Winter storage

[ride4now_imp]

Another question… I recently learned that among the recommended storage procedures for my Corvette is to store it with only 1/4 tank of gas, not full as we’ve always done. The idea that condensation will form in this sealed system is negligible. And the problem, if stored full, is the gas could leave a film of some kind on the in tank fuel level sensor necessitating its removal (big job…) and fix when/if it goes bad. This comes from the engineers at Chevy. And yes, I use Stabil so would think that wouldn’t be an issue… but? So my question is… since the CB’s have what I assume is a sealed system as well, does anyone know if this ‘direction’ to leave it low on fuel would apply here too? The owners manual says there is a storage procedure that the dealers know of, but actual direction is not mentioned in the manual. TIA!

[mvk24_imp]

I've always stored it full/nearly full with no issue on my 2014.

2014 CB1100, 1981 KZ440 LTD, 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca, 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

Living in North Texas, I don't worry about winter storage. We'll get some ice, but it won't last long, and I can ride the Honda and the Yamaha up to working temp. enough to keep the battery up and sludge at bay

[calipo223_imp]

I live outside of Boston, use some stabilizer, a full tank of gas, and a trickle charger. I never had a problem, bikes starts rift up as well.

[mvk24_imp]

I live outside of Boston, use some stabilizer, a full tank of gas, and a trickle charger. I never had a problem, bikes starts rift up as well.

I'm outside of NYC so similar weather but you guys get more snow haha

2014 CB1100, 1981 KZ440 LTD, 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca, 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca

[Obleo]

I use the full tank method and 1 ounce of seafoam per gallon and on an optimate 4 battery maintainer, no problems at all.

[suhawk305]

I agree with the previous posts, full tank of gas, and a stabilizer. I use Marine Stabil, for my motorcycles, boat and lawn equipment. At added measure, I use E0 (non-ethanol) gasoline for winter storage. (( Don’t get me started about my bad experiences using ethanol (E10) gasoline in my CB77 and some older lawn equipment.))

[the Ferret]

I ride mine all year long. but starting in November, since I don't ride the CB that often anymore, I use 1 oz seafoam per gal of gas and battery tender jr on any time I'm not riding.

On the NC I just use the battery tender cause there won't be more than 14 days it doesn't get ridden even in the winter.

[Tev62]

Sometimes I think too much thought goes into this petrol and storage debate and people get overly conservative.

The RAC (Royal Automobile Club), akin to AAA states the following:

Generally speaking, petrol has a shelf-life of six months if stored in a sealed container at 20 degrees Centigrade – or just three months if kept at 30 degrees Centigrade. The more it's exposed to heat, the more quickly it will go off.

So we are probably in good order storing fuel in our tanks at any level in that cold garage. I have never bothered to fill or empty a tank during the winter on any of my bikes or two classic cars. If there is a sunny but cold day I would try to take a run to get some fuel through the whole system and give the gearbox, bearings, brakes and oil seals a little workout too but I never worried about the fuel.

My MG TD would often sit for 4 months without running, it has never let me down on start-up. The storage location is unheated so the fuel is sitting at a very cold ambient.

Luckily I am in a temperate climate, we don't suffer long months of snow

[the Ferret]

You're probably right Tev, but in the end, we are motorcyclists...and motorcyclists like to make everything more complicated..otherwise we'd soon run out of things to talk about on the forums.