richardthemotorcycle1
XS650 Guru
Hey guys, just probably a dumb question, but I'll ask anyway. what is the process in starting your bike for the first time this season, since its been sitting all winter?
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Start of a new season question:
- Thread starter richardthemotorcycle1
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- new season:
Fired my 73 for the first time since October, petcocks on, full choke, 3 kicks, vroom vroom.
Doesn't hurt to sniff the oil for gas contamination and level, check tire pressure, the usual walk around. Hit, the swingarm zirks. check lever and brake fluid level. Check clean lube if needed, air filters. Battery electrolyte full battery charged. Check steering bearings for play. check chain tension. look for tight spots.
Doesn't hurt to sniff the oil for gas contamination and level, check tire pressure, the usual walk around. Hit, the swingarm zirks. check lever and brake fluid level. Check clean lube if needed, air filters. Battery electrolyte full battery charged. Check steering bearings for play. check chain tension. look for tight spots.
richardthemotorcycle1
XS650 Guru
I left my petcock on all winter and there is oil in it (not in petcock) and gas (put sta-bil in gas) for the winter. You think its better kick start then cranking it?
If the battery is charged the E-leg should be fine. Is there a smell of gas in the oil, is the oil level correct, not mysteriously overfilled? A vacuum petcock doesn't really have an "off" position so that's fine if it isn't leaking......
If you really want to do it, right drain the bowls and some fuel from the tank into a catch pan. replace the drains and refill the bowls. The fuel exposed in the bowl looses the lighter distillates and doesn't like to ignite like gas from the tank. Doesn't hurt to drain the float bwols now and then anyways. It's the low spot of the fuel system where water collects.
richardthemotorcycle1
XS650 Guru
Thanks guys, (great info)
If you were doing things "up to snuff" wouldn't you have changed the oil going into winter instead of leaving the corrosive old oil in?
IF you were to line the tank you could leave it dry without fear of rusting. Negating the worry about old gas, oil contamination and stabilizers. Some of those miracles in a bottle are pretty expensive. And it doesn't take long to "pencil" out the cost savings with a liner vs. old gas and additives? Just a wandering mind's musings.
IF you were to line the tank you could leave it dry without fear of rusting. Negating the worry about old gas, oil contamination and stabilizers. Some of those miracles in a bottle are pretty expensive. And it doesn't take long to "pencil" out the cost savings with a liner vs. old gas and additives? Just a wandering mind's musings.
richardthemotorcycle1
XS650 Guru
Hi weekenridrider, I did changed oil before winter.
I believe its better to drain the old oil in the fall, change (clean) the oil filters and put in the new clean oil. The old used oil has acid and other crap in it, that is best not left in the engine over the winter.
Another reason to change the oil in the fall:
When you remove the sump plate to clean the sump filter, you have a visual check if any nasty debris has shown up such as plastic/aluminum/steel etc. All you ever want to see are a small amount of black steel particles that stick to the magnetic drain plugs and the filter magnets. That small amount is normal wear and tear on the engine/tranny parts.
If you wait to change the oil/filters until spring, and you discover debris in the sump, you may end up with time consuming engine maintenance, which is lost riding time, while your buddies are out riding.
Another reason to change the oil in the fall:
When you remove the sump plate to clean the sump filter, you have a visual check if any nasty debris has shown up such as plastic/aluminum/steel etc. All you ever want to see are a small amount of black steel particles that stick to the magnetic drain plugs and the filter magnets. That small amount is normal wear and tear on the engine/tranny parts.
If you wait to change the oil/filters until spring, and you discover debris in the sump, you may end up with time consuming engine maintenance, which is lost riding time, while your buddies are out riding.
teamkandy
XS650 Enthusiast
I have always got my bikes, lawn mowers etc ready for spring in the fall. Oil changed, sta-bil in the tank, drain carbs hook battery tender up and pray for spring to come soon. I just fired my xs up this week. turned on fuel and choke fired right up on the second hit of the e-kick. Ahhh what a great feeling.
