Hi Hempen,

I'm not trying to sound funny when I say this, but there is no definitive 'right' answer to this age old question. There are guys on both sides of the issue who have success with their method.

 

Yup, you have some that swear by physically draining the carbs, others that turn the petcock off and let it idle till it dies, still others that add fuel stabilizer to the tank, ride a few miles, then park it, and then those that do nothing.

Each has their pro and con.
Physically draining the carbs will get every bit of fuel out and you don't have to worry about varnish and buildup, but since the carb is dry, the parts could corrode and rubber could dry out.
Same for running it till it dies, except there may be a little fuel left that gunks up the very bottom of the carb.
Adding fuel stabilizer, some say that it does nothing really or does not last long. But theoretically, it is a great option.
Leaving regular gas in it can cause some varnish and gumming up. But part of that depends on how long it sits.


Me personally, I luckily don't have to worry about it, the longest I plan on not riding is a few weeks at most. So far, I got my bike at the end of August, and it has not sat more than 4 day without being ridden.

 

Ok so I know it is just a matter of opinion and opinions are like elbows everybody has two of them LOL I guess I'm just looking for everyone's opinion.

 

Throw some Stabil in it, ride it for bit, then park it. I don't do anything because the longest it sits is about 5 - 6 weeks if /when it's super cold. I worry more in the summer if it's going to sit that long in the heat. Even then, gas won't go bad in that time.

Worry more about making sure the tank is full when it sits, to minimize condensation / corrosion in the tank when it sits.

 

Well if you want opinions, I am on the side of fill tank with a fuel stabilizer (and if you have e-10, an ethanol treatment) drive for 3-4 miles, then store it.
Come spring time, make your first ride a long one to get the old fuel used up, and add a bottle of fuel cleaner.

If storing for more than say 5 months, then drain the carb and tank.

 

I pretty much do the same as @blupupher. Only I let it run with the petcock closed until it dies. Battery is on a tender for the winter.


Sitting on my Shadow making vroom vroom noises.

http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/me...ms/213858-smurfy71/murray-s-ride-16842-picture68314-aug-2017-new-front-tire.jpg

 

Anecdotally, I have been storing vehicles for 6 months of colder weather since 1969. These include three bikes that I still have: a 69 Triumph Bonneville, a 78 Honda Goldwing and a 95 Shadow Ace. None of these engines/carbs have required any work. The Goldwing has more than 300,000 miles and the only repair was a waterpump at 200,000 miles. The 95 Shadow has only 50,000 miles and but no repairs in 22 years.

My storage procedure is: fill the tank (E10) put in the prescribed Stabil. Ride home (about 2 miles). I ride home with fuel valve off and about half way it runs out so I know carb has Stabil in it. I turn the valve back on. At home I wash and wax bike and cover with a breathable motorcycle cover. I used to plug in a float charger but with AGM type battery that does not seem necessary. That's it. Nothing special to do in the spring but my first ride is usually more than 20 minutes.

I do not start the engine during storage.
I do not change oil until the recommended service interval.
I have never turned off the fuel valve for storage.
I don't remove any parts or try to lift the bikes off the ground.
They are stored in a garage.

G.

 

I do the same as @gdb069 , except I use Seafoam as a stabilizer instead of Stabil. The manufacturer says it stabilizes fuel, so I believe them. Since it's also a fuel system cleaner, no need to add anything else in the spring.

 

'
I`ve been storing bikes in the "Frozen Tundra" for over 3 decades. I`ve never drained the carbs.

Theory is , it`s better for all the rubber parts to stay wet as long as possible, rather then dry up and freeze.

 

I've done it both ways and have never noticed any difference as long as you use a good stabilizer.

 

Full tank, fuel stabilizer, and keep full bowls thru the layup. I have shut off the fuel on the Valk due to gravity fed system. Occasional tender hook up and let it sleep until spring.

 

Battery tender first off. Don't allow the battery to freeze and end up with a bad cell. Next put premium octane gas in it. Top it off in essence. Crank her every few weeks. I use a stabilizer usually every month if riding but don't overthink everything. My 2003 ACE cranks up just fine.

 

To summarize, if you leave fuel in, make sure it also has stabilizer. If you drain, you shouldn't have issues either. Just don't do nothing. Top off the tank, and add stabilizer to ethanol-free fuel if you are able to get it. I do use a tender, fires right up in the spring after sitting for 6 months every winter.

 

Can`t make a recommendation in this matter, other than RIDE IT!!
I am Thankful we don`t hafta store ours here, at our home...
Winter does have its drawbacks in temps like we`ve beena having these COLD couple of weeks...
BUT 32 degrees? Yes, I`ll take a short ride to town


Lets RIDE
D