storing a trike

[geraldlanc]

I have an 08 GL MotorTrike that I will, sadly, have to store for about 6 weeks. Should I put an additive in the gas tank, or will it be ok for that length of time?
Gerald

 

[Rosy]

I store my 02 GL1800 as is with battery tender in a cool dry basement in New England for the entire winter. I have stored all my bikes this way without any problems. Be sure you store it with a full tank of gas as to reduce moisture build up.
I am sure everybody has a slight way they store theirs.
Good luck!

Regards,

Rosy
From NH

 

[Gold Rush]

I have an 08 GL MotorTrike that I will, sadly, have to store for about 6 weeks. Should I put an additive in the gas tank, or will it be ok for that length of time?
Gerald

I'd hook up a battery tender and call it good Gerald. I expect the MT will be garaged or at least out to the elements. You could toss a cover on it to keep the dust off but then you would have a hard time giving it a hug.

While I recovered from hernia surgery I still made regular visits to "The Wing Room"

Too bad you aren't a bit closer. I'd come by a couple times a week and use up some of that OLD gas for you...

Hope you get back in the saddle quickly.

 

[onebadhoof]

I would put some Sta-Bil in the tank. With E10 gas now a days you don't want anything to get gum up and it sure won't hurt anything.

 

[rhino 2]

Fill the tank right to the top, This way there's less chance of condensation in the tank, Also a little Sta-Bil or Star tron wouldn't hurt.ThumbUp

 

[mhgoldwing]

Six weeks with Battery Tender and fuel stabilizer should be no sweat. Just remember to run the engine long enough to get the fuel stabilizer throughout the entire fuel system.

 

[geraldlanc]

A follow up question. Since the trike will be all alone for about 6 weeks, I am not comfortable leaving a battery charger hooked up to it. What brand/model charger do you guys use and is it ok to leave it connected and unattended for that length of time?
Gerald

 

[Lakeman]

Yes it will be fine, thats whats it's far. This is if it is a smart charger.

 

[Gold Rush]

A follow up question. Since the trike will be all alone for about 6 weeks, I am not comfortable leaving a battery charger hooked up to it. What brand/model charger do you guys use and is it ok to leave it connected and unattended for that length of time?
Gerald

The brand name "Battery Tender" is a popular one and is very good. I have one but have only used it once. I also have a battery tender from Harbor Freight that I keep on my Yamaha Stratoliner and one from Sears that I keep on my motor home. All three do exactly as advertised and have never given one minute or concern.

 

[rgw5944]

Gerald,
Park it and forget it. Unless your battery is at the end of it's life, it will hold a charge for longer than that without any problem. Same with the gas. It will not change to anything "bad" in 6 weeks. Gas in lawn mower cans lasts for longer than 6 weeks without going "bad" so why would it be any different in a bike tank.

 

[RSW]

I'd put a little Sta Bil in the tank and not worry about it. 6 weeks isn't that long to leave one set.

 

[Doc]

Seriously...any Fuel with E-10 or above needs to be treated before any storage. I worked at a NJ Yamaha Dealership when the E-10 was introduced to the State and we averaged 10-15 Fouled Fuel Systems during the 1st few months before a Service Bulletin was issued by Yamaha...Ethenol will cause Gas to degrade faster than normal, also, if you're running a Carburated system, it is recommended you remove all fuel from the Float Bowl when you're finished riding for the day (either by draining or by turning off the petcock and running the engine until it dies of fuel starvation)...I have seen what ethenol does to gas in a Float Bowl (it gets thick like snot) and the E-10 will cause the needle valve seals (rubber) to break down also...Just Fair Warning!!! Oh Yea....StarTron seems to work Best with the E-10 or above fuels.

Doc