Winter Storage During Break-in period

[donzo]

So, my '07 S2R800 has rolled about 237 miles so far.  I bought it earlier this month from a dude that didn't ride it all summer after having bought it brand new the end of last year.  I imported it to Canada and I finally got it registered today, and burrrrr, it's chilly out.  I put about 100 miles on it over a couple of days.  What fun!  There was snow in the north end of Toronto this morning (unseasonal, but not out of the ordinary for late October) so it's not looking like I will be able to go through the full break-in period this year. 

I did get it inspected at a Ducati dealer and he tightened everything and passed it for Federal Safety.  No oil change or anything, and he told me to come back next year for the first service.  Does anyone have any suggestions on winter storage and if I should change the oil before I store it, or just wait for the spring service?  I was planning on just removing the battery, putting it on a trickle charger and adding fuel stabilizer and rolling the tires onto soft wooden boards or styrofoam.  I don't have a rear stand.

Thanks 

[jsanford]

I just went to a winterization tech night.  Highly recommend that you go to one if you can.

Wash the bike, lube the chain, fill the gas tank all the way and ride it 10-15 minutes after putting in the Stabil to circulate it.  Block off all rodent entry points and store away from animal food.  Once a month or so, sit on the bike to compress the suspension, but do NOT start it up.

Assuming the battery is sealed, it's not necessary to remove it from the bike.

[DoubleEagle]

I'd put it on a Battery Tender for sure.

I don't know how bad the Winters get where you are ?

Here in Ohio the Winter can be cold but relatively little snow ...or alot of snow.

If you think you might get some days when the temps are above freezing and the roads are clear of Salt you might want to get some heated  gear and actually ride .

I don't Winterize my bikes since I get spells of weather where I can wear my heated Jacket Liner, Pants Liner, and Gloves . Dolph

[donzo]

Simply put, should I change my oil for winter storage, or is it safe for me to wait until my first service?  I've heard other riders up here say you shouldn't store the bike over the winter with dirty oil.  Then again,  how dirty is it after 237 miles?

[MonsterSteve]

the first oil change is the most important as it has the most debris in it from engine break in. besides how much is it going to cost to change the oil.

I have read that if its a wet clutch you should fill of the oil to the filler cap to keep the clutch plates from drying out and then drain it down to the correct level before you start it and ride.

I would not do this because I know I would forget to drain it properly so I always change the oil, put the bike up on stands front and rear, compress the suspension when ever i get the chance, dont leave the battery in freezing conditions.

[be350ka]

  Once a month or so, sit on the bike to compress the suspension, but do NOT start it up.

Why not start it up??

[minnesotamonster]

If you start your bike and don't let it reach operating temps, you will drain your battery and not be running long enough to recharge itself, and moisture can accumulate in the oil, which is bad. just leave it. There is no reason to start your bike in the winter if you aren't goign to ride it, you know you only want to do it cuz you miss that sweet sound  But Don't be tempted!

[Old-Duckman]

I got my S2R1000 in Dec 05 and I live in western PA. I was able to put some miles on it too but less than the 600 suggested for the first service. I did not change my oil before winter. In fact I have never changed oil before winter storage for any motorcycle.

The reason people suggest to do it is that there are acids formed by the combustion process and they accumulate in the oil and they say it is bad to leave the acidified oil in contact  with the parts the oil covers all winter. Well at least that is what I have read.

Maybe the internal engine parts of my bikes are all full of microscopic pits...?? You would never know from riding them.

I store my bikes in my basement (heated). I like them to be clean, battery pulled to get in line for charging or left in the bike and attached to a tender. I go for a winterizing ride prior to putting them in the basement, it consists of riding them at least 30 miles (the number I have read that will get the oil hot enough to disapate any moisture in it). Fill up the gas tank and add stabilizer, ride enough miles to get it in the fuel system and...park 'em. Those that have a center stand are on 'em during the winter and I have stands for the Monster. This system has always worked for me.

Good luck and...Think Spring!

[krolik]

You could always move to SoCal and ride it all winter.