.
I wouldn't set the battery directly on the floor. I would place a plastic tray under it in case the battery leaks. I personally would not charge it in my living area. I would rather buy a New battery at the beginning of the season than risk all the hazards with charging in my home.

IdRatherDrum · December 7th, 2015, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snot

if it hasn't been said, fill the gas tank too.
I wouldn't set the battery directly on the floor. I would place a plastic tray under it in case the battery leaks. I personally would not charge it in my living area. I would rather buy a New battery at the beginning of the season than risk all the hazards with charging in my home.

So I managed to take the battery out. Was stupid easy. So what would be the best way for me to charge it? I have my battery tender jr. I am sure that would be fine?

Ghostt · December 7th, 2015, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

So I managed to take the battery out. Was stupid easy. So what would be the best way for me to charge it? I have my battery tender jr. I am sure that would be fine?

Yes, just plug it in, and leave it til your ready in the spring.

IdRatherDrum · December 7th, 2015, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostt

Yes, just plug it in, and leave it til your ready in the spring.

So it's fine to just charge all winter? Is it actually going to leak fluids? I don't see how it would.

Foxrider64 · December 7th, 2015, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

So it's fine to just charge all winter? Is it actually going to leak fluids? I don't see how it would.

The battery tender only sends current to the battery when it drops below certain levels and allows it to cycle normally. I will not--should not-- over charge the battery and the likelihood of it actually leaking is very low but the others are suggesting to have some back up plan in the event that it does.

IdRatherDrum · December 7th, 2015, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxrider64

The battery tender only sends current to the battery when it drops below certain levels and allows it to cycle normally. I will not--should not-- over charge the battery and the likelihood of it actually leaking is very low but the others are suggesting to have some back up plan in the event that it does.

So would cardboard under it suffice?

Ghostt · December 7th, 2015, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

So would cardboard under it suffice?

Think cheap plastic tray, etc..... Remember sulfuric acid

IdRatherDrum · December 7th, 2015, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostt

Think cheap plastic tray, etc..... Remember sulfuric acid

Thanks!

December 4th, 2015, 12:00 PM	#1
IdRatherDrum ninjette.org member Name: Chase Location: California Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 225	How will the 250r do in a shed for the winter? Hey all, So my previous plans failed. My landlord is not happy with the bike in my apartment room and is asking me to take it out. Luckily it is not horrible yet in Michigan so I need to figure out something to do. My buddy offered me his shed for the winter behind his house. My only concern is, is this bad for the bike? I know it is ideal to be in a climate controlled area but this might be my only option. Climate controlled storage units seem expensive from what I have researched. I already have STA-BIL in the bike and changed the oil, wash it and lubed the chain. His place is only a 5 minute ride so I assume I won't need to reapply any of these things. There is a chance the shed has an electrical outlet that I could use for the battery tender. If not, is it bad/hard to remove the battery? A lot of questions in this one but I need to figure this out! Thanks so much!

December 4th, 2015, 12:03 PM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	It will be no problem to store in the shed. The battery is easy to remove; remove black panels from sides, remove seat, remove battery. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

December 4th, 2015, 12:41 PM	#5
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Your fluids will be fine for the most part unless you see some temps that dip below the freezing point of your coolant (water/antifreeze mix). That temp should be around -20 through -40. Expect problems past that point. I normally just drain the coolant... but I do not run antifreeze. There should only be 2 or 3 wires attached to the battery and should be a piece of cake to disconnect and reconnect. Take a pic with your phone before hand so you get everything back in place without question. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

December 4th, 2015, 05:38 PM	#9
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	most likely this: __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

December 4th, 2015, 05:41 PM	#10
Ghostt in your machine Name: Scott Location: Summer Shade, Ky. Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 25 MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15	When I doubt, change it. Buy the premix stuff, the system doesn't hold a lot. Also don't forget the Sta-Bil, I recommend this one, don't forget to run the bike for awhile after adding it, to make sure it's fully in the carburetors. http://www.goldeagle.com/product/sta-bil-360-marine __________________________________________________ *violente et ignorantia* ZX-2R BLOG *Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott* *I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform.*

December 4th, 2015, 12:40 PM	#4
Panda not an actual panda Name: dan Location: philadelphia Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 CBR600RR (Sold) Posts: A lot.	The bike will most likely explode.

