First time winterizing my '08 250r. A couple questions...

IdRatherDrum · November 3rd, 2015, 04:42 PM

So this is my first ever motorcycle and due to the weather getting colder I think it is time to winterize her up. I am going to list below what I plan on doing and if I am missing anything crucial it would be great if you could give me tips!

- Change the oil and filter
- Fill the tank and add Stabil
- Take the bike around the block a few times to get the oil and stabil running
- Lube the chain
- Place bike on front and rear stands
- Apply battery tender

I do have a few questions though. I hear that you want to fill the gas tank all the way up, but should I leave some space for the stabil? Is an 8 o.z. bottle enough? How much do I add?

Also, is there a specific tool that is helpful for cleaning the chain? I have never done this before.

One last thing...should I keep the battery plugged into the bike while I have the tender plugged into it? My bike will be in my apartment so I won't have to worry about it getting cold.

Thanks!

csmith12 · November 3rd, 2015, 04:50 PM

1oz treats 2½ gallons, so how much space you really need to save.

Specific chain cleaning tool? Naw, a grunge brush is pretty popular though. I buy my brushes from the dollar store.
Batteries let go of the stored energy faster when cold. If your bike is stored in a temp controlled environment, then there is no need to remove the battery. Although to save any flooring, do place a piece of cardboard in between the tires just in case something leaks.

With that list you have, looks like you're on your way to a trouble free spring.

IdRatherDrum · November 3rd, 2015, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

1oz treats 2½ gallons, so how much space you really need to save.

Specific chain cleaning tool? Naw, a grunge brush is pretty popular though. I buy my brushes from the dollar store.
Batteries let go of the stored energy faster when cold. If your bike is stored in a temp controlled environment, then there is no need to remove the battery. Although to save any flooring, do place a piece of cardboard in between the tires just in case something leaks.

With that list you have, looks like you're on your way to a trouble free spring.

Ah yes! I will definitely put cardboard under! Thanks for the help!

csmith12 · November 3rd, 2015, 05:06 PM

min nin · November 3rd, 2015, 06:24 PM

Stored in the house, I would drain the tank.
You don't really want all that gas where you live.
My 2007 owners manual suggests removing, draining, and coating the inside with motor oil to prevent rust.

IdRatherDrum · November 3rd, 2015, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by min nin

Stored in the house, I would drain the tank.
You don't really want all that gas where you live.
My 2007 owners manual suggests removing, draining, and coating the inside with motor oil to prevent rust.

You think so? It's bad in what way?

csmith12 · November 3rd, 2015, 08:22 PM

The gas tank will vent as the gas evaps, that is no doubt and will create a smell. Depending on the ventilation of your space, well... ya know.

IdRatherDrum · November 3rd, 2015, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

The gas tank will vent as the gas evaps, that is no doubt and will create a smell. Depending on the ventilation of your space, well... ya know.

Oh jeez....I didn't think about that. Now I am not sure what to do.

csmith12 · November 3rd, 2015, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

Oh jeez....I didn't think about that. Now I am not sure what to do.

Being indoors changes things greatly. I am sure the humidity in your place doesn't vary wildly from one extreme to another to worry about draining or nah. It's is the main reason for filling the tank in the first place.

The smell however... is on you.

IdRatherDrum · November 3rd, 2015, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Being indoors changes things greatly. I am sure the humidity in your place doesn't vary wildly from one extreme to another to worry about draining or nah. It's is the main reason for filling the tank in the first place.

The smell however... is on you.

I have read in a few places online that people don't smell gas normally. I do have a pretty small room. I am a bit worried about this but I guess I have no choice.

csmith12 · November 3rd, 2015, 08:49 PM

I have put my bike in hotel rooms with a full tank, I can smell it every now and then, but normally not. Last year when I stored my bike in the basement, I smelled nothing but the rubber from the tires, not gas.

Store it in a room with a running celine fan and all should be well.

IdRatherDrum · November 3rd, 2015, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

I have put my bike in hotel rooms with a full tank, I can smell it every now and then, but normally not. Last year when I stored my bike in the basement, I smelled nothing but the rubber from the tires, not gas.

