Alternative to winter storage?

[Rambler1982]

I understand that there are a few steps to winter storage, such as taking out the battery, charging it, change the oil etc.

However, I live in a high rise with a very large 7 story indoor garage. As an alternative to storing the bike, what if I just rode around the garage for 10-15 minutes once a week?

It's probably just a silly idea, but I thought maybe it'd be a good way to avoid all the steps involved in winter storage. It would also give me the chance to visit my bike every once in a while, because I know I'll miss her 

[zarn02]

do you know how cold it will get in the parking garage?

if you're going to start the bike up, you should make sure you'll be riding long enough to get the motor up to a good operating temperature. if it gets really cold in the parking garage, and you don't have the room to really open the bike up, you might not get the motor warm enough.

or maybe you'll have no trouble getting heat into 'er. i don't know. sort of depends on what the conditions will be like.

[Rambler1982]

do you know how cold it will get in the parking garage?

I just checked the temp gauge on the bike, it read 65 degrees. I doubt it will get much colder than that.

[SaltLick]

its better to not start your bike at all, then to start it up and let it run for 10-15 minutes every month.  If you do that, youll just get water inside. You have to ride it hard for about 30 minutes for it to do any good. So unless you plan on actually riding it about once a month, just let it sit.

[bigiain]

I guess "move to somewhere warmer" isn't the answer you were looking for, eh?



big

[ducatiz]

i wonder if anyone makes a crankcase heater that would fit a bike?

[DoubleEagle]

I just checked the temp gauge on the bike, it read 65 degrees. I doubt it will get much colder than that.

Are you saying Winter low temps would only be 65 degrees ? That temp is my favorite riding temperature.  Dolph

[DesmoDisciple]

I actually don't see anything wrong with your plan, but I think that a 15 minute ride in a parking garage is going to be damn boring. The first 5 minutes will be fun, but after that it will be a chore.

[Lukey]

Is a lack of insurance the only thing keeping you from taking it out onto the street for a few miles each week?

Or is it the four feet of snow?

[Rambler1982]

  Are you saying Winter low temps would only be 65 degrees ? That temp is my favorite riding temperature.  Dolph

Winter low temps in my building's heated garage would only be 65.

Winter low temps in the City of Chicago will probably be about -10.

[Rambler1982]

Is a lack of insurance the only thing keeping you from taking it out onto the street for a few miles each week?

Or is it the four feet of snow?

Actually the bike is currently insured, and will be for another year. I guess I could go out and ride a mile or two in 20 degree weather, right?

The 4 feet of snow might be a problem 

[Oldfisti]

Actually the bike is currently insured, and will be for another year. I guess I could go out and ride a mile or two in 20 degree weather, right?

The 4 feet of snow might be a problem 

Yes it is a bit inconvenient.   My advice:   

[He Man]

Actually the bike is currently insured, and will be for another year. I guess I could go out and ride a mile or two in 20 degree weather, right?

The 4 feet of snow might be a problem 

take it from me, your gonna need to ride a whole lot more than a mile in 20 degree weather to even get it pass LO.

Aside from that, if you arent equipped to ride in 20 degree weather, you will surely get frostbite trying to get off LO.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Riding your bike in potentially icy situations, not to mention most likely in sand and salt, will end up badly. Especially as you're new to riding. I would winterize it, drink beer at the local watering holes, and wait patiently. Doing anything else won't help the bike.

[ducatiz]

Riding your bike in potentially icy situations, not to mention most likely in sand and salt, will end up badly. Especially as you're new to riding. I would winterize it, drink beer at the local watering holes, and wait patiently. Doing anything else won't help the bike.

not if he gets a set of these: