Post by rapidjim on Oct 13, 2009 12:16:09 GMT -5
For us in the northern area riding season is all but over. Time to think about storing the scooter for it's winter hibernation.
If you are going to store your scooter for winter, here is a few tips that I have had good success with for many years.
First off, I recommend that you change the oil. Most may not think this is necessary, however, old oil will have condensation in it and the condensation can freeze if not kept in a heated garage. Not a good thing.
Second, Get a can of Sea Foam and put about a quarter to a half a can in the gas tank, fill the tank and take a ride for about 10 to 15 miles. This will get the Sea Foam into the carb and helps from having the jets clog during storage. Of course you can drain the gas out of the tank and the gas out of the carb bowl, however, experience has taught me that if there is "junk" in there it will dry into the small holes of the jets and it is a big pain to clean to jets in the spring after it has set up.
Third, The best thing is to buy a battery maintainer and install it on your battery. This is a mini battery charger that charges your battery slowly @ between 1 to 2 amps, and automatically turns off when full charge is reached and back on if it senses a low charge. These are great for those that may get the itch to ride in the winter if a nice day comes along. The battery is always fully charged and ready to go.
The alternative is to make sure your battery is fully charged. Then disconnect it from the scooter, pull it out and put it somewhere warm in your house for the winter.
These small batteries have very little clearance between the plates inside and if the freeze they are shot. in most cases. Also if they drain all the way down they are a pain in the behind to get charged back up come spring.
Fourth, It is also a good idea to cover your scooter during storage. It helps keep dust and stuff off your finish. Less cleaning time when spring hits and you should be riding instead of cleaning.
I have done these procedures for many years and have trouble free starting come spring.
Jim
If you are going to store your scooter for winter, here is a few tips that I have had good success with for many years.
First off, I recommend that you change the oil. Most may not think this is necessary, however, old oil will have condensation in it and the condensation can freeze if not kept in a heated garage. Not a good thing.
Second, Get a can of Sea Foam and put about a quarter to a half a can in the gas tank, fill the tank and take a ride for about 10 to 15 miles. This will get the Sea Foam into the carb and helps from having the jets clog during storage. Of course you can drain the gas out of the tank and the gas out of the carb bowl, however, experience has taught me that if there is "junk" in there it will dry into the small holes of the jets and it is a big pain to clean to jets in the spring after it has set up.
Third, The best thing is to buy a battery maintainer and install it on your battery. This is a mini battery charger that charges your battery slowly @ between 1 to 2 amps, and automatically turns off when full charge is reached and back on if it senses a low charge. These are great for those that may get the itch to ride in the winter if a nice day comes along. The battery is always fully charged and ready to go.
The alternative is to make sure your battery is fully charged. Then disconnect it from the scooter, pull it out and put it somewhere warm in your house for the winter.
These small batteries have very little clearance between the plates inside and if the freeze they are shot. in most cases. Also if they drain all the way down they are a pain in the behind to get charged back up come spring.
Fourth, It is also a good idea to cover your scooter during storage. It helps keep dust and stuff off your finish. Less cleaning time when spring hits and you should be riding instead of cleaning.
I have done these procedures for many years and have trouble free starting come spring.
Jim