Store it in a room with a running celine fan and all should be well.

If it means I have to buy a fan then so be it. We will see how it goes. If it really stinks up the place, I will just keep a window open during the day and have a fan running at night.

csmith12 · November 3rd, 2015, 08:57 PM

Cool, let us know how it goes for you after the off season.

IdRatherDrum · November 3rd, 2015, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Cool, let us know how it goes for you after the off season.

Definitely. It will be interesting. Was trying to sell my bike before the season ended but no one is buying. Might upgrade to a supermoto or 600cc next season.

allanoue · November 4th, 2015, 05:13 AM

Why not just drain the gas tank? If it is inside you do not need to worry about condensation building up so no rust worries.

adouglas · November 4th, 2015, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanoue

Why not just drain the gas tank? If it is inside you do not need to worry about condensation building up so no rust worries.

I keep the tank full for one very trivial reason:

On that first glorious spring day, all you really want to do is roll the bike outside and GO RIDE.

We all know the feeling.... "IT'S TIME."

Sure it doesn't take long to grab a can and head down to the gas station, but on that day, spring fever is in full force.

That's why a little time spent properly winterizing is such a good idea. Nothing sucks worse than feeling that overwhelming urge, pulling the bike out and... wha wha waaaaaaa.... no start for whatever reason, no ride for you, pal.

SLOWn60 · November 4th, 2015, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Store it in a room with a running celine fan and all should be well.

Most celine fans are too old to run!

adouglas · November 4th, 2015, 06:17 AM

csmith12 · November 4th, 2015, 06:25 AM

allanoue · November 4th, 2015, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adouglas

I keep the tank full for one very trivial reason:

On that first glorious spring day, all you really want to do is roll the bike outside and GO RIDE.

We all know the feeling.... "IT'S TIME."

Sure it doesn't take long to grab a can and head down to the gas station, but on that day, spring fever is in full force.

That's why a little time spent properly winterizing is such a good idea. Nothing sucks worse than feeling that overwhelming urge, pulling the bike out and... wha wha waaaaaaa.... no start for whatever reason, no ride for you, pal.

But you are not sleeping in the same room with almost 5 gallons of gas all winter.

jkv45 · November 4th, 2015, 08:06 AM

This little stinker sits in my office most of the time with a full tank. Never smelled gas, and the tank has just a simple vented gas cap (in the tailsection - the "gas tank" is just a hollow cover).

If you move it around you could get gas coming out of the overflows for the floatbowls. I like to drain the floatbowls when storing, even if the fuel is stabilized. My theory is that the gas in the bowls will evaporate some and also lose it's volatility, creating deposits and making starting more difficult. Works for me.

InvisiBill · November 4th, 2015, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

So this is my first ever motorcycle and due to the weather getting colder I think it is time to winterize her up. I am going to list below what I plan on doing and if I am missing anything crucial it would be great if you could give me tips!

- Change the oil and filter
- Fill the tank and add Stabil
- Take the bike around the block a few times to get the oil and stabil running
- Lube the chain
- Place bike on front and rear stands
- Apply battery tender

I do have a few questions though. I hear that you want to fill the gas tank all the way up, but should I leave some space for the stabil? Is an 8 o.z. bottle enough? How much do I add?

Also, is there a specific tool that is helpful for cleaning the chain? I have never done this before.

One last thing...should I keep the battery plugged into the bike while I have the tender plugged into it? My bike will be in my apartment so I won't have to worry about it getting cold.

Thanks!

I like to add any fuel additives before I fill up. I have two gas stations within a block of my house, so it's not a big deal to dump it in the tank in the garage then just ride there. Depending on your situation, you may want to take the bottle of additive with you to the gas station.

If you dump the additive in before you fill the tank, the act of filling it up will inherently mix it up well. You won't have to worry about the product forming a slick on top of the gas or just sinking to the bottom (depending on the exact chemical makeup of it), and you don't have to try to shake it around (by tipping the bike side to side or whatever) to mix it up.