December 4th, 2015, 01:17 PM	#7
jkv45 Rev Limiter Name: Jay Location: WI Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16	I would confirm the freezing point of your coolant to be safe. I stored my new 2006 SV in an unheated shed over IL winters for 5 years without any issues. I like to bump the tires up to 40 or so, change the oil, check the coolant, remove the battery, and fill the tank with stabilized gas (ethanol-free if available)- most of which you have covered already. I also always drain the floatbowls when when storing any engine with carbs.

December 4th, 2015, 05:46 PM	#11
InvisiBill EX500 full of EX250 parts Name: Bill Location: Grand Rapids-ish, MI Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): '18 Ninja 400 • '09 Ninja 500R (selling) • '98 VFR800 (project) • '85 Vulcan VN700 (sold) Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Aug '15	Standard 50/50 ethylene glycol is good down to -34°F. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/et...col-d_146.html They're saying we're supposed to have a pretty mild winter, and just being in the shed and out of the wind will help moderate the temps a bit. I wouldn't worry about it unless we end up getting a REALLY bad winter. __________________________________________________ * Unregistered, I'm not your mom and I'm not paying for your parts, so do whatever you want with your own bike. *

December 4th, 2015, 08:26 PM	#15
Ghostt in your machine Name: Scott Location: Summer Shade, Ky. Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 25 MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15	Just be aware when charging a battery, some Sulfuric gas will occur, if it's not a sealed. Under normal conditions, this is nothing to worry about, as long as its on a well ventilated area. __________________________________________________ *violente et ignorantia* ZX-2R BLOG *Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott* *I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform.*

December 4th, 2015, 09:46 PM	#17
Foxrider64 Hello Moto Name: Alex Location: Ft. Myers Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 1975 RD350; 2001 KX125; 2003 Z1000; 2003 KDX50; 2009 ZX6R; 2011 Ninja 250R; 2014 KX250F Posts: 352	Does the shed have a floor or is just the ground? Lifting the bike off the ground with stands is not a bad idea if it's on the ground. Not terribly detrimental- but I live in FL so I don't know anything about winterizing bikes
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 5th, 2015, 08:41 AM	#22
bruce71198 ninjette.org sage Name: bruce Location: northern illinois Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Race bikes:08 Ninja 250,11 R6,16 ZX6,SV650.3 HD-1947,2-2003,2010. 1946 Indian and a lot of dirt bikes.2 Posts: 999	Mice love to take up residence in air boxes during the winter. Check before spring start up.

December 5th, 2015, 10:14 AM	#24
InvisiBill EX500 full of EX250 parts Name: Bill Location: Grand Rapids-ish, MI Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): '18 Ninja 400 • '09 Ninja 500R (selling) • '98 VFR800 (project) • '85 Vulcan VN700 (sold) Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Aug '15	Stuff some old rags in the intake and exhaust holes to keep unwanted things out. Critters with teeth might still be able to get in eventually, but at least you're not presenting them with a nice little cave to hide in. __________________________________________________ * Unregistered, I'm not your mom and I'm not paying for your parts, so do whatever you want with your own bike. *
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 5th, 2015, 12:12 PM	#26
Ghostt in your machine Name: Scott Location: Summer Shade, Ky. Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 25 MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15	Duct tape the openings solves that. __________________________________________________ *violente et ignorantia* ZX-2R BLOG *Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott* *I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform.*

December 5th, 2015, 05:37 PM	#29
snot sammich maker Name: snot Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '15	if it hasn't been said, fill the gas tank too. I wouldn't set the battery directly on the floor. I would place a plastic tray under it in case the battery leaks. I personally would not charge it in my living area. I would rather buy a New battery at the beginning of the season than risk all the hazards with charging in my home. __________________________________________________ https://www.brocksperformance.com/VZ...0035+C450.aspx

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