If you can, try to find ethanol-free premium gas for winter storage. Ethanol attracts water and can attack soft parts in an older fuel system. Gas will degrade over time, which the higher octane premium helps mitigate.

If you're feeling adventurous, here are the details on the fuel additive I've used in every tank for over two years.

It's definitely not necessary, but a GreaseNinja will simplify lubing your chain (which you should be doing every few tanks of gas).

You don't need to remove the battery from the bike, but doing so will ensure there are no parasitic drains wasting electricity. As others said, it's mostly a temperature issue.

verboten1 · November 4th, 2015, 08:49 AM

Where in california are you that you would put your bike away for winter???

I don't and I'm in MI...

just curious

IdRatherDrum · November 4th, 2015, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InvisiBill

I like to add any fuel additives before I fill up. I have two gas stations within a block of my house, so it's not a big deal to dump it in the tank in the garage then just ride there. Depending on your situation, you may want to take the bottle of additive with you to the gas station.

If you dump the additive in before you fill the tank, the act of filling it up will inherently mix it up well. You won't have to worry about the product forming a slick on top of the gas or just sinking to the bottom (depending on the exact chemical makeup of it), and you don't have to try to shake it around (by tipping the bike side to side or whatever) to mix it up.

If you can, try to find ethanol-free premium gas for winter storage. Ethanol attracts water and can attack soft parts in an older fuel system. Gas will degrade over time, which the higher octane premium helps mitigate.

If you're feeling adventurous, here are the details on the fuel additive I've used in every tank for over two years.

It's definitely not necessary, but a GreaseNinja will simplify lubing your chain (which you should be doing every few tanks of gas).

You don't need to remove the battery from the bike, but doing so will ensure there are no parasitic drains wasting electricity. As others said, it's mostly a temperature issue.

I have a gas station 15 seconds from my apartment. Do you recommend putting stabil in wth whatever gas I have and then filling the gas up to the top?

Quote:

Originally Posted by verboten1

Where in california are you that you would put your bike away for winter???

I don't and I'm in MI...

just curious

I actually am not in California anymore. That is where my family is. I'm 20 now and go to school in Michigan. I'm in Ann Arbor.

csmith12 · November 4th, 2015, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

Do you recommend putting stabil in wth whatever gas I have and then filling the gas up to the top?

That is what I do, just put in 3.5oz in with the bit of gas that left in the tank and then fill. The pump action will mix it fine enough.

250rr · November 4th, 2015, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

I have read in a few places online that people don't smell gas normally. I do have a pretty small room. I am a bit worried about this but I guess I have no choice.

If you get a match and light it right next to the gas tank it may tell you what you need to know. This guy smelled something, too.

IdRatherDrum · November 4th, 2015, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

That is what I do, just put in 3.5oz in with the bit of gas that left in the tank and then fill. The pump action will mix it fine enough.

That makes sense to me.

verboten1 · November 4th, 2015, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

I actually am not in California anymore. That is where my family is. I'm 20 now and go to school in Michigan. I'm in Ann Arbor.

I can understand that then, I get looks while riding with snow on the ground

Go green

IdRatherDrum · November 4th, 2015, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verboten1

I can understand that then, I get looks while riding with snow on the ground

Go green

I am not sure what to do now. Do I winterize it, put it in my apartment and see what happens? Or should I drain the tank. This is very difficult as I have never done anything mechanical with vehicles.

GO BLUE!!!!!!!!

allanoue · November 4th, 2015, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

I am not sure what to do now. Do I winterize it, put it in my apartment and see what happens? Or should I drain the tank. This is very difficult as I have never done anything mechanical with vehicles.

GO BLUE!!!!!!!!

If you are going to sleep with it in the same room, I think you should drain it. It is just disconnecting a hose.

We are...

verboten1 · November 4th, 2015, 05:57 PM

If you're bringing it inside, there isn't much to winterize....as it won't be cold. Shut the petcock off, run the carbs dry and park it.

IdRatherDrum · November 4th, 2015, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verboten1

If you're bringing it inside, there isn't much to winterize....as it won't be cold. Shut the petcock off, run the carbs dry and park it.

The hard part is deciding whether to drain the tank or not.

csmith12 · November 4th, 2015, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdRatherDrum

The hard part is deciding whether to drain the tank or not.

It's not hard yo, fill it. If it becomes an odor problem, then just drain and put in your cage. Life goes on...

IdRatherDrum · November 4th, 2015, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

It's not hard yo, fill it. If it becomes an odor problem, then just drain and put in your cage. Life goes on...

Okay, will do. Not a bad idea to drain it and put it in my car if all goes wrong haha.

November 3rd, 2015, 04:42 PM	#1
IdRatherDrum ninjette.org member Name: Chase Location: California Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 225	First time winterizing my '08 250r. A couple questions... So this is my first ever motorcycle and due to the weather getting colder I think it is time to winterize her up. I am going to list below what I plan on doing and if I am missing anything crucial it would be great if you could give me tips! - Change the oil and filter - Fill the tank and add Stabil - Take the bike around the block a few times to get the oil and stabil running - Lube the chain - Place bike on front and rear stands - Apply battery tender I do have a few questions though. I hear that you want to fill the gas tank all the way up, but should I leave some space for the stabil? Is an 8 o.z. bottle enough? How much do I add? Also, is there a specific tool that is helpful for cleaning the chain? I have never done this before. One last thing...should I keep the battery plugged into the bike while I have the tender plugged into it? My bike will be in my apartment so I won't have to worry about it getting cold. Thanks!

November 3rd, 2015, 04:50 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	1oz treats 2½ gallons, so how much space you really need to save. Specific chain cleaning tool? Naw, a grunge brush is pretty popular though. I buy my brushes from the dollar store. Batteries let go of the stored energy faster when cold. If your bike is stored in a temp controlled environment, then there is no need to remove the battery. Although to save any flooring, do place a piece of cardboard in between the tires just in case something leaks. With that list you have, looks like you're on your way to a trouble free spring. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 3rd, 2015, 05:06 PM	#4
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	__________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 3rd, 2015, 08:22 PM	#7
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	The gas tank will vent as the gas evaps, that is no doubt and will create a smell. Depending on the ventilation of your space, well... ya know. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 3rd, 2015, 08:49 PM	#11
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	I have put my bike in hotel rooms with a full tank, I can smell it every now and then, but normally not. Last year when I stored my bike in the basement, I smelled nothing but the rubber from the tires, not gas. Store it in a room with a running celine fan and all should be well. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 3rd, 2015, 06:24 PM	#5
min nin ninjette.org member Name: terry Location: SW fla Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2007 250r Posts: 94	Stored in the house, I would drain the tank. You don't really want all that gas where you live. My 2007 owners manual suggests removing, draining, and coating the inside with motor oil to prevent rust.

November 3rd, 2015, 08:57 PM	#13
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	Cool, let us know how it goes for you after the off season. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 4th, 2015, 05:13 AM	#15
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	Why not just drain the gas tank? If it is inside you do not need to worry about condensation building up so no rust worries. __________________________________________________ Keep calm and ride on -Motofool Never quit on a rainy day -ally99

November 4th, 2015, 06:17 AM	#18
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	__________________________________________________ I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem.

November 4th, 2015, 06:25 AM	#19
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	__________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 4th, 2015, 08:06 AM	#21
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	This little stinker sits in my office most of the time with a full tank. Never smelled gas, and the tank has just a simple vented gas cap (in the tailsection - the "gas tank" is just a hollow cover). If you move it around you could get gas coming out of the overflows for the floatbowls. I like to drain the floatbowls when storing, even if the fuel is stabilized. My theory is that the gas in the bowls will evaporate some and also lose it's volatility, creating deposits and making starting more difficult. Works for me.

November 4th, 2015, 08:49 AM	#23
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	Where in california are you that you would put your bike away for winter??? I don't and I'm in MI... just curious __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

November 4th, 2015, 05:57 PM	#31
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	If you're bringing it inside, there isn't much to winterize....as it won't be cold. Shut the petcock off, run the carbs dry and park it. __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

